When it comes to north state girls high school field hockey, there is actually a squad you could call a dynasty! Once again, the Chico Panthers, at 11-2 in the EAL, are on the verge of another title and consistancy, might be their greatest weapon.
In a reign of dominance that's lasted almost a decade, the Chico High Field Hockey team can clinch at least a share of their 8th consecutive league title with a win on Monday over Bella Vista, a feat that's not lost on head coach Darcy Pollak.
Pollak says, "It takes dedicated athletes that are willing to put in the work on the field, on season, off season."
But the athletes aren't the only ones with dedication. In the world of high school sports where coaches change frequently, Pollak has led the Panthers for 18 seasons.
Chico Senior Ashley Pollak says, "She knows the game well and I give her a ton of credit. She does drills that make us move, we have a great passing sequence which I feel dominates a lot of the teams that we play."
Chico Junior Gloria Godinez says, "I think she puts all her skills and what she's learned and it's helped us in the long run."
And that coaching experience has been especially beneficial for Pollak's daughter Ashley, a senior who's grown up around the program.
Ashley Pollak says, "She started coaching when I was one, so I was raised on the field. I have scrapbooks from previous players of me being a little tyke running around. I think it's benefited me because I've been able to watch and learn from different aspects of the game."
But for everyone on the team, the legacy of the program Pollak has helped build drives them to try harder.
Panthers Senior Cherstyn Powell says, "You have that in the back of your mind, like I want to win, I wanna keep this reputation up."
Darcy Pollak says, "We do the best to what we have and position kids appropriately and do what we do."
And what they do is win. Reporting in Chico for Action Sports, I'm Lee Carrell.
