Whether it was the scorchingly high temperatures, the long, steep hill runs while dripping sweat, or Athletic Director Dennis Conaghan surveying the practice, something was pressuring the practice. Some girls on this year’s field hockey team have been subdued to the inevitable pressure of performance.

“They talked to us about wanting the team to look more professional next year,” sophomore Courtney Soukup said.

According to Athletic Director Dennis Conaghan, the new complex will not only improve admissions at Sion, but will give the students a sense of pride. Eight years ago, Sion had just put up their new sports complex, which is the gym. Before, it was an old, non-air-conditioned gym where the South Six currently stands. Directly after it was built, Conaghan said that the teams exerted more pressure because they were proud of their new complex. And he thinks that the new field will be no different.

“As girls drive around with their friends, they will purposefully drive by the school just to show off their new field,” Conaghan said.

The new field is scheduled to be finished before the Fall season next year, so this will affect next year’s field hockey team. And not only will it affect the field hockey team, but other sports like soccer and lacrosse in the spring.

“In my 30 years at Sion, I have not been more excited about this gift; it’s like a dream come true,” Conaghan said.

Field hockey coach, Gwyn Savage, said that this wasn’t only the administration causing the pressure. He also agreed with the fact that the girls needed to be pushed harder to succeed and thrive throughout the year.

“Before we could blame the field for mistakes, now we have no excuses,” Coach Savage said.

The turf field will also allow girls to dodge injury. According to fieldturf.com, in regards to incidence of injury, there will be 7 percent  fewer total injuries, 19 percent fewer substantial injuries and 22 percent fewer severe injuries.

In regards to head, knee, and shoulder trauma there will be 12 percent  fewer concussions, 16 percent lower anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and associated tissue trauma, and 10 percent  fewer AC separations.

“I can see why they’re pushing us to do better; they put in so much money into the field,” sophomore field hockey forward Maddie Marquardt said.