Player of the Week: Casey Heath

Casey Heath

By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

Playing halfback in field hockey requires one to have strong awareness of the whole field and effective timing when attacking.

And, she is rarely intimidated. Case in point, Heath had to battle Fryeburg Academy’s Skye Dole for two games this year, easily giving up several inches in height — Dole is the starting center for the Raider girls’ basketball team. Despite the size differential, Heath ran stride for stride and played tight coverage on one of the Raiders’ top scoring threats.

“Casey has made tremendous improvements this season in both of these skills as well as learning to transition from defense to offense rapidly. Her persistence with opponents and defiant stick make her a tough player to get around,” Lake Region field hockey Coach Lisa Shane said. “Casey does an excellent job communicating with her teammates and always gives 100% at practice and in games. I’m very proud of her efforts this season. She’s been a key player in helping our whole team develop into a highly competitive team.”

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Casey is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed t-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

The Heath File

Name: Casey Heath

Year in School: Junior

Town: Bridgton

Parents: Lisa and Mark Heath

School Activities/Sports: Varsity field hockey and softball, Student Council, Varsity Club.

Q. Why did you choose field hockey? CH. In eighth grade, I wanted to play a fall sport. A lot of my friends played, and it looked like fun.

Q. What do you hope to accomplish this season? CH. To win the Western Maine Class B Championship and go to the States.

Q. What do you enjoy the most? CH. I enjoy being a part of the team, and the feeling you get seconds before the game starts. I also like the fans loudly cheering for us every game.

Q. What do you like the least? CH. Losing, when we play really well together all game against a tough team and in the end we lose by one.

Q. What makes you successful? CH. Working hard to be the best I can be, and having my family, coach and team support me.

Q. What would your dream moment be? CH. Winning the state championship.

Q. What has field hockey taught you? CH. Field hockey has taught me that whether you win or lose to give it your all, and leave it on the field. It has taught me to have good sportsmanship even if you’re being pushed around on the field, and to just be a good team member.

Q. Who has inspired you? CH. My team. They inspire me to push myself and to do my best because we all want to go far this season.