CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - Last season, John Jay finally broke through with a regular-season victory over Lakeland, its longtime rival. But the Wolves fell to Greeley in the sectional semifinals—a loss that Coach Debbi Walsh has already put in the rearview.
“I don’t look back. I only look forward,” she said, and her players share that mindset.
“I just have a team that loves to play field hockey,” said Walsh. “They’re athletes who love to compete so they showed up here to play summer league. They did open turf and did a day camp last week.”
Still, the graduation of seven seniors forces some adjustments. With 13 juniors on the roster, Walsh is taking a long view. “I’m looking at a two year plan. So I’m going to move people into different positions, because there’s a lot of athleticism, a lot of skills and we’ll take it from there.”
That depth is especially true at forward, where she has six or seven players. “I’m going to pull some of them back,” Walsh said, confident in their versatility. “They all have high enough field IQs to play middie.”
One key return is Callan Keeley, back at forward after missing all of last year. “Playing since eighth grade,” said Walsh, “she’s got three years of experience and will definitely be in the lead up there.”
Keeley will be joined up front by Logan Bueti and Sophia Shaw, while the midfield also has proven strength. “We have Finja Degl returning,” said Walsh. “She is a strength and so is Helena Schembri.”
Defensively, experience remains intact. Caitlin Brennan, Laney Daley, and Kait Condon, Walsh noted, “They’ve all seen it back there and are comfortable.”
In goal, McKenzie Ryder steps in for Molly Gallagher. “This gives McKenzie all the ownership of the cage,” said Walsh. Her improved communication makes Walsh confident in the transition. “I’m really comfortable having her in there.”
For Walsh, the next step isn’t just about physical play—it’s mental. “We want to be a lot more focused on mental toughness, and what it takes to get further than you ever thought you could,” she concluded.
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