Lucy Pidcock of Moravian Academy is the 2011 Express-Times Field Hockey Player of the Year

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

Lucy Pidcock has faced no boundaries in her distinguished field hockey career at Moravian Academy.

A four-year starter, Pidcock excelled on defense as a freshman, midfield as a sophomore and at forward as a junior and senior.

"I learned a lot as a defender," Pidcock said. "There's something to be said about the pressure of playing defense. I matured as a player and eventually I learned how to attack."

Pidcock made such an impact that by her junior season she led the Lions with 24 goals and six assists.

"Sometimes, you see a player peak in ninth or 10th grade," Moravian Academy coach Debbie Bross said. "That wasn't the case with Lucy. She rose to every challenge."

Pidcock saved her best for last this fall. Despite requiring constant attention from opponents, she erupted for 25 goals and 13 assists on a Moravian Academy team that advanced to the Colonial League and District 11 Class AA championship games.

For these accomplishments, Pidcock is The Express-Times Field Hockey Player of the Year.

Lindsey Schott, the standout forward who led Warren Hills to a 20-2 record, the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex title, and a berth in the NJSIAA North 2 Group 3 championship game, was also a candidate for the award.

Bross believes the talented Pidcock ranks among the top six players she's coached in her 31 seasons at Moravian.

"She excelled in all aspects of the game, absolutely," Bross said. "She's one of the best overall players I've seen in terms of skill, conditioning, poise and leadership ability."

Assistant coach Wendy Sheetz, a key player on Bross' 1984 PIAA Class AA championship team, marvels at Pidcock's unique skill set.

"Her ballhandling skills are unbelievable," said Sheetz, whose daughter, Madi, was a sophomore midfielder on the Lions' team. "Her desire to win and score is incredible."

Pidcock, who also plays varsity soccer at Moravian, first developed a passion for field hockey from watching her older sister Rachel, now 25. Around seventh grade, Lucy decided to give up club soccer in order to devote more time to field hockey.

ALL-AREA FIELD HOCKEY:
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By the time she was a freshman, Pidcock showed enough promise to earn a starting job on the Lions' defense. She said her role in the backfield suited her just fine.

"I was just happy to be on the field," she said. "I wasn't looking too far ahead. Starting as a freshman taught me how to look up to the older girls. I saw how they presented themselves and represented the school. They set a great example for me."

Pidcock worked her way up to midfield as a sophomore.

"We used her wherever we needed her at the time," Bross said. "I didn't envision her specifically (as a scorer) but I certainly knew she was going to contribute."

Pidcock was moved to forward her junior season. As the year progressed, she blossomed into one of the top scorers in the region.

"She reminds me of Lynn Iannotta," Sheetz said. "She was on our state championship team and went on to play at (the University of) Delaware. They have the same qualities."

Pidcock enjoyed her most successful season this fall. In addition to her scoring, Pidcock asserted herself as one of the team captains.

"Lucy was a true leader," Sheetz said. "She would read quotes to the team."

Pidcock's most inspirational quote came from the award-winning hockey movie "Miracle." She used it prior to the Lions' Colonial League semifinal game against unbeaten Bangor.

"Bangor had beaten us pretty badly (4-0) the first time," Pidcock said. "When we got off the bus I told them that if we played (Bangor) 10 times they might win nine but they weren't going to win this game."

The short speech must have done wonders. Pidcock and her fired-up teammates went out and dealt the Slaters their first loss of the season, 2-1, to advance to the Colonial League title game.

"The girls took it to heart and dug deep," Pidcock said. "The way all four classes came together was really an inspiration to me."

According to Bross, Pidcock has never let her slight stature deter her from becoming an outstanding player.

"She had no fear," Bross said, "especially this year. She was a target but she had the agility to go right around them. And she's provided great leadership for the girls. It was nice to see that maturity process take place. She's been a shining star in so many respects."

Pidcock will continue her field hockey career next season at Davidson College in North Carolina. She chose the Wildcats over Brown and Bucknell.

"By my second visit, I knew (Davidson) was the place for me," said Pidcock, who's undecided on a major. "It just felt right.

"At first, I wanted to stay closer to home but then I realized I've spent 18 years around people I know. So now I have a chance to meet new people in a different part of the country."

Sheetz is convinced Pidcock has the ability to succeed at the next level.

"Oh my goodness, Lucy is such a fantastic player," she said. "I think she'll step up. She'll be fine."

Pidcock said she wouldn't trade her time spent at Moravian Academy for anything.

"Moravian has taught me so much," she said. "I really learned a lot being a captain. Mrs. Bross taught me to respect the competition. That's something I really value, not just in field hockey, but wherever life takes me."

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