By Andrew Haddad–
The Louisville Field Hockey Team is off to a great 4-2 start this season, and much of that success can be attributed to one of the team’s most explosive offensive players—senior Hayley Turner. Turner, senior midfielder from Sydney, Australia, leads the Cardinals with five goals on the season, twice doubling up keepers in the same game.
However, don’t mistake her for a “mellow mantra,” as she is also leading the Cardinals in assists with four on the season. This double threat attack has been working wonders this season and she was recently named Big East Offensive Player of the Week for her accomplishments. Watching Turner with the ball zigzagging back and forth between defenders, seemingly effortlessly gliding the ball wherever she wants to, is definitely a treat.
“She has very good dribbling skills and always finds a way to draw corners, which usually end in a goal,” said fan and senior marketing major Zach Slayton.
Turner’s success doesn’t cause her to look too far in advance however, and she is trying to take the season one step at a time.
“We want to make the Big East tournament, do well in that, then make NCAA,” she says.
If Turner’s track record for success is any indicator, they should be fine. Not only does Turner excel on the field, but she is also the definition of “student athlete.” Turner is currently working on her master’s degree in education and community health, was named to the National Field Hockey College Association National Academic Unit and made multiple Dean’s List appearances.
With all the early success for Turner as well as the team, first-year coach Justine Sowry echoes Turners step-by-step approach to the season. In a recent win against Missouri St, Sowry said, “A win is a great thing, but in terms of our mission for the year there are a lot of areas for improvement.”
That seems to be the mindset for the season, and there is no denying that Turner and the rest of the Cardinals are primed to have another great season.
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Photo: File photos/Michael Baldwin
