The Thomas Worthington field hockey team is gearing up for what could be a historic season, aiming for a three-peat state championship win. With nine starters returning, including the player who scored the championship-winning goal in overtime for the past two years, the Cardinals are looking like the team to beat. This feat would mark the second time in a decade that Thomas Worthington has achieved a three-peat, showcasing their dominance in the sport.
However, the road to a third consecutive title won’t be easy, as other central Ohio teams are ready to challenge the Cardinals. New Albany, in particular, gave Thomas Worthington a run for their money in last year’s final, marking their first appearance in the title game. With only two losses during the regular season, New Albany and Upper Arlington are among the few teams that have managed to defeat the Cardinals in recent years.
Central Ohio has established itself as a powerhouse in field hockey, with the top five teams in the final MaxPreps poll of last season hailing from the region. In fact, central Ohio teams have won nine consecutive, 12 of the past 13, and 21 of 25 state titles dating back to 1999. This dominance speaks to the high level of competition and talent in the area, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive season ahead.
As the new season kicks off, there are several standout players to keep an eye on in central Ohio field hockey. Sophia Borghese of Thomas Worthington, a junior attacker, has been a key player for the Cardinals, leading them to back-to-back state championships with her impressive goal-scoring abilities. Borghese’s performance on the field has earned her recognition as a first-team all-COFHL-West and all-state selection, solidifying her status as a top player to watch.
Ava Bunce of Watterson, a junior goalie, has also been instrumental in her team’s success, with a strong performance in goal that helped the Eagles reach a regional runner-up finish. Julie Conroy, a senior center midfielder from Thomas Worthington, has been a defensive anchor for the Cardinals, showcasing her skills with interceptions and crucial goals in key moments.
Other players like Sydney Dues of Dublin Coffman, Gigi Francati of Watterson, Kate Heym of Olentangy Liberty, Sophia Mariotti of New Albany, Lucy Pentzer of New Albany, Charlotte Potts of Upper Arlington, Maddie Reisz of Upper Arlington, Bebe Smith of Columbus Academy, and Emmy Wellejus of Thomas Worthington are all poised to make an impact this season with their respective teams.
With such a talented pool of players and competitive teams in central Ohio, the upcoming field hockey season promises to be an exciting one. Fans can expect intense matchups, thrilling moments, and fierce competition as these athletes showcase their skills on the field. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Thomas Worthington as they aim for a historic three-peat, but the road to victory will be anything but easy in a region known for its strong field hockey tradition.