At the start of the season, the girls’ field hockey team welcomed the most recent addition to the team: the new coach.

Coach Dipi Bhaya came with experience coaching  Division One schools and high expectations for the girls at H-H.  She said, “I am super excited about the players that we have, especially the senior class. Hatboro-Horsham has always had a fine reputation when it comes to their sports.”

Although players missed Coach Swezey, many were excited because of Bhaya’s winning reputation.

Senior Jada Mills said practices are more rigorous and disciplined than before, which is more like her previous school. During season, the team has endured the addition of two hour weekend practices on top of their regular weekday schedule.

Bhaya said she is glad that the team has welcomed her new coaching style. She said, “I am glad that the team has welcomed the new coaching staff, and that they have accepted us to help them achieve the next level”.

Although the team has a losing record (5-9) there have been some important wins. In years past, the team has always lost to Upper Moreland in overtime, but this year was different with the girls coming out on top with a score of 2-0.

As a captain of the team, senior Paige Mullen has seen the progress that the team has made. She said, “The girls have come such a long way this season. The main difference this year is probably that we have already won more games than in previous years.”

The two assistant coaches, Coach Erin and Coach Emily, have helped with the adjustment to the new coaching style. Both coaches experienced similar situations in their senior year of high school at Archbishop Wood. Coach Bhaya was their coach for their senior year as well, and they understand the unfamiliarity of a new coach. Coach Emily said, “It was an adjustment for us as well, and I can see the similarities between coaching here and my time playing for the Vikings.”