Collins, Polymeros in Key Roles for NHS Field Hockey Team

Allison Collins and Christina Polymeros are seniors at Natick High, and they have a lot in common.
Both are four-year varsity field hockey players, and they’re captains this year. Their other sport is lacrosse, and both already have earned partial scholarships to play that sport in college. Collins will compete at Assumption and Polymeros will play for St. Anselm’s. Both schools, coincidentally, are in the Northeast-10 conference, so they’ll be squaring off against one another in the spring of 2019.
On the academic side, Collins is a two-time National Honor Society student, and Polymeros is an honor-roll choice. The 17-year-old Collins hopes to pursue a career as an occupational therapist, and Polymeros will focus on either elementary education or business.
Field hockey coach Ann Burns, now in her third year at the Redhawks’ helm, is upbeat that her captains will play key roles in Natick’s success. So far, the squad is 3-1.
“A center-forward, Allie works hard, is competitive, and relentless,’’ Burns said. “She leads by example and by being vocal. Her hand-eye coordination is excellent, and she adds humor but also remains serious about the team’s progress. Christina is a defender who’s quick, aggressive to the ball, and transitions well with the forwards. She leads by example. Both girls are top-notch athletes.’’
Collins, who had three goals against Wayland in Natick’s third game this season, has led the team in scoring the last two years and has been selected to the Bay State Conference all-star team twice. Her goal this season is to qualify for the tourney, aim for a high seed and compete for a Sectional title. Last season the Redhawks posted a 9-7-2 record and it was good enough for Collins and Polymeros to experience tourney play for the first time.
“Last year, we were a low seed and lost in the first round to Chelmsford,’’ Collins noted. “We want to advance in the tourney as deep as possible. The key is to stay positive and mesh as a team.’’
What makes Collins a scoring threat (9 goals, 8 assists last year) are her speed, stick skills, an accurate shot, and a high field hockey IQ. “Success in field hockey depends on being able to work with your teammates, passing effectively, getting position and using space to your advantage,’’ Collins emphasized. “I can keep improving on my stick skills, strive for more assists, and become a stronger defender.’’
Collins’ best game came during her sophomore year when she scored with three seconds left to beat Newton North. “We trailed, then tied the game,’’ she recalled. “With three seconds left, I dribbled the ball in front of the net and managed to score.’’
A fan of her coach, Collins also likes the contributions of forwards Victoria Norchi and Shayla DeGeorge and midfielder Brooklyn Lamb. “They’ve got good stick skills, pass well, and they’re selfless, team-oriented players. Coach Burns is a good motivator who focuses on fitness, which has helped our team improve.’’
Collins has been a success in field hockey and lacrosse, where she plays goalie, because of her competitive philosophy. “I play to win but I also believe in having fun and also reaching your potential,’’ she emphasized.
Polymeros excels on defense because she’s mentally tough, has speed and endurance, is quick to the ball, and her field awareness is exceptional. “I’m still trying to sharpen my defensive skills and my driving ability,’’ she noted. “As a captain, I strive to keep everyone’s spirits up and help younger players, if needed.
Polymeros’ team goals for her final field hockey season line up with Collins. She’s eager to see Natick get past the tournament’s first round and go as deep as possible. “The key is to maintain team chemistry and focus on the task at hand,’’ Polymeros said. “We can do well because we’ve got eight seniors who gained experience as juniors last year. My individual goals are to be a good communicator, and I wouldn’t mind being a BSC all-star.’’
Polymeros labels her best game a losing encounter against Walpole last year. “They’re one of the top teams in our league,’’ she noted. “We were fired up to beat them. We didn’t, but we kept the game close and held them scoreless in the second half.’’
Polymeros, like Collins, is bullish on her coach, and she also admires defender Erin Quirk and goalie Madison Clark. “Erin has good stick skills and she’s a hard-worker,’’ Polymeros said. “Madison is vocal, has good field vision and is spirited. Coach Burns is an incredible motivator who stresses fitness.’’
Polymeros’ competitive philosophy also emphasizes winning, but achieving success also means reaching one’s potential and having fun. Learning good life lessons through athletics has also been a plus for Polymeros. “Sports have helped me to be more organized,’’ she noted. “I’m better at time management, and I’ve sharpened my leadership skills.’’
Allison Collins and Christina Polymeros have a lot in common, but what makes them special is their work ethic, leadership ability and competitive nature.