Catie Laraway, of Westfield signs her letter of intent to attend Assumption College to play field hockey. Laraway is currently attending Williston-Northampton School. (Submitted photo)
EASTHAMPTON – “If you’re not outlined in chalk, you’re fine to play” is the motto by which Catie Laraway has played field hockey her entire career at the Williston Northampton School.
That kind of toughness and dedication resulted in some broken front teeth (since repaired) and a knee that her coach, Logan Brown, thinks somehow has two kneecaps.
It has also resulted in the Westfield native setting a new career goals record at Williston with 85 goals scored, solidly breaking the previous record of 60. She also set a new record for goals in a single season, with 38 this season, 10 over the previous record.
Following the fall season, Laraway was voted the Wildcats Most Valuable Player for the second year in a row. In addition, she was named to the Western New England All-Star Team and to the New England Prep School Athletic Conference (NEPSAC) Class B All-Tournament Team.
Williston-Northampton’s Catie Laraway (Westfield) shows off her new school colors where she will play field hockey this fall. (Submitted photo)
Those accomplishments led Laraway to sign a letter of intent to play Division II field hockey next year at Assumption College (Worcester, MA), a member of the Northeast-10 Conference. She chose the school because of Coach Annie Lahey and her belief that she would be a good fit for the Greyhounds.
Athletic Director Mark Conroy praised Laraway’s achievements.
“In a program with such a rich tradition,” Conroy said. “Catie’s accomplishments were truly outstanding. It is more than coincidence that all four of her teams won the Class B Western New England championship while qualifying for the very selective NEPSAC tournament.”
As she leaves Williston, Laraway took a moment to reflect on her career as a Wildcat. She remembered this year’s Northfield Mount Hermon game during which she scored her 85th goal as a highlight.
“It was awesome, and they gave me the game ball,” she said. “It was an accomplishment I worked hard for over four years on varsity field hockey.”
Varsity field hockey coach Logan Brown added, “Catie will be remembered for her grit and determination. She always worked hard in practice, showed incredible toughness, and was one of the most aggressive players I have ever encountered. When she puts her game face on—watch out—she is unstoppable. I am confident that she will add a lot to Assumption’s program next year.” – Submitted material
