By Elizabeth Youssef

Ever since the second grade, with a helpful push from several friends, senior Helen Foster has been playing field hockey. She started out on an optimist club field hockey team and fell in love with the sport.

   “When I was younger I tried a lot of sports but I did not really love any of them,” Foster said. “One day I had some friends tell me and my parents they were trying field hockey and they wanted me to try too.”

     Foster has played for RJR since freshman year and has been on varsity for the past 3 years. She has mainly played offense during her field hockey career but started playing defense this year. Foster loves how field hockey is unique from other sports teams in that it is the only female dominant sport in America.

   Foster has been a captain the past two years for the varsity RJR team and is a strong leader and role model for fellow teammates.

   “Helen is confident both on and off the field,” field hockey coach Jennie Mosteller said. “Her positive attitude is infectious – it’s hard not to laugh or smile when you’re around her.”

   Foster is adored and admired by her fellow teammates.

   “She is one of the most humble, easy to talk to people I have ever met,” senior Zoe Spanos said. “She is the type of captain that you feel comfortable confiding in and you respect her leadership because you have confidence and trust in her.”

   Foster plans to major in biology in college and is unsure of where she wants to go, although Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina is a strong contender.  

   She has also gained some incredible friends and memories from playing field hockey for Reynolds.

   “I have gained some of the best friends and the best relationships with coaches that I know will last long after I graduate,” Foster said. “I love playing with a team and building relationships and memories on and off of the field.”

   The varsity field hockey team won conference last year. This year, they are 3-1 in conference and 7-6 overall so far. Foster also swims for RJR and is a swim team captain this year.

   When Foster graduates her upbeat attitude and field hockey prowess will definitely be missed.

   “Helen is an anchor in the backfield for us and is a very vocal and direct voice on field,” Mosteller said. “I will miss her love of Motts fruit snacks, her defensive stops and most importantly her upbeat, positive attitude and leadership.”

   Though Foster is excited for her next chapter she will miss field hockey and her team.

   “I will miss all of the people I have played with and the memories we have made together,” Foster said.