Unsung Hero: Field Hockey Defense Benefits from Simone Vagnoni

The age-old adage in sports: Defense wins championships. Yet, we see it on a yearly basis - the offensive players getting the spotlight. Such can be the case at any level - professional, collegiate or high school. However, one player on the Spring-Ford field hockey team gets plenty of praise from her head coach, Jennie Moore.

Moore, who is in her first year at the helm of the Rams, is switching things up and allowing junior defensive player Simone Vagnoni move from mid to center back.

"She’s not a goal scorer and not one to do anything that looks fancy," said Moore. "She’s just a very sound player – very solid in her play. She distributes the ball well and gets a lot of assists, but doesn’t really get the glory that comes with a decorated player. She’s very dependable and you can depend on her in every game to do everything right. She’s just one of the leaders on this team."

Vagnoni, however, doesn't mind the lack of spotlight, saying she just likes doing what she does. And as for leadership, Vagnoni likes to think others pick up on her good traits.

"I think I’m more of a person who leads by example," said Vagnoni. "I get along with everyone but I’m not one to yell at everyone. I do what’s right and hope that everyone else follows."

Moore's strategy may call for Vagnoni to get some more scoring opportunities in 2011-2012, too, as they set up a few corners specifically for her. Vagnoni said she enjoys playing defense, as these types of offensive opportunities can arise, while on offense, you may not be able to step back and play defense.

Overall, Vagnoni likes what she sees from her teammates this year and hopes for a successful season.

"I like it when we all play together as a team," she said. "As a defender, that’s what you can do. You can tell people where to go and organize everyone. Everyone goes places they need to be as a team. I think we have a really good group of girls who are together with everything. I think everything will go well because we get along and mesh well together."

Moore is also excited for her Rams squad and thinks Vagnoni will play an integral role in any success.

"She’s a great kid," said Moore. "Very sweet. You can go to her for anything. She’s very trustworthy and dependable and is overall a great kid. I have her in class this year, so that will make things a lot easier. I’m looking forward to seeing what she does this year in her new position, because she hasn’t played it with us before. She’s one of our most exciting players to watch, even though it doesn’t look it."