By Hannah Armstrong\/\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When watching field hockey, many people focus on the goal-scorers and playmakers, but behind every field player lies the key to any successful team–the goalie. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
At Hood, Mackenzie Blair is one of those goalies. Her talent and ability to command the field have made her a force to be reckoned with in the cage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blair, now a sophomore at Hood, began playing field hockey in the winter of her eighth grade year. \u201cI played one night of field, and the next night I knew I was going to be a goalie,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blair took some time to gain confidence in her skills. \u201cI went to clinics and worked with a bunch of coaches, and I got better,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her hard work paid off when she was moved up to varsity towards the end of her freshman season at Northwest High School. After this, she became a prominent figure on the team and earned a starting position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While at Northwest, Blair earned first team all-division honors as well as all-county first team. As her high school career ended, she realized she wanted to continue her athletic career in college. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blair visited many colleges, attending clinics and tournaments with her club team, Koa, but ultimately fell in love with Hood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blair then became part of the 2023 field hockey class, which brought in eight other new players. Blair became Hood\u2019s second goalkeeper, along with current senior, Nicole Bennett.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blair said that her first collegiate game was an experience she will never forget. \u201cI had never felt that way before,\u201d Blair said. \u201cI played the second half of the game, and I only let in one goal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After her freshman year, Blair had tallied 116 saves and a 0.748 save percentage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy favorite moment of my freshman season was when I saved a stroke at Goucher,\u201d Blair said. A stroke is a penalty shot, and it can be a difficult save for many goalies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blair\u2019s sophomore season has come to a halt due to a knee injury. COVID-19 canceled games this season, but Hood\u2019s athletes are still permitted to practice. Despite her injury, Blair drives to almost every practice to support the team and give tips to the other goalies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKenzie is such a big asset to the team, and I rely on her leadership with the goalies,\u201d head coach Carley Shannon said. \u201cI\u2019ve really enjoyed coaching her this season and look forward to the seasons to come.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"