Every student-athlete needs to prove themselves in order to earn a spot in the varsity lineup. It’s no given. Westbrook sophomore Eimy Novillo, a member of the Westbrook-Old Lyme (W-OL) co-op field hockey team, is embracing her opportunity to start on the varsity squad for the second-straight season. Eimy impressed with her work ethic as a freshman and is now playing an important role in the Knights’ defensive corps this year.

Eimy’s athleticism and determination earned her the opportunity to try different sports while growing up. Eimy started playing field hockey in 7th grade, and the sensation of the sport had a lasting impact on her, making Eimy want to continue playing in high school.

“I pretty much knew I liked field hockey, because I tried every sport to see what sport I really liked,” says Eimy. “Field hockey really caught my attention.”

Eimy was a starting defender for W-OL in her freshman year and turned in a solid performance. However, like most young athletes, Eimy knows that she has aspects of her game that she needs to work on in order to bring her skill set to the next level this season.

“I’m definitely trying to work on my ball skills. Communication is something else I need to work on, but I have two more years to figure it out,” Eimy says. “I need to communicate with the middles and the forwards. That’s an essential part of scoring.”

W-OL started the 2022 season by playing games against North Branford and Killingly last week. While the Knights will face plenty of difficult opponents this year, Eimy takes pride in the key components that she brings to the field on defense for Head Coach Janet Dickey’s squad. The Knights have a young roster, and Eimy’s stable presence is a big benefit to the team. Eimy has the right attitude on the field and hopes that her approach will serve as a great example for her teammates.

“I stop the ball and, according to my coach, I make some great hits,” says Eimy. “Some people, when they lose a ball, they move and let the ball go. I don’t give up.”

Coach Dickey is relying on Eimy’s stability this season. Eimy is starting the year as the sweeper in the Knights’ lineup. Dickey knows that Eimy is going to play a large part in the backfield due to her work ethic and accountability in all areas.

“Eimy is a super hard worker. She’s a steady player and always works hard,” Coach Dickey says. “She brings a good, calming presence in the backfield. She plays more like an upperclassman than like a sophomore, which is a nice thing.”

It was an easy decision for Eimy to play field hockey in high school. Eimy’s teammates are now her friends thanks to the welcoming atmosphere that the team provides. Eimy feels like she’s learned a lot about herself as a result of competing for the Knights.

“The team is very welcoming. They make sure to support each other,” Eimy says. “I feel like I’ve created a good bond, especially with [senior captains Delaney Belcourt and Kylie Dishaw]. [Senior] Caroline Dias has taught me a lot, especially for defense.”

In addition to becoming a better field hockey player, Eimy is hoping to grow in all areas of her life during the current season. Eimy is invested in helping the W-OL have a successful campaign this fall. She’s determined to bring her best efforts to both the field and the classroom.

“I definitely want to try and help the team as much as I can. Especially defense, it’s all up to you,” says Eimy. “Besides sports, [she wants to] focus on school and keep up with work.”

Eimy thinks that she’ll be able to have a successful season and school year with the continued support of her family. They have encouraged Eimy throughout her field hockey career and continue to serve as her “bread and butter” from both the sidelines and at home.

“If I get support from them, it encourages me to try harder and put my name out there that I can do it,” Eimy says. “If I can do it, anyone can do it.”

Only a sophomore, Eimy has shown that she can perform like a savvy veteran. Eimy’s work ethic, determination, and courage have given her a chance to make a significant impact on the Knights’ back line. While playing such an important position, Eimy always remembers to stay humble and feel grateful for the opportunity to participate in field hockey at a top-tier level.

“Knowing that I began on the starting D-line and just knowing that I made the varsity team is a big thing,” Eimy says. “I was ready for playing JV or varsity, but thankfully I’m playing varsity, which is something I’m fighting for, because I feel like it’s an important position. It’s definitely something I appreciate.”