By Chloe Alvarado

SAN JOSE, CALIF.—The Silver Creek girls’ field hockey season started in August, out on the field. No experience or cuts required to join! 

Field Hockey started as a club and is now an official sport, as of the fall 2023 season. It is also the only Field Hockey team in the East Side Union High School District (ESUHSD). 

“Every step forward opens the door to growth, friendship, and opportunities!” Captain Jennifer Tran says. It’s a way to be challenged with something new, with the opportunity to make new friends. Some players on the team have joined knowing only one or two people, but eventually befriended the whole team. Both teammates and coaches will help you stay motivated!

Each year, the team gains new players, especially new freshmen, and the team varies in grades. But no matter what grade you are in, it is never too late to start, and the team is looking for new members each season in hopes of having enough players to start a JV team. Captain Elle Alferez states, “Never say never to a new opportunity.” 

As a team bonding exercise to get to know your teammates better, the team plays Secret Siblings. Twice throughout the season, a theme is chosen; and team members pull a name from a bowl and give their player a gift related to the theme and what they like. 

Joining the team would be an all-around learning experience; there is no pressure to do the absolute best out on the field because there will be coaches and teammates to help you out and to improve your skills. Coaches and the team encourage the community to support them throughout the fall season and make a donation for new gear and merch.

Left To Right: Zin Ngo (9), Nha-lin Ho (9), Aj Enrile (9), Denise Panganiban (9), Kalin Gupta (9), Elena Le (12), Chloe Alvarado  (12), Jennifer Tran (11), Elle Alferez (12) Group photo of some Field Hockey players after a home game against Presentation High School! (KAE EACHUS/RAIDER REVIEW)