After back-to-back Region 5A championships and two straight appearances in the state championship game, First Colonial Field Hockey is a team defined by its consistency, resilience, and hunger for more. Under third-year Head Coach Meghan Smart, the Patriots aren’t just preparing for another strong season—they’re laying the groundwork to finally capture the state title that has narrowly eluded them.
Offseason Focus: Strength, Fundamentals & the Little Things
Coach Smart is approaching this offseason with intention and intensity. The team’s core focus? Building strength and mastering the basics. Players are enrolled in two six-week, sport-specific strength programs at Vault Athletics & Fitness, emphasizing functional movement and sprint technique.
But it’s not just about the gym. Coach Smart encourages creativity, like working stick skills during commercial breaks at home or in downtime throughout the day. With many multi-sport athletes in the lineup, overall fitness remains high, and hockey-specific attention is being prioritized during every available window.
“The little things matter—whether it’s lifting with purpose or working on stick work while dinner heats up,” says Smart. “This offseason is all about maximizing every moment.”
Summer Highlights: College Camp & Youth Leadership
The team is set to attend a college overnight camp the week before tryouts—a chance to train with elite coaches and bond as a team before the season starts. Additionally, First Colonial will host a youth day camp, with current varsity players taking the lead as instructors. It’s a chance to grow the sport locally, build relationships with future Patriots, and give players leadership opportunities off the field.
Roster Changes: Big Departures, Big Names Returning
Graduation hit the squad with the loss of two Division I talents: Claire Hitchings (Old Dominion) and Rylee Brooks-Booth (Indiana). However, the Patriots return with a deep and talented group, headlined by:
Addie Savoie – Goalkeeper, USA Field Hockey U-16 National Team member, rising sophomore
Izzle Kitzmiller – VCU commit and defensive anchor, rising senior
Sophie Stroud – Dynamic midfielder, rising freshman already turning heads
Elyse Hinkel – Explosive forward and rising senior returning strong after an ACL injury in 2024
This mix of rising stars and proven leaders gives Coach Smart confidence in her team’s ability to reload and compete at the highest level.
Offseason Training: Strength, Repetition, and Results
The Patriots are committed to physical development, working three days a week on consistent movement patterns. The plan is clear: progressively add weight and reps while dialing in on technique and power. Each session targets not just strength, but also explosiveness—key for a fast-paced, transition-heavy sport like field hockey.
Coaching Strategy: Accountability and Individual Growth
Smart and her coaching staff continue to hold players accountable with individual and team goal tracking throughout the offseason. With a well-established coaching system in place and years of familiarity between players and coaches, there's a strong cultural foundation fueling their preparation.
Community Connection: Coaching the Future
First Colonial takes pride in its community impact. Players help coach middle school teams, expanding their understanding of the game while preparing the next generation. The program also stays active on social media, celebrating player achievements and offseason training to keep fans and families engaged.
“Our players coaching younger girls boosts their hockey IQ while investing in the future of our program,” says Smart.
Biggest Challenge: Embracing the Pressure
The Patriots’ biggest battle this season might not be with an opponent, but with expectations. After two straight near misses in the state title game, the pressure is palpable.
“There’s pressure on me as a coach, entering year three, still chasing that title. And there’s pressure on the girls who’ve been so close,” says Smart. “We just need to stay focused, take it one game at a time, and grow a little each day.”
With talent returning, a culture rooted in growth, and the fire to finally break through, First Colonial Field Hockey is primed for another championship run—this time, aiming to finish the job.
 and Rylee Brooks-Booth (Indiana). However, the Patriots return with a deep and talented group, headlined by:
Addie Savoie – Goalkeeper, USA Field Hockey U-16 National Team member, rising sophomore
Izzle Kitzmiller – VCU commit and defensive anchor, rising senior
Sophie Stroud – Dynamic midfielder, rising freshman already turning heads
Elyse Hinkel – Explosive forward and rising senior returning strong after an ACL injury in 2024
This mix of rising stars and proven leaders gives Coach Smart confidence in her team’s ability to reload and compete at the highest level.
Offseason Training: Strength, Repetition, and Results
The Patriots are committed to physical development, working three days a week on consistent movement patterns. The plan is clear: progressively add weight and reps while dialing in on technique and power. Each session targets not just strength, but also explosiveness—key for a fast-paced, transition-heavy sport like field hockey.
Coaching Strategy: Accountability and Individual Growth
Smart and her coaching staff continue to hold players accountable with individual and team goal tracking throughout the offseason. With a well-established coaching system in place and years of familiarity between players and coaches, there's a strong cultural foundation fueling their preparation.
Community Connection: Coaching the Future
First Colonial takes pride in its community impact. Players help coach middle school teams, expanding their understanding of the game while preparing the next generation. The program also stays active on social media, celebrating player achievements and offseason training to keep fans and families engaged.
“Our players coaching younger girls boosts their hockey IQ while investing in the future of our program,” says Smart.
Biggest Challenge: Embracing the Pressure
The Patriots’ biggest battle this season might not be with an opponent, but with expectations. After two straight near misses in the state title game, the pressure is palpable.
“There’s pressure on me as a coach, entering year three, still chasing that title. And there’s pressure on the girls who’ve been so close,” says Smart. “We just need to stay focused, take it one game at a time, and grow a little each day.”
With talent returning, a culture rooted in growth, and the fire to finally break through, First Colonial Field Hockey is primed for another championship run—this time, aiming to finish the job.)
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