A familiar face returns to take over the Tide field hockey program

Everett High graduate Sabrina Wright has postseason goals in mind for her inaugural season as coach

By Joe McConnell

Sabrina Wright is thrilled to be back home coaching a varsity team at her alma mater. Wright graduated from Everett High School (EHS) in 2015, where she was a four-year varsity field hockey player. She played other sports in Everett, but it’s field hockey that has always been No. 1 for her. After graduating from EHS, she went on to play field hockey for a year at UMass Dartmouth, before transferring to Suffolk University.

But now, she’s back home in Crimson Tide country. “I’ve always wanted to come back and coach in Everett, so I’m very happy to get this opportunity that presented itself this year for me,” Wright said.

Being a first-year Everett coach, Wright is not that familiar with last year’s team that was coached by Melissa O’Donnell, her predecessor, except for the fact that they were Greater Boston League champions.

Wright has six returning varsity veterans, but overall, she’d like to see more kids try field hockey as a sport. “We saw a low turnout rate for tryouts this year, so everyone who tried out has already made the varsity team. I have plans to expand this program, so that we have a bigger turnout for years to come,” the rookie coach said.

The 2023 varsity captains will be announced later today, Sept. 1, and they will be in charge of a roster consisting of 16 players.

Each and every one of the players on this year’s team has something different to offer, according to Wright. “I’m extremely impressed and excited at what I’m seeing, especially considering many of the players have never played before,” the coach added.

“We have a strong defense that could be unstoppable. But we have some big hitters also on offense. I think we will see what happens in our first game,” she said.

Nicola Jones returns as the team’s assistant coach. Newcomer Taylor Woodbury will be a vital member of Wright’s staff, as well.

Wright’s girls are gearing up for the home opener at Seven Acre Park on Wednesday, Sept. 6, against non-league Waltham, starting at 4:15 p.m. Haverhill, another non-league opponent, then comes to town two days later (Sept. 8) for a game at 4:30 p.m.

“I’m extremely excited for this season,” said Wright. “We made it to the state tournament for the first time in 15 years during my senior year here, and I’m hoping to do it again this year as a coach.”