Lounsbury a Major Plus for Franklin’s Field Hockey Team

Thirteen players have graduated from Franklin High’s field hockey team that compiled a 15-2-3 record last year and advanced to the South Sectional semifinals before bowing to Mansfield. Younger players obviously will have to step up in capable fashion to fill those vacancies if the Panthers expect to repeat or improve on their success of 2015.
That’s where senior tri-captain Caroline Lounsbury hopes to play a significant role.
The 5-foot-4 Lounsbury is a three-year varsity midfielder who’s been playing field hockey since she was eight. The highly-skilled 17-year-old not only is a major asset on the field, but she’s also a quality leader off it.
“We’re young but our players have talent and skills,’’ Lounsbury said. “My sights are set on winning the Kelly-Rex Division of the Hockomock League and going deeper into the tourney. We can realistically achieve those objectives if we create good chemistry. As a captain, I’ll offer advice if asked, be supportive of all players and help with technical skills. I want our younger players to be comfortable and I want them to know they can approach me and talk any time.’’
Coach Lisa Cropper is a big fan of Lounsbury and is acutely aware of her value on all fronts. “Caroline is steady and reliable on and off the field, and she’s unselfish,’’ Cropper emphasized. “She’s not flashy, but she plays with great field awareness and is instinctive. She had five goals and four assists last year, but her goals came at key times.’’
Relying on speed and endurance, Lounsbury has a keen passing ability and is superb in transition, able to shift gears from offense to defense in a split second. One reason she makes her goals count is her ability to get in position for rebounds.
“Caroline is able to score off rebounds, because she’s aggressive getting into the circle and taking charge,’’ Cropper said. “She can judge where the ball is going.’’
As a junior last year, she won the team’s Most Improved Award. Her effort in the second round of the tourney against Dennis-Yarmouth was an indication of her progress and her improving skills. She scored two goals in a 3-1 victory. “We had lost to them twice before, but I scored off a rebound in the first half, then scored 23 seconds into the second half,’’ Lounsbury recalled. “Those goals helped build momentum.’’
Lounsbury is sure the Panthers’ other two senior captains —defenders Dana Lewandowski and Kayla Marshall — will play key leadership roles in Franklin’s season. “Both are aggressive and solid on defense,’’ Lounsbury said. “They’re vocal, have good field awareness, and it’s comforting to see them in our backfield.’’
Lounsbury also is bullish on Cropper, a coach who still competes. “Coach Cropper has vast experience, knows the game and is a tremendous motivator,’’ Lounsbury noted. “She’s respected and wants nothing but success for her players.’’
Lounsbury will play her second varsity year of lacrosse this spring and she plans to again be effective on both sides of the ball. She plays attack but she’s adept at both scoring and assisting. “Lacrosse is an explosive game,’’ she said. “Even on attack, there’s defense to be played. My most memorable game came in a victory against Acton-Boxboro last year in the East Sectional final. I liked my transition game, my off-the-ball moves were good and I was able to maintain possession as time was running out.’’
An honor-roll student, Lounsbury likely will attend a Division 2 or 3 college and major in physical therapy or childhood education. Her athletic preference is to continue with lacrosse.
Relying on a competitive philosophy that focuses on winning, reaching one’s potential and enjoying sports, Lounsbury says: “Winning is important, because it makes you appreciate it more when you’re on the losing end.’’
It’s early in the season, but so far Lounsbury and Franklin have started strong, defeating North Attleboro and Milford for a 2-0 record.
Lounsbury also is acutely aware of the value of athletics teaching life lessons. She knows that setting goals, working as a team and overcoming adversity are all valuable lessons learned from athletics. “Sports also teach you to not get down when you make a mistake,’’ she said. “Instead, focus on successes and always set high goals.’’
Lounsbury is hoping to be selected to the Hockomock League all-star team in field hockey this year. It’s a lofty goal that she knows will take hard work to achieve. But, a strong work ethic is no stranger to the Franklin native. She proved that in July, when she traveled to Virginia Beach for a national dance competition.
“I take lessons in different kinds of dance at the Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center,’’ Lounsbury said. “I competed in contemporary dance for a national championship in a duet and a team routine, and we won both events.’’
Not surprising.
Because Caroline Lounsbury always devotes herself to the task at hand.