When it comes to discussions about local girls high-school field hockey, the Yorktown Patriots are a team that quickly comes to mind. Their impressive track record speaks for itself, having played in four of the last five Virginia High School League Class 6 state tournaments. The Patriots clinched the state titles in 2021 and 2023, and finished as the runners-up in 2022. With a strong core of returning players from last season’s 20-2 team, Yorktown is poised to be a major contender in district, region, and state tournaments once again this fall.
Head coach Olivia Shipley is optimistic about the team’s potential for another successful season. She notes that the Patriots are a well-balanced team on both offense and defense, setting them up for success on the field. Among the key returners are senior captains Elena Reiser and Paige Baskin. Reiser, who scored 10 goals and had seven assists last season, brings valuable experience to the team. Baskin, on the other hand, scored the game-winning goal in last season’s overtime state championship match, showcasing her clutch performance under pressure.
Another standout player to watch is speedy senior midfielder Olivia Stafford, who scored 11 goals with seven assists last fall. Stafford’s versatility and athleticism make her a key asset to the team. In addition to field hockey, she also excels in lacrosse, basketball, and track and field. Stafford has already been part of four state-championship teams at Yorktown, two each for field hockey and lacrosse. She has even committed to play soccer at Vanderbilt University, highlighting her exceptional talent across multiple sports.
The Patriots also have a strong supporting cast of returners, including junior midfielder Madeleine Nimerala, sophomore forward Anna Menard, senior forwards Kiran Friemel and Quincy Greene, and junior goalie Sarah Kinzer, among others. A notable addition to the team is talented freshman Leah Williams, the sister of former standout player Alexis Williams, who now plays at the University of Pennsylvania.
Yorktown’s early season schedule includes challenging matchups against past state champions Fairfax and Madison. The team will also compete in the Broadneck High School Invitational in Maryland, facing tough opponents like Broadneck and Patuxent. Shipley acknowledges the difficulty of their schedule but embraces the challenge as an opportunity for growth and development.
With an impressive overall record of 59-7 over the past three seasons, the Patriots have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in high-school field hockey. Their journey from a 9-14 record in their first state tournament appearance in 2019 to becoming state champions is a testament to their hard work and dedication. As they gear up for another exciting season, Yorktown’s field hockey team is ready to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.