With eight assists during her first year on Andover Field Hockey, new Lower Carley Kreytak ’20 has been a vital asset in allowing Andover to maintain its undefeated season record so far. According to her teammates, Kreytak possesses great technical ability, a positive spirit, and a relentless love for the game that has greatly impacted the team’s dynamic.
Lily Rademacher ’21 said, “She is very outgoing and a very kind person. Two weeks ago, she comes into the locker room and puts a handwritten note down in each person’s cubby. It was really personal and very sweet, and it got everyone ready for the game and was just a really nice gesture.”
Due to her strong offensive playing and positive mindset, Kreytak has earned The Phillipian’s Athlete of the Week.
How did you pick up field hockey?
My mom signed me up for these week long camps ever since I was in second grade. I would go, but that was the only field hockey that I did until sixth grade, and then I did the middle school team, so it wasn’t super advanced. I played at the Lexington Public Middle School sixth through eighth grade, and then for the last two years I was on the Middlesex field hockey team, where I played for freshman and sophomore year.
What personal and team goals do you have for the season?
I think personally I want to get better with off-ball movement — knowing where to go when I don’t have the ball — which is kind of difficult sometimes, but I want to be able to work with my other forwards to get the ball. As a team, I think we all want to hold each other to the highest standard possible and get the best out of the whole season.
What is something you think the team can improve on for the rest of the season?
I think we do a good job communicating, but I think that we can always do more, especially with positive communication. It really will help us going forward, especially with our tough games coming up.
How do you feel you impact the team?
I hope that I set a positive tone for things. Definitely when we have conversations about our team dynamic, I like to make a positive comment and [say] what we could do better.
How would you describe the team dynamic?
There is so much love on the team. Everyone is really supportive, everyone is there for you, and everyone cheers so much; it’s awesome. It’s hard because we have to work really hard because we play really good teams, but we are able to win.
What has been the most valuable thing you’ve learned so far from being on this team?
Probably that all of teammates have my back, and that I shouldn’t be afraid to make a mistake because they’ll be there to back me up. My coaches will understand, and they’ll help me prevent from making mistakes.
What are you most excited about experiencing at Andover?
Going forward, just meeting new people. I am new, so I’ve met a bunch of people, and it’s really interesting to me to meet new people. Also, connecting with teachers and adults, like finding my “adult” on campus.
