The previous two years, Huron beat Pioneer for the State title. Brienne and Devin O’Donnell have been on the Huron field hockey team since freshman year. “Going into the game, I think most of us were just thinking: ‘it’s the last game, we just want to have fun,’,” Devin said.

Camaraderie and enthusiasm, on both teams, overshadowed the recent negativity caused by the Huron and Pioneer football brawl. The field hockey teams were made to line up side by side and greet each other as a display of “unity”. “We were making up for what the football team did and that [conflict] had no impact on us. We have to take the hit for our school’s reputation, which was unfortunate.” remarked Brienne. This absence of conflict and resentment is a characteristic of many Ann Arbor sports teams.

For Eliza Stein, pioneer field hockey captain and CHS senior, the State Championship game marked the end of her high school sports career. However, Stein looks to her future with the University of Michigan field hockey team, to which she is committed. “It’s going to be interesting because I’m going to really have to work on balancing school with playing such a high level [division one] sport,” she said. Like many seniors, Stein is preparing for a transition, not only from her school, but also from her team. The state championship game helped provide some closure on this part of her life.

State Championship games, for seniors like Brienne, Devin, and Stein, are bittersweet. Win or lose, however, all have enjoyed their involvement with their teams and all are excited about their futures. Championships are a time to try one’s best, honor one’s school, and reflect on the past.

Photos Courtesy of Lori Bennett and the O’Donnell Family