Warriors Midfielder Leads Field Hockey Squad

This season, the Lincoln-Sudbury girls field hockey team has implemented a senior Captains Council instead of a using a traditional approach. This is the first part in a series highlighting the members of the Captains Council.

In her third year on the varsity squad Laura Ganio is an impact player on both sides of the ball. Previously a left midfielder, Ganio was promoted to center midfield this season, a move that is already paying dividends. No. 6 is ready to improve over last year's record while still having a blast with her teammates.    

"Our season is going well," she said, "Granted we have only had one game, but nonetheless I think we have great potential to go far."

While Ganio does not go into seasons with expectations, she has two goals that she wants to accomplish in her senior season.  

"My goal is for us to figure out how to play as one unit. We have already demonstrated that well in our scrimmages and even the game," she said. "My second goal is to finish. By that I mean: put the ball in the net sooner."

Ganio loves the whole season, especially the middle before the tournament kicks off and the pasta parties. The evening before each game, parents take turns hosting the girls for a carb-filled dinner of pasta, salad and dessert. Gaino said that all teams have the parties, but "field hockey definitely wins the award for pasta parties ... [the garlic bread is] so yummy.

Despite her senior status, Ganio is constantly learning, as witnessed in the team's transition to a Captains Council. 

"For me personally, the council has been once big learning experience. And with every mistake we make, or bump in the road we hit, we fix it, and move on," she said. "It's not always easy, but somehow [we] find a way to figure it out or make it work ... together." 

Coach Vicky Caburian loves watching Ganio on the field, working as a strong leader around her peers. 

"Ganio is the spark plug of the team," she said. "She brings so much energy and passion whether it is practice or a game. She is … mentally and physically tough."

More than just an athlete, Caburian said that Ganio "is compassionate and genuinely willing to improve on and off the field."

While it is still early in the season, Ganio hopes to reach the lofty goals she set for her and her team while having another successful year. She hopes to keep playing field hockey in college and while she doesn't yet know where she wants to attend, she knows that she wants to finish her high school career with success. 

Ganio and the Lincoln-Sudbury Warriors play their next home game on the turf against the Grey Ghosts of Wesford Academy on Monday, Sept. 20 at 4 p.m.