Ask any coach what makes a team a winner and they will tell you it is when the players buy into what you’re saying.
When it comes to the Mission Bay High field hockey team, head coach Kris Auer has a pair of players that have taken on leadership roles, helping the Bucs strive to be a competitive team on a regular basis.
For both Kylie Kroeger and Emery Reyna, field hockey is a big part of their lives, something that the team is certainly benefitting from.
Beach & Bay Press recently caught up with the duo for an email interview, looking at this season, the girls’ goals, and advice for potential upcoming players. BBP: What year is it for you at MBHS and how many years there playing field hockey? Kroeger: I am a senior that has played all four years, typically playing midfield and forward.
Reyna: This is my senior year, and it is my fourth year playing field hockey for Mission Bay. I started out as a defender, similar to my other sports, but coach quickly transitioned me as a defensive midfielder, and I’ve been playing that position ever since. BBP: What attracted you to field hockey at MBHS and what are your thoughts on how team is doing so far this season? Kroeger: Being an avid soccer and lacrosse player, I hoped that field hockey would translate well with my athletic abilities when I started at MBHS. I fell in love with the sport and have enjoyed the strategy. Last year our team went to playoffs; this year we have high hopes to repeat! This is a young team, but the girls have stepped up, practiced hard and continue to gel as a team. Reyna: I was attracted to field hockey at Mission Bay because of the intensity and speed of the game, as well as the type of field hockey players you see on the field. It’s an intense game with equally intense people that really take you in and teach you what the sport is really about. This season is going well so far; all of our players are so talented at what they do. We have struggled at points, but in the end, we never stop playing what coach calls “beautiful hockey.” BBP: How do you each see your roles on the team as leaders? Kroeger: Field hockey is unfortunately not a common sport for the West Coast. High school is typically the first time girls even pick up a stick and learn the rules. Experience allows me to help guide the rookies, whether it be through sportsmanship, helping to teach new moves, or just being someone to talk to about the added pressures of being a student athlete. Emery and I, as captains, try to be mentors on and off the field. Reyna: Kylie and I have been friends for all of high school and have truly found out each other’s strengths and weaknesses as leaders. Kylie is one of, if not the best, field hockey player on the team, and she really guides the team by being an example, and guiding us on how we can improve our game. I try to lead the team by bringing us closer together, connecting one-on-one with each player, and setting the example of perseverance by attending practice no matter what. We’ve had multiple practices where Kylie and I have wanted to opt out and go to the beach, but we both know that we are the ones our teammates look to when things get tough. It’s been an amazing experience we’ve shared together.   BBP: How has the coaching staff helped you become better players? Kroeger: Throughout the year, coach Auer communicates with the team, whether it be about practices or upcoming clinics/camps. My freshman year, I had never played field hockey, but his enthusiasm for the game was what ignited my love for field hockey!  Reyna: Coach Auer is an amazing coach, one like no other. Most coaches struggle to achieve a balance of respect and fondness. He demands respect and our effort, but he truly understands us and our priorities. He always allows family and school to come first, which might seem true of all coaches, but players know the actual truth. He has pushed me to find success in all aspects of my life by encouraging me rather than scaring me. The coaching staff has always been amazing.  BBP: For any younger girls consider coming out for the program next season, what advice would you have for them in making the team and contributing? Kroeger: First and foremost, go to the practice sessions at the middle school and keep your grades up! During the summer, make sure you are staying in shape – field hockey is a fast-paced sport that requires endurance and stamina. Field hockey is a bright spot at Mission Bay High School – we are a team and a family! Reyna: I would tell the younger girls that there is always a place for them on the team. The advice I would give them is to always put in the effort, always, even when it’s hard. Effort, if anything, will take you everywhere.  With Kroeger and Reyna leading the Bucs, success is likely to follow. Editor’s note: If you know of an athlete on a fall Mission Bay High School varsity team that might make a good feature Q&A, email Dave Thomas at: hoopsthomas@yahoo.com.