For Lakeland graduate Emily Yazzetti, it is a special time as she is playing field hockey for the Puerto Rico national team that is competing in the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, that started July 24 and runs through Aug. 8.
“Playing for this team means more to me than just making a name for myself,” Yazzetti said. “It's about representing a part of my culture, my country, and most importantly my family, who this wouldn't be possible without. Finding the true meaning for being a part of this team was hard, since I didn't have a great connection to the roots of where I come, but to build it myself is truly special.”
Yazzetti said the team wants to win badly to make a name for Puerto Rico field hockey.
“But even beyond the concept of winning, just to connect, grow, and play together as a team at such a high level of competition is an honor,” Yazzetti said.
Individually, Yazzetti wants to prove to everyone that hard work and dedication pays off and great opportunities come when you least expect it.
“My goal for going into the CAC Games is to take on the challenges and grow from all the new experiences knowing that I left it all out on the field.”
At the games, Yazzetti will play forward and could also see time in midfield.
Yazzetti played at Lakeland under coach Sharon Sarsen, who helped prepare her for this opportunity to play in the games.
Sarsen “has shaped me into the player I am today by always pushing me to challenge myself and critiquing my play because she knows I am capable of going beyond my abilities,” Yazzetti said, adding that “she never held me back which grew my experience, allowing me to play at a national level.”
Collegiately, Yazzetti is a rising junior at Dean College, located in Franklin, Massachusetts, where she plays both field hockey and softball. There, she is a captain of the field hockey team, playing forward and attacking midfield and utility and outfield on the softball team.
“It's definitely a challenge to balance playing two sports at the collegiate level but it is so worth the effort put into it to be able to play the two sports that I love and grew up with,” Yazzetti said. “I love having a busy fall and spring now that I play both sports because I like to keep busy and hard work is good busy.”
Highlighting her time to this point at Dean College in field hockey was being named MVP of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference championship and leading her team to the title last fall.
“It meant the world to me to win our conference championship,” Yazzetti said. “When I committed to Dean, my goal was to make history, or HERStory as my coach [Megan Gutierrez] likes to say, and build a newer program from its roots and that's exactly what I did with my team. That whole experience showed me truly what I am capable of and what I could bring to an even higher of play beyond the collegiate level.”
Sarsen is thrilled that Yazzetti has the opportunity to play for the Puerto Rico national team.
“I am so happy for Emily,” Sarsen said. “She has always had the potential to be an elite player. I feel her time at Dean College really gave her an opportunity to shine. Earning MVP of her conference championship and leading the team to the Great Northeast Athletic Conference Championship showed how incredible she can be. This experience in the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games will showcase her talents and allow her to grow even more. We are incredibly proud of Emily.”
Sarsen explained how Yazzetti was able to make the team.
“Her speed, skill set and competitiveness were obviously showcased in the tryout,” Sarsen said. “Emily has great game awareness and knows the game - allowing her to play at this high level.”
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