Olivia Deschenes

Olivia Deschenes may be just a freshman, but she surely has proved this season that she has the talent to be an impact field hockey player from Day 1.

Olivia scored three goals last week to help the Lakers snap an eight-game losing skid with a 4-0 victory over Gray-New Gloucester.

“Olivia was chosen as Player of the Week because of the huge impact she has made as a freshman on this young team. I knew this past summer that she was going to step right up to a key role on our team. Abby Scott-Mitchell and Molly Christensen immediately bonded with her on the field; it was like they had been playing together for years. They were excited to have a freshman be able to play at their level,” Laker Coach Pauline Webb said. “She makes a great center-mid because of her great stick work and defensive play, but I wanted to be able to use her up front because she can finish. I spoke with her early in the season about where she might fit in best and she seamed to be more comfortable as a mid since that's where she had been playing in middle school; however, I told her I wanted to try her up front to use her as scoring power. She was quick to respond that she was willing to play wherever I wanted to play her. That's the kind of response every coach wants to hear from their athletes.”

Olivia responded by scoring three goals in the team’s first five games. But, injuries forced Coach Webb to make a few adjustments, including moving Olivia back to midfield to help a very young defense.

“She is a strong player both at mid and as striker and she's the one I put on the opponents best player because of her tenacious defense,” Coach Webb said. “Olivia currently has seven goals for the season and I'm anticipating more from her as we finish our regular season and hopefully hold on to a playoff spot.”

In recognition of her strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Olivia 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 Deschenes File

Name: Olivia Deschenes

Year in School: Freshman

Town: Naples

Parents: Susanna and Rob Deschenes

Sports you play: Field hockey, basketball, lacrosse

School organizations: Varsity Club

1. Best piece of advice you have received? The best piece of advice I have ever received is not to focus on the mistakes I make, but to focus on recovering and learning from them — from Kayleigh Lepage.
2. Who is your biggest fan? My biggest fan and supporter would have to be my mom because she is always cheering me on and telling me what I am doing well and what I could do better.
3. I know I have had a good sports day when…I feel accomplished and know I played well, and my coaches and teammates can see that I have too.
4. What is your favorite sport? My favorite sport would probably be field hockey because I feel most successful when I play it. I have also grown up playing field hockey so I have more experience in it over any other sport.
5. If I could change one thing about myself as an athlete, I would change…I would become more involved with younger athletes and recreational programs. I believe that it is important for kids to get involved in sports programs at a young age because it can be very beneficial to them as they get older.
6. What qualities make for a good teammate and whom do you consider a good teammate? A good teammate to me is someone who can be there for you on and off the field. They always bring positive energy and know how to make you smile. They encourage you to be the best you can be and are honest with you about how you’re playing. To me, this teammate is Meghan VanLoan.
7. What do you believe you bring to your team? I believe that I bring a good attitude and strong work ethic to my team.
8. What characteristics do you feel make for a good coach? I feel that a good coach is dedicated to their players and never gives up on that. A good coach will tell their players to dig deeper when it looks like they’re slacking. A good coach will push you to step out of our comfort zone and try something new. But most importantly, a good coach will teach you how to be successful.