_Ashley Tucker ’18 made a name for herself as a starting Junior on Andover Field Hockey’s unstoppable offense this season. She netted seven goals during the season and an additional two goals in a Tilton scrimmage. Her offensive contributions helped Andover close out an impressive 15-1-1 season. _
_Teammate Kelly McCarthy ’16 said, “[Tucker] works hard every day at practice, which definitely pays off. She runs hard and always has her head up to look for the next pass. Those are her greatest assets.” _
_Tucker’s fantastic offensive performance this season has earned her the title of _The Phillipian_’s Athlete of the Week. _
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When did you start playing field hockey?
I started playing in seventh grade for my middle school. The coach said I should play field hockey, because I already had the stick skills from ice hockey.
What’s your favorite field hockey memory?
Definitely Andover-Exeter. It was awesome having all the fans there. It started to get dark out as we played, so the game was under the lights and exciting. Everyone had a lot of energy, and we won. Another good one was when, after our Loomis game, on the bus ride back, we had a dance party with our managers Payton [Jancsy ’16] and Gordon [Coulter ’16].
Favorite pump up song?
“Shake It Off” [by Taylor Swift]. Everyone on the team dances [to it] in the locker room. It’s hilarious.
Best goal you ever scored?
Probably the one in the Cushing game, because it was a tip-in that broke the tie.
What goes through your head when you score a goal?
Yay!!
Favorite part of the team?
Being a part of the team, I got to know so many people that I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise. Even on my first day at Andover, I already knew girls from tryouts. At the start of school when I was going into [Samuel Phillips Hall], I couldn’t find my classroom, and [McCarthy] showed me where it was.
What has playing on the team meant to you?
It’s been really fun, because we have a really good team. It’s a great group of girls — everyone’s nice to each other and does their part. I’m really lucky to [have been] able to start off my Andover career on such a great team and [to have been] a part of a successful season.
