Rising Hopkinton High senior Maeve Owens was one of the top players for the Hawks’ girls’ lacrosse team this past season. She worked as a dynamic midfielder and attacker who could easily switch on and off different schemes and plays.
This past spring, she was one of two captains, alongside senior Sydney Westover, and was a vocal and exemplary leader for the team through a strong run to the Division III semifinals.
Owens, who also plays on the soccer team, was recently named to the D-III All-State First Team, and in the following column, she goes into her path to achieving success. She recently committed to Anderson University in South Carolina to continue her career after her senior year at Hopkinton.
Q: What are your sports superstitions?
A: Getting to games super early. If possible, I like to arrive at the field at least 15 minutes before I need to start getting ready for warmups. During the time before, I sit in my car and unwind. This helps me be in a good mindset to focus on the game, and I think it works.
Q: When did you start playing lacrosse and soccer?
A: I started playing both lacrosse and soccer in first grade. Instantly, I fell in love with lacrosse. I remember liking the sport because I was able to keep the ball in my stick, and nobody else got it. I believe that starting sports at such a young age has shaped me into who I am today.
Q: What’s your favorite memory of playing a sport?
A: My favorite memory is beating Bow in lacrosse last year during my junior season. It was so special to me because it showed my team that we are the team our coaches always said we are— we just needed confidence. We proved that we can compete at a high level and succeed. That game was also my 100th career goal, which proved to me that my hard work pays off. I will forever be proud of the team we were that day, and cannot thank Coach Bob and Coach Gus for seeing that team in us and pushing us to achieve it.
Q: How do you prepare for a big game?
A: During the week leading up, I try to focus on myself as a player. I recognize what I need to focus on during practices that week to prepare, and also my teammates. I recognize what I can do to be the best teammate I can and set us up for success.
Q: What does your training regimen look like in preparation for a season?
A: My training regimen varies from sport to sport. For soccer, it’s lots of running since I know Coach Zahn incorporates that into preseason. For lacrosse, in the winter, I play club, indoor and spend time playing wall ball to keep my skills sharp. But for both, I like to focus since I have a few months between seasons, where I have that extra time.
Q: What was the most challenging aspect of balancing school and sports, and how did you manage it?
A: The most challenging aspect is managing my time. I haven’t always had great time-management skills. I would save homework and studying until the night before, and then not get a great night’s sleep. I have learned to use bus rides wisely and spend our travel time reading or doing flashcards with my teammates. This has also given me something to take my mind off the game so that I’m not as stressed, and it is also productive.
Q: What’s your favorite part about being a Hopkinton Hawk?
A: My favorite part about being a Hopkinton Hawk is being a part of the community. It is truly so special. Being on two different sports teams at Hopkinton not only gives me teammates but friends for life. The community at Hopkinton is special to me because, since it is a small school, I can create close bonds with almost everyone around me. Mr. Meserve works so hard in order for our sports teams to feel supported, and his efforts don’t go unnoticed. Going to games or pep rallies and seeing the whole town come together is something that can’t be described. This is something I will carry with me forever.