Naomi Tomlin: Great Goalie
Sapphira Ching '20
Naomi Tomlin ’19 has been playing field hockey since seventh grade.
Tomlin is “an excellent [captain],” according to co-captain Sara Chung ’19.
Tomlin was introduced to field hockey in Junior School by her older sister, and became the starting goalie for the Varsity team during her sophomore year. Head Coach Stephanie McDonald said, “Not only has Naomi’s skill improved over the last three years that I have been coaching her but she has also become a more confident and vocal member of our team.” Chung said, “Naomi’s skill in the goal has obviously improved... She’s an unbelievably hard worker, and our whole team is grateful to have her as a captain.”
Tomlin demonstrates confidence and bravery, noting that “you have to face fears to be a good player...run towards the ball with everything you have.” McDonald said that Tomlin’s leadership is ideal because “She works hard, stay positive, and is a role model to her teammates. Naomi is dependable and supports her teammates in all other aspects of their lives.”
Tomlin’s tenacity and discipline have certainly paid off: not only has Tomlin been a Varsity letter winner for the past three years, but also earned the 2017 FAA Honorable Mention. McDonald said, “Naomi plays one of the toughest positions on the field and does it really well, commanding the respect of her teammates.” Teammate Audrey Braun ’19 agreed: “Tomlin is a phenomenal goalie. She’s always on top of things, whether she is calling out the numbers of unmarked players for us to guard or clearing the ball out of our circle. She’s supportive and a good sport even when she has every reason to yell and get mad at us. That’s what makes her such a great captain.”
According to Tomlin, being a goalie is “terrifying,” but “really rewarding.” “[My teammates] enable me to take risks by always having my back if I mess up. Audrey [Braun] is always right beside me, and seeing her gives me the boost to run out to the ball.” She describes her experiences as “the kind of memories that will stay with me forever.”
Tomlin’s goal for the season is to “play our best in every single game.” Backed by her dedication to the sport and her success, she plans to continue playing field hockey after high school.
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