The Aqua Turf Club held the annual All-State Field Hockey Banquet on Tuesday December 3rd at 6:30pm with families, friends, coaches, and athletes all having a dinner spent together to honor the athletes named All-State. This award is more than just a plaque with the athletes name on it. Having this achievement is something not many get, and not many are recognized for. The hard work, dedication, and drive these athletes put into their long season is something not many can do. Although not all athletes get recognized for their efforts, it is a time to show the hard work that people do put into sports. 

The All- State dinner honored field hockey girls throughout the state of Connecticut that were named All-State players. The dinner celebration started by recognizing teams that performed well in the end of season tournament before moving on to individual accomplishments. Sofia Fidalgo Schioppa from Staples High School was honored Player of the Year.  Following this, they also honored the coaches and referees by naming coach of the year to be, Baby Nuhn, and having her say an inspirational speech to all her family and players, applauding their dedication to the team and time and effort put into the season. Referees were honored also, which is not seen very often. The event continued to congratulate the All-State athletes in each class, first and second team. While these awards were going on all night, everyone was sharing a meal and a special time together.

Among the Suffield athletes recognized were students like Nuvia Torrez-Flores, who, alongside Kate Remington, won the All-State title for field hockey. Torres-Flores mentioned how she felt not only “proud in herself” but also proud in her team and with being such a competitive conference it was a big accomplishment. Not only did the dinner celebrate individual achievements but also many speeches and in specific a powerful speech from the Canton coach Margaret Bristol. She received a Merit Award in memory of a long time coach that passed away this fall. Bristol made  this tribute and emphasized the importance of playing for a bigger reason, not just playing to win. Becoming an All-State athlete is more than just the award. It is what you do and play for. Having a deeper meaning like this has inspired many people at this dinner. 

Being recognized as an All-State athlete isn’t just a personal achievement, it is a reflection on how one is dedicated and hard working in support of their team and community. This dinner helped to honor many athletes and also open the eyes to many parents, coaches, siblings, and other players, inspiring them to be as dedicated and involved in something that is more than just an everyday sport.The awards and achievements come along with it, but nothing would be possible without a tight knit community.