Ally Hammel, a former Duxbury High field hockey star, recently returned from a month-long tour of France for the Olympics. Despite being exhausted and battling jet lag, Hammel wasted no time in getting back on the field. She was seen bright and early at Raymond P. Chandler Field, helping the current varsity team at her alma mater go through preseason training. This dedication and love for the sport are clear indicators that field hockey is truly a part of Hammel’s DNA.
The Duxbury High players were understandably thrilled to have an Olympian like Hammel guiding them through their training sessions. The experience was described as surreal by senior defender Colleen Clancy, who highlighted the rarity of having a national team player provide insights and tips to high school athletes. The impact of Hammel’s presence was evident as the Dragons adopted the team motto „Fly As One“ after her visit.
Hammel’s visit was met with excitement and gratitude from the Duxbury High coaching staff as well. Assistant coach Erin Martin expressed how fortunate they felt to have an Olympian like Hammel take time out of her busy schedule to give back to the program. The players, too, were inspired by Hammel’s journey from their town to the Olympic stage, with senior forward Caitlin Hussey noting the significance of seeing someone from their community achieve such great heights.
During her time at the Olympics, Hammel had the opportunity to meet other elite athletes, including gymnast Simone Biles. Despite the star-studded environment, Hammel remained focused and composed, soaking in the experience of being surrounded by top-tier competitors. While she didn’t win a medal herself, the overall experience of representing her country and witnessing the achievements of her teammates was priceless to Hammel.
Looking ahead, Hammel is already setting her sights on future competitions, such as the field hockey World Cup in 2026. She emphasized the importance of dreams and support systems in achieving one’s goals, highlighting the role of those who helped her along the way. Hammel’s visit to Duxbury High was not just about sharing field hockey knowledge but also about inspiring the next generation of athletes to dream big and work hard towards their aspirations, both in sports and beyond.