This year a new field hockey club was introduced to Briar Woods High School. The team started with only 12 players, but has now grown to be the biggest team in the area and consists of a total of 27 players.

“We wanted to start promoting field hockey more in Loudoun County,” said Keil Ritterpusch, coach of the Briar Woods field hockey team. “There are many young girls who play field hockey, but in Loudoun County, they don’t have the opportunity to represent their school through their sport.”

Loudoun County is one of the few counties to have not yet made field hockey a varsity sport. Woodgrove, Dominion and Briar Woods high school, are so far, the only schools who had enough people express an interest in a club.

Ritterpusch and others hope to start building programs for the other schools in the district so that field hockey can move from being a club sport to a varsity sport in the Dulles District.
Isabella Young, sophomore at Briar Woods, has been playing field hockey for two years, and was looking forward to the new opportunity.

“I love field hockey,” said Young. “I was so excited when I found out that field hockey was coming to Briar Woods. I’m absolutely in love with the club and would love to see it turned into a varsity sport.”

Ilana Doroteo, sophomore agrees.

“A friend told me that field hockey would be coming to Briar Woods, so in the spring of 2011, I decided to try out the sport,” said Doroteo. “I loved the sport and was so excited to be able to play on the Briar Woods team this year! The club is really well organized and the team gets along really well. Field hockey is becoming more and more popular and I hope it will become a varsity sport soon.”

Jordan Joyce, sophomore, is very glad she decided to join the field hockey club this year. Joyce plays lacrosse and basketball but wanted to try out something new.

“I was surprised by how easy it was to pick up,” said Joyce, “I like how the ball is always moving and that it’s not slow at all.”

The Briar Woods field hockey club plays in both the fall and spring seasons and is always welcoming new players. The club includes anyone in 8th- 12th grade. The team also includes two players from Broad Run.

“Field hockey is a lot easier than it looks,” said Ritterpusch. “It’s not easy to master, but it’s easy to learn and enjoy.”

According to the players, the exceptional coaching staff and unlimited support from their teammates really make this club special.

“Anyone interested in field hockey should join the team,” said Doroteo. “The coaching staff is amazing, and they help you pick up the sport really quickly. Also, everyone on the team is always helping each other out, so no one gets left behind.”

If you are interested in field hockey contact Keil Ritterpusch or talk to one of the girls in the club. The club is always looking for new players and can provide you with the equipment you need to try out the sport.