Field Hockey Co-Captain Ellie Parker ’25 has returned to the field with a passion and drive to play field hockey after an ACL injury prevented her from playing last year. As a goalie, Parker has a unique view of the field, allowing her to give constructive feedback to teammates. In addition to on-the-field leadership, Parker fosters a strong team community by leading team bonding events.
Parker noted how crucial it is for all voices on the team to be heard. She strives to connect with all members on and off the field, regardless of grade.
“We have a big team, and it’s super important that everyone’s voices are heard. I know sometimes people don’t necessarily lead with their voices and their actions are how they help out teammates off the field. This season we have gotten super close with everyone off the field. We have a pretty decent-sized Senior class so encouraging them to also reach out to the underclassmen on the team and knowing that we’re all here to support each other has been a super important step in our whole process of creating a super positive and respectful environment on our team. I also try to get to know everyone as much as possible, reaching out to Freshmen, Lowers, and Uppers that I might not see every day during school. I make sure I get the time to really connect with those kids, even if it’s not at practice,” said Parker.
Parker also attempts to foster strong team bonds that extend outside of field hockey itself. She shared how spontaneously organizing a fun afternoon of dodgeball and swimming when a game was canceled proved to be extremely beneficial for the team.
Parker said, “One Tuesday, our game against Brooks got canceled so we all played dodgeball in Borden [Memorial Gym], and then after that, we all went swimming in [the] Pan [Center]. Although some people could argue we should have practiced, honestly that was probably the best thing that could have happened to us. We had a full hour and a half with each other doing something un-field-hockey related. I’d say that was a super fun moment to compete against each other and go have fun in the pool.”
According to Sarah Lackley ’26, who plays defense, Parker’s communication skills as a goalie are extremely valuable in helping protect the goal. Lackley also appreciates Parker’s ability to perform both in-game and at practice, elevating the team through example.
Lackley said, “Ellie is really good at communicating on the field, especially with helping sort out who we are marking and where she wants us to angle opponents in the defensive zone. She also plays great under pressure and she has had some amazing saves this season, even stopping some one v ones. Ellie brings the same intensity in practice that she does in games, which helps us all improve.”
Quiana Bell ’26 admires Parker’s evident enthusiasm for the game and resilience in overcoming an ACL injury. Bell noted how in practice, Parker always spreads encouraging advice from her position in goal.
Bell said, “This year is really big for Ellie, because this is her first year being back from her ACL, and it’s so different for her because she was out last season, she wasn’t able to play. You can tell how much love and passion she has for the sport now because of how back-seated she was last season. During every single drill, you always hear her voice, you always hear her talking to you, telling you where to go and it’s not in any sort of mean, aggressive way; she’s genuinely trying to help you and telling you in a way that doesn’t feel mean. She’s in control of the field, you can feel that leadership from her from the goal and she really helps dictate our team’s defense.”
According to Parker, the season’s goal is clear: to win the New England Preparatory School Atheltic Council (NEPSAC) championship. Following Saturday’s match against Phillips Exeter Academy (Exeter), Parker aims to lead the undefeated team all the way to the title.
“We’re undefeated right now, and going into Exeter, we’re super excited for that game. We definitely don’t want to overlook Exeter, but then, with playoffs coming up, we are set to play on that Sunday. I think everyone’s super excited for that moment and we’ve been ready for this all season. It’s a super good opportunity for us to show what we’re capable of,” said Parker.
Moving forward, Parker will play field hockey at Brown University, and she looks forward to that experience. However, she will always have a special place for Andover Field Hockey in her heart and be there to support the team.
Parker said, “I’m committed to Brown for field hockey. I’m also super excited about that but I definitely don’t want to slip away from what we have at Andover. It’s going to be really hard to let go of PAFH, given that my sister’s on the team as well. It just makes it so much more special.”
