Fast Five: Abigail Zuniga on Parkway West Field Hockey

The Parkway West High varsity field hockey team is looking for a win with three weeks to go in the season. The Lady Longhorns, 0-9 before their game Sept. 24, have faced tough competitors and aren't finished improving.

Ballwin-Ellisville Patch asked Head Coach Abigail Zuniga five fast questions about the team, their season and their goals.

Patch: Other than winning, what are some key goals the field hockey team has for the remainder of the season? 

Parkway West Head Field Hockey Coach Abigail Zuniga: As a young team, we are gaining knowledge on how to work as a team to achieve our ultimate goal of putting the ball in the goal. The Longhorns are working on staying spread out, crisp passes, and improving each and every game. 

Patch: What strengths does the Longhorns field hockey team have?

Zuniga: The West field hockey team shows great improvement every game we play in. The girls are gaining confidence as a whole and individually. This helps lead to stronger skills, positive attitudes and better knowledge of the game.

Patch: Who are your biggest competitors?

Zuniga: The public schools are all pretty competitive with each other, especially all three Parkway schools that have programs (West, South and North). The Parkway Community is so close knit, there are always familiar faces with the opponents of the three teams and each team is very competitive.

Patch: In three words, how would you describe this year's team?

Zuniga: Young, competitive and hopeful

Patch: What has been the most challenging aspect of the season so far? 

Zuniga: There are 16 freshmen who have joined the West field hockey program this year and many of them had never played before. Teaching basic skills to such a large group was a bit of a challenge at first but the girls were such fast learners and good competitors that it made for an easy transition. The West field hockey team is excited for the future and growth of the program!

The varsity team plays Edwardsville at home Sept. 25 at 4:15 p.m. 

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