University of North Carolina Athletics
Field Hockey Players En Route To Final Four
November 14, 2000 | Field Hockey
Nov. 14, 2000
After a 5-3 win over Kent State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and a 5-1 victory over UMass in second round, the Tar Heel field hockey team advanced to the Final Four for the first time since winning the 1997 National Championship. Senior Jana Toepel, juniors Susan Hayes, Katie McDonald and Abby Martin, and freshman Mary Havell express their thoughts on the season and the road to the Norfolk, Va., for the Final Four.
Hayes on what the team needs to do to win a national championship:
"I think we have to work really hard and really want it from our hearts and do everything possible to get there."
Hayes on team improvements during the season:
"Working on our passing, our fundamentals, and being together as a team, on the same page [has helped us get to the Final Four]."
Hayes on team strengths:
"I think we have great team chemistry and we have so many talented players."
McDonald on what the team needs to do to win a national championship:
"I think probably we are just going to have to stick to basics and fundamentals and really come together as a team and not so much think about set patterns. [We need to] really just play with everything we have."
McDonald on the team setting its sights on the National Championship game all season:
"We think to every game that is coming up usually, but this is in the back of everyone's mind because it's exciting--it's the Final Four!"
McDonald on team improvements during the season:
"Sticking to the basics [has been the biggest improvement]. It has taken all season to finally put it all together. We had some ugly games, and right now it has gotten better because we are just looking for each other and seeing all of the simple passes and everything."
McDonald on her season highlight:
"Losing in the first round of the ACC [Tournament] and coming back and making it to the Final Four and being so excited. It's really just been fun!"
Martin on what the team needs to do to win a national championship:
"I think we just need to play up to our potential, which is what we did last weekend. It was a really good weekend for us. If we can start peaking right now we should be fine."
Martin on the team setting its sights on the National Championship game all season:
"I think in the back of our minds, yes, but we did not want to jump the gun and kind of play ahead to the national championship. We wanted to take it one game at a time, but I think we've had the potential since the beginning of the year. I know we've all wanted to be here, and we are where we wanted to be right now."
Martin on team strengths:
"I think that we are a team. No matter what happens, we support each other in all aspects--on the field and off the field we are best friends. I think that is a strength--character and everything like that--we are a team in all regards."
Martin on her season highlight:
"The season highlight for me and the team--getting to the Final Four."
Toepel on what the team needs to do to win a national championship:
"We have to show up, in the sense of playing well and doing the game plan and executing our fundamentals, our corners. We want our hearts and desire into the game, and I think we'll be fine."
Toepel on team improvements during the season:
"I think the biggest improvement is recently, actually, is that we've just put the game plan together. We've started to peak at the right time and realize that potential is not enough, that you have to realize it in order to go anywhere."
Toepel on this being the last chance for a national championship affecting her game:
"I haven't even thought about it yet that I'm done this year because the last time I went it was my first year of eligibility going to the Final Four. I was able to play and experience all that. I think the biggest thing is that it's not just me being a senior that drove me or wanted me to play well or win, it was more that this team has the quality of the players and the ability to win a national championship. I think that's my main driving force in trying to get the title."
Toepel on giving the younger players advice to win another national championship:
"I think it's just believe in yourself and the people around you, stick to the basics, and never give up!"
Havell on the team setting its sights on the National Championship game all season:
"It is something that we've talked about in practice, that's what motivates us. We've been building up to [the national championship] all year."
Havell on her season highlight:
"The fact that we've made it to the Final Four. I think it's pretty much a privilege for all of the freshmen this year that we came in and the team is going to the Final Four."
Havell on the seniors' advice on the Final Four:
"They have said that it is incredible. There is nothing else that feels better than winning a national championship."
