Blue Demons families embrace team spirit, Olympic pride & building a new program together
By Kim Chiomento, Staff Writer, The Times
Game on! Local field hockey players work on drills during the first night of the Kennett Area Parks and Recreation Board Field Hockey program in Kennett. More than 100 girls attended the new program.
KENNETT — The Kennett Area Parks & Recreation Board (KAPRB) kicked-off the inaugural season of its youth field hockey program Tuesday evening. More than 100 girls, in grades 1-6 and their families attended.
Blue Demons youth field hockey is comprised of three age brackets organized by grade levels: 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6. Each age bracket has over 30 girls registered, an impressive start.
The spirited evening included meeting coaches, a review of basic skills and concluded with an inspiring message from Olympic field hockey medalist and coach, Anita Miller Huntsman. Huntsman was a member of the 1984 US Olympic team – the first ever US team to medal in field hockey. She has also held many very successful coaching positions.
Huntsman encouraged the girls to always work hard, focus on positivity and believe in themselves. She graciously shared her Olympic memorabilia, including her bronze medal; and posed for photos while spending time with the young players.
Olympic Field Hockey Medalist Anita Miller-Huntsman shares a moment with a couple of young players.
The new program strives to build self confidence, instill good sportsmanship and foster a life-long love of field hockey all while having fun. It also helps support both the Kennett Middle and High School field hockey programs by getting girls involved at a younger age.
For more information on the many programs supported by KAPRB visit: www.kaprb.com
