As soon as the clock hits 4 p.m. and field hockey practice begins on the turf, you can hear senior Macy Goodwin’s voice from the bleachers. Stick in hand, she is calling for everyone to get on the line to warm up and start drills, right on time, as always.
Goodwin’s strong leadership and unwavering energy set the tone for the rest of the team. She consistently puts her full effort into field hockey. Through a commitment to her athleticism and strategy, Goodwin selflessly works to benefit not just her own performance but also that of the team.
As the team shifts its focus to ball handling, Goodwin leads by example, first in line to grab a ball and get to work practicing her skills. Her focus is undeniable. As practice continues, she yells words of encouragement and advice across the field to her teammates.
Junior Lexi Blanchfield, who plays field hockey for North alongside Goodwin, admires her presence and dedication. “Even without saying it, she encourages other people to do the same,” she said.
Before field hockey, Goodwin’s six years of gymnastics set the foundation for her journey as an athlete. Goodwin credits her discipline and fundamentals to being a gymnast.
Her love for field hockey was sparked in fifth grade when she stumbled upon her dad’s coworker’s extra stick. She began passing the ball with her older brother in a rugged conference room, a pastime that quickly turned into a passion. Soon enough, she started taking lessons at the YMCA to develop her skills.
She then went on to play for the Boston Field Hockey Club. When the club eventually shut down, she continued playing competitively for the Wizards Field Hockey Club.
Goodwin set her sights high early on. According to her father, Denis Goodwin, she was nervous before high school tryouts, determined to make the varsity team despite being a freshman.
Pushing through her nerves, Goodwin persevered and secured not only a place on the team but a spot in the starting lineup.
Throughout high school, Goodwin has been a key player for North’s field hockey team. She received an honorable mention for Bay State All-Star in her freshman year and earned the award outright in her sophomore, junior, and senior seasons.
Goodwin’s hard work paid off in April of her junior year when she received a verbal offer from Union College, her top-choice school. According to Denis Goodwin, the news came as a big relief and a huge reward for Goodwin.
“I knew in middle school I wanted to play in college,” said Goodwin. “I saw the other girls and knew that that was where I had to be.” Goodwin is now committed to continue her field hockey career at Union College next fall.
“Being recruited by her number one school and getting the offer so early has just given her a sense of ease that sometimes what you put in is what you get out,” said Lena Goodwin, her mother.
According to PEHW teacher Lauren Baugher, field hockey head coach at North, Goodwin inspires her to be a better coach due to her hard work and dedication to the team. Goodwin additionally dedicates her free time to the team, watching film and looking for ways to improve herself, but also her team.
“She challenges me to get better, and to stay current with things that are happening within the game of field hockey,” said Baugher.
After the following drill, Goodwin winced and placed a hand on her back.
“She is playing injured this season, and I think the experiences taught her not everything goes your way,” said Lena Goodwin. “She hasn’t made the top travel team several times and I think that gutted her, but also made her work harder,” she added.
According to Goodwin, she has been going to physical therapy before school, looking for ways to become healthy and continue playing. Goodwin continues to display her commitment and dedication to the team by playing while injured and putting her well-being in jeopardy for the team.
In addition, the adversity Goodwin has faced of not always making the top teams continues to motivate her drive. According to Baugher, she works to be her best and improve every day.
“She never really gives up, and she’s always trying her hardest to improve and get better,” said junior Roxy Feldman, another teammate of Goodwin.
According to Blanchfield, Goodwin sets the example of hard work and dedication every day. Goodwin’s selflessness and passion make the team better as a whole, pushing each player individually to work harder and get better every day.
“The amount of time and effort she puts into playing is really remarkable, and she just makes everyone around her better, which is what great players do,” said Baugher.
As the practice comes to an end, members of the team are reminded that Goodwin’s field hockey career at North will also conclude soon. While her time playing for North is finite, her constant hard work and dedication leave a legacy for young players to continue after her days on the turf are over.
