Palmer Ridge field hockey coach Kathleen Raphael knew exactly what she was looking for in her replacement.

“I was looking for someone competitive who has experience with the game,” she said. “(Paul Lewis) has played a lot of (field) hockey at a really high level (men’s national team player), and has brought his knowledge and contacts to our program and to our area.”

Lewis now is the varsity coach, while Raphael works with the junior varsity and focuses more on development programs. The area’s development has made big strides in recent years.

“Paul has been able to help us in getting a futures program here in Colorado Springs so players don’t have to drive to Denver to play,” Raphael said. “We have girls playing year-round and traveling to different parts of the country, and we’ve certainly seen huge progress.”

The growth of the sport is not limited to Palmer Ridge. Cheyenne Mountain coach Sean Wybrant has created opportunities for his athletes to continue playing after the high school season is over.

“Some of the girls I have now have been playing since middle school, and just the level of play is much higher than it was when I started here,” Wybrant said. “We have a league where our players and players from Palmer Ridge play from November to March, and then the girls have captain’s practices over the summer.” 

As a result, the area’s programs have grown stronger, raising hopes that area teams can be more competitive at the state level against established Denver programs.

Team Previews

Cheyenne Mountain — Center midfielder Jaynie Mueller will guide the Indians, along with fellow seniors and co-captains Bevy Squire (midfield) and Brittany Wilson (center forward). Cheyenne Mountain will rely on its quick attack and will benefit from the return of Patty Webber on defense. Midfielder Tate Crosby and forward Michelle Lalonde will also contribute.

Fountain Valley — Sophomore Maxine Luckett will return to guide the Danes defensively, and will be joined by junior attack Baylee McIntyre. New coach Ali Kornfeld played for four years at Providence and is looking to build skill level this year. Senior forward and 2008 leading scorer Yeon Ji Moon also will return, as well as midfielder Jill Sanning. Freshman Ana Mai Luckett is expected to contribute.

Palmer Ridge — The combined District 38 team will rely on a strong corps of defensive players, including junior Kaili Simmons and senior Kendra Weiler. Senior goalie Alli Quintana is joined on defense by juniors Meghan Valdez and Monica Ridley. Senior Caitlin McIntosh will return after missing most of last season with a foot injury.

Palmer Ridge’s Haley Bemstein (6) attempted to drive past Cheyenne Mountain defenders Rachel Tomaselli (7) and Anna Steedman (4) last year. Area athletes are benefitting from year-round play. Photo by Justin Edmonds