Field hockey is full of traditions. Bags full of food on game days, power breakfasts, quotes and game words, but mostly winning.

Without breaking these old traditions, the new varsity head coach, Katie Owens, hopes to add some new ones.

“The girls will be writing their own team philosophy,” Owens said.

New traditions will also include daily quotes to help focus the girls before practice, a play book and a team bonding trip to Kings Dominion. Owens will continue many of the field hockey traditions including big stick- little stick and game words.

When it comes to winning, Owens considers it a hard balance.

“When I played [in high school] it was considered a bad season if you didn’t win the state championship,” said Owens, who attended Severna Park High School in Maryland. “Women’s sports were up and coming and you were expected to win, but is it really all about winning?”

In the Fall of 2005, the team was 3-10, but made it to the Elite Eight (second round) of the Regional Tournament after upsetting number one seed Oakton.

“I want to raise the level of competition, but the bottom line is having fun,” Owens said.

To achieve this goal, Owens wants the team to focus more on the off-season.

“Field hockey is becoming more year round and the ones who play [year round] are more competitive,” Owens said. “[Our] girls are competitive by nature, but the skill level is just not there.”

Only six members of the team signed up for the official team camp. While many players are attending individual camps, according to Owens, the effect is not the same. In order to help the team play together before the season starts, Owens is organizing a clinic in July with a member of the U.S. Field Hockey team.

McLean alumna and current student at George Mason University, Megan Roman, will take over the Junior Varsity squad.

Owens follows in the footsteps of Demby Banbury.

“The way Demby ran the program, it’s going to be difficult to get [started],” Owens said. “She has a high energy personality and is so dedicated and involved in the school. It was her team for so long.”

Owens will hold an interest meeting Tuesday, and tryouts will begin Aug 15 at 8 a.m.