Lakeland's Gabby Santini named NYS field hockey player of the year

SHRUB OAK, N.Y.—Gabby Santini’s play electrified the Hornet faithful and she was recently recognized for it, by being named the Max Field Hockey 2024 New York State Player of the Year.

“It feels amazing to have won such a big award and I am extremely honored,” said Santini, a senior captain who was a center midfielder for Lakeland. “I would not have been able to do it without my parents, coach (Sharon Sarsen), and my team.”

Santini, a five-year varsity player, registered 33 goals and 23 assists for a Hornets squad that made it to the state Class B finals last fall.

“I have been very lucky to have played on such a wonderful team and have an amazing coach who has taught me so much and always pushed me to do my best,” Santini said. “Working hard, practicing, staying disciplined, and taking advantage of playing opportunities, has definitely helped me earn this award.”

Santini had previously earned two third-team All-American awards from the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) and Max Field Hockey.

“I am extremely proud of Gabby and all of her accomplishments, not only this year, but throughout her entire career,” Sarsen said. “She has worked tirelessly, attending clinics, camps, showcases, and instructional programs—and it has paid off.

“Gabby has shown outstanding field hockey play not only in her league and her section but also in the region, state, and nation,” Sarsen continued. “She shows her speed, stickhandling, shooting, passing, and defending at such a very high level. She is a five-skill player. Her work rate is unmatched.”

Santini will take her talents to the University of Vermont in the fall.

“When I visited the campus I felt right at home and the team and coaching staff was so welcoming,” Santini said. “I am really looking forward to playing with new people and starting this next chapter of my life at the University of Vermont.”

While Santini has earned numerous individual honors, she said nothing compares to playing on a squad that made it to the state finals.

“Each year we aspire to go to states and having this happen during my senior year was incredible,” Santini said. “Making memories I will always remember and finishing my last season with such a talented team made it that much more special. I was also so fortunate to share this experience on the field with my little sister Gigi.”

Another of Santini’s teammates on that state finalist squad was All-State senior captain Keira Gallagher.

“It meant a lot to me when Gabby earned this honor,” said Gallagher, a midfielder. “It is a reflection of her hard work, dedication, and talent. She makes me proud to be a part of the same team.”

Gallagher said Santini deserved her honor for many reasons.

“She is the type of player who was able to receive this recognition because of her skill and knowledge of the game,” Gallagher said. “Gabby not only has impressive skills but knows when to use which skill in order to be successful. Gabby has also always put a lot of hard work and time into field hockey and it has shown in her playing. She is someone that younger players look up to and hope to be like.”

Santini’s success in her final Lakeland campaign was all the more impressive because she was always the center of attention among opposing teams.

“During the 2024 season, Gabby had her best year despite constantly having a bullseye on her back,” Sarsen said. “She was brilliant on a young rebuilding team and showed not only leadership, but an incredible ability to step up in big games and make plays needed. Gabby is one of six players in a 43-year span of Lakeland field hockey to surpass the 200-point mark. She is among highly esteemed company.”

The future is burning bright for Santini, said Sarsen.

“Gabby is highly regarded as a great player at regional and national events,” Sarsen said. “Leading her team to the New York State finals has proved her worth and we are incredibly proud of her. We look forward to watching her continue to succeed and achieve at the University of Vermont for the next four years.”