Offseason Focus
This offseason, the focus is on continued growth—both as individuals and as a team. Players are encouraged to develop their skills and deepen team chemistry. Under the leadership of team captains, the girls are participating in organized strength, conditioning, and field hockey-specific workouts to stay in shape and sharp for the fall.
Team Culture & Leadership
The program prides itself on a strong, player-led culture. Captains are entrusted with organizing offseason sessions and motivating teammates, promoting accountability and leadership. The shared commitment to improvement and teamwork helps build a close-knit, competitive squad.
Notable Departures
Chatham graduates a stellar group of seniors who were major contributors to the team’s success:
Kaitlyn Lee – Headed to Stevens Institute of Technology. A key defensive player and 3-year varsity starter, she recorded 4 career goal-line saves and earned multiple honors, including 1st Team All-Conference and NJFHCA All-Star 2nd Team.
Fiona McSweeney – Now at Middlebury College. A captain and defensive midfielder, Fiona tallied 4 career goals and 9 assists, while earning 1st Team All-Conference and NJFHCA All-Star 1st Team honors.
Allie McCaffrey – Moving on to Gettysburg College. As captain and top scorer, Allie registered 30 goals and 14 assists this past season (career: 50 goals, 20 assists), collecting 1st Team All-Conference and NJFHCA All-Star 1st Team recognition.
Players to Watch
Despite the graduation of key seniors, the returning core is strong and ready to shine.
Juniors
Keira McManus (Midfielder) – Lehigh commit; 4 goals, 14 assists in 2024; named 1st Team All-Conference and County.
Emma Shushansky (Forward) – Colgate commit; posted 6 goals and 1 assist in her varsity debut.
Lucy Pyper (Defender) – Steady on defense with 2 goal-line saves.
Sophomores
Molly Chazen (Forward) – Breakout star with 19 goals and 17 assists in 2024.
Simone Claps (Defender) – 2nd Team All-Conference honoree.
Emily Deutsch (Forward/Midfielder) – 8 goals and 4 assists in her first varsity season.
Ava Ewing (Midfielder) – 6 goals and 12 assists this season; 2-year varsity player.
Erin Flynn (Forward/Midfielder) – Solid all-around contributor with 8 goals and 5 assists.
Georgia Lee (Goalkeeper) – U16 JWNT Tour Squad selectee, Top 50 Player to Watch (Class of 2027); .96 GAA and 77% SV%.
Avery Loock (Defender/Midfielder) – A dependable presence across the back and midfield.
Annika Metviner (Goalkeeper) – Provides strong backup in goal.
Freshmen
Marissa Symon (Midfielder/Forward) – Scored 2 goals and added 1 assist in her first varsity season.
Strength & Conditioning
The girls are working closely with a strength and conditioning coach during the offseason. Each athlete follows a structured workout plan—five days of training followed by two rest days—focused on improving endurance, core strength, and overall athleticism essential for in-game performance.
Coaching Philosophy
Coach Kaitlin Leyden’s philosophy centers on player development, team unity, and competitive excellence. “We focus on building a positive, hardworking environment where athletes are encouraged to push themselves and each other,” she says. “We strive for progress every day—on and off the field.”
Community Involvement
Chatham Field Hockey takes pride in giving back to the community. The team is often involved in local events, youth clinics, and volunteer opportunities. These moments help strengthen the bond between players and the town, reinforcing the values of leadership and service.
Program Goals
The Cougars are aiming to maintain their tradition of excellence while developing the next generation of leaders. Key goals for the upcoming season include:
Replacing the production and leadership of the senior class
Building stronger team chemistry
Competing at the highest level in conference and county play
Continued individual development and college recruitment support
Biggest Challenges Ahead
Chatham enters 2025 needing to fill the void left by a talented senior class. While the younger players gained experience last season, stepping into leadership and impact roles will be key. “It’s a new chapter,” Coach Leyden says. “But with the talent we have and the work ethic this team brings, I’m excited to see what they accomplish.”
, collecting 1st Team All-Conference and NJFHCA All-Star 1st Team recognition.
Players to Watch
Despite the graduation of key seniors, the returning core is strong and ready to shine.
Juniors
Keira McManus (Midfielder) – Lehigh commit; 4 goals, 14 assists in 2024; named 1st Team All-Conference and County.
Emma Shushansky (Forward) – Colgate commit; posted 6 goals and 1 assist in her varsity debut.
Lucy Pyper (Defender) – Steady on defense with 2 goal-line saves.
Sophomores
Molly Chazen (Forward) – Breakout star with 19 goals and 17 assists in 2024.
Simone Claps (Defender) – 2nd Team All-Conference honoree.
Emily Deutsch (Forward/Midfielder) – 8 goals and 4 assists in her first varsity season.
Ava Ewing (Midfielder) – 6 goals and 12 assists this season; 2-year varsity player.
Erin Flynn (Forward/Midfielder) – Solid all-around contributor with 8 goals and 5 assists.
Georgia Lee (Goalkeeper) – U16 JWNT Tour Squad selectee, Top 50 Player to Watch (Class of 2027); .96 GAA and 77% SV%.
Avery Loock (Defender/Midfielder) – A dependable presence across the back and midfield.
Annika Metviner (Goalkeeper) – Provides strong backup in goal.
Freshmen
Marissa Symon (Midfielder/Forward) – Scored 2 goals and added 1 assist in her first varsity season.
Strength & Conditioning
The girls are working closely with a strength and conditioning coach during the offseason. Each athlete follows a structured workout plan—five days of training followed by two rest days—focused on improving endurance, core strength, and overall athleticism essential for in-game performance.
Coaching Philosophy
Coach Kaitlin Leyden’s philosophy centers on player development, team unity, and competitive excellence. “We focus on building a positive, hardworking environment where athletes are encouraged to push themselves and each other,” she says. “We strive for progress every day—on and off the field.”
Community Involvement
Chatham Field Hockey takes pride in giving back to the community. The team is often involved in local events, youth clinics, and volunteer opportunities. These moments help strengthen the bond between players and the town, reinforcing the values of leadership and service.
Program Goals
The Cougars are aiming to maintain their tradition of excellence while developing the next generation of leaders. Key goals for the upcoming season include:
Replacing the production and leadership of the senior class
Building stronger team chemistry
Competing at the highest level in conference and county play
Continued individual development and college recruitment support
Biggest Challenges Ahead
Chatham enters 2025 needing to fill the void left by a talented senior class. While the younger players gained experience last season, stepping into leadership and impact roles will be key. “It’s a new chapter,” Coach Leyden says. “But with the talent we have and the work ethic this team brings, I’m excited to see what they accomplish.”
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