In addition to teaching history, Sarah Carpenter is the head coach of the Portsmouth High School field hockey team. Over the years, this team has faced both challenges and success. Nevertheless, it is safe to say that Coach Carpenter is ready for what this next season has to bring.  

 This past season, the team made it to the state semifinals after their previous state championship win in 2021. Although they did not take home the trophy, Coach Carpenter was still proud of the accomplishment nonetheless. 

In addition, she is extensively proud of the three starting players that were selected for the Twin State Team, being the first chosen from Portsmouth. She feels, “it is a testament to their playing ability, teamwork, and leadership.”

As for this next season, Coach Carpenter is expecting some unavoidable challenges after the graduation of many talented players. “It will provide for an opportunity to come together and try to put the best team out on the field,” she says. 

In addition, she believes that it will be hard to fill some of these holes. Therefore, she may be, “asking players to play positions they have not played before to support one another.” 

Her goal for this next season is to “recover to form the best team possible” and, of course, strive to return to the state championship. Yet, overall, her main goal is to provide a positive experience for all players. “Whether they play JV or varsity, whether they play for one year or four, I want them to have a positive experience to look back on,” she says. 

Additionally, Mr.Kozikowski, PHS athletic director, says, “Carp is one of the best coaches we have here at PHS. I love her energy and enthusiasm for the sports and all of her players.”

“Coach Carp always brings a kind and positive attitude to practice and games that transfers to the players,” says Sophia Klanchesser, a player on the JV field hockey team. “She always encourages players to do and be the best they can. She has a lot of determination for her players to succeed.” 

And it is this positive experience that makes her so excited to coach. Carpenter’s favorite part of coaching is “having been able to make a positive impact on players’ lives, no matter the size.” It is the long-lasting relationships and evident teamwork that make her want to come to practice every day.