Rohn Says the Title Will Live On

By Lizzy Steinborn

The Darien High School Blue Wave Field Hockey team was successful for another season this year. Although losing their first games in the state and FCIAC seasons ended their winning streak, the girls’ team defeated the number one team in the country. MVP, senior Galen Rohn, told NEIRAD her thoughts on her last season playing for Mo Minicus and her hopes for the juniors next year.

Galen said that this year really was a “great season,” even though Rohn was the only returning starter. From the loss of starters, “many people did not think that we were going to have such a successful season,” Galen said. With the well-known and accomplished coach, Mo Minicus, the field hockey team proved these doubts wrong in the regular season, staying undefeated.

Members of the team credit Rohn with motivating her teammates as well.  “She really was a great leader and teammate because she motivated the underclassmen,” senior Lily Cassidy said. Galen was known on the field hockey team as a team player constantly inspiring other players. Rohn was the only returning starter out of 13 seniors who graduated last year, some moving on to play field hockey in college.

“She really did just put a smile on everyone’s face” Cassidy added. Even in school, DHS students can always find Galen smiling and joyful. Her optimistic personality was helpful on the field helping keep the other girls positive through their first losses before their winning streak. The field hockey team had the opportunity to play the number one team in the nation. “For me, beating Lakeland was the highlight of the season,” Galen said. “Mo did not tell us that they were the number one team so that we wouldn’t get nervous.” The Lakeland field hockey team scored the first goal shortly into the game but Darien’s offense stepped it up and won the game. To some of the field hockey players this was a better accomplishment than winning states. “It was by far the most memorable game for me throughout all of my four years on the Darien High School Field Hockey [team]” Galen commented.

“It was disappointing that we were not able to defend the titles during our post season, but I am still very proud of our team for all that we accomplished” Rohn said. The end to the season was unexpected but the field hockey is ready for next year to win the FCIAC and state titles again.

Galen has committed to play field hockey for Brown University and is excited to start another hockey career as a college athlete. “I will really miss Blue Wave Field Hockey,” Galen confesses. Anyone watching a field hockey game can see the team dynamic and sisterhood that are created by Rohn.

To see Rohn in action DHS students can go to the girl’s Ice Hockey jamboree this coming Saturday at Shelton High School.