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10/26/2023 07:14 AMReanna Sachs grew up in a deep and very athletic family, and her student-athlete life has mimicked her home life and upbringing by being part of another haven of support towards triumphs with the Branford field hockey program.
Reanna was first introduced into field hockey by attending clinics hosted by longtime Branford coaches John and Kathy McGuirk, and stuck with the sport from there while riding a wave of support from her five siblings and parents. Now, the Branford senior defensive midfielder and team captain has notched two assists this year in guiding the defending Class M-champion Hornets to a 6-4-2-1 mark.
“The McGuirks have the saying that ‘Tradition Never Graduates’, and so as a captain I keep trying to share encouragement and positivity with the team. The past captains influenced me a lot, and I learned a lot from my family and siblings on how to be a great leader, along with hard work and determination,” says Reanna. “I just try to bring the energy on and off the field, be a good role model, and again, bring positivity and share encouragement. I am hard on myself, but sometimes you need to reset. If things do not happen for you, you just have to reset, reflect, and move on.”
Reanna functions as a focal point towards the offense as a facilitator of the ball whenever the Hornets go on the attack, while keeping the optimism flowing throughout herself and her field colleagues.
“I primarily try to drive the ball up the field to give my teammates bigger offensive possessions,” Reanna says. “I try to defend any ball that comes my way. I know out there I just have to stay positive and confident.”
Though primarily a defensive stalwart, Branford field hockey Head Coach Pete Frye details that Reanna brings the heat whenever she touches the ball, while igniting her teammates through her tenacity, toughness, and leadership skills.
“Reanna Sachs is our emotional leader this year. She is one of the most powerful players in the state. The velocity with which she hits the ball is probably unmatched statewide,” says Frye. “She is responsible for protecting our goalie and she does so with an intimidating presence. Reanna has been playing hurt for us all year, but she never complains. She has two assists on the year, which is impressive since she rarely enters the opposition’s scoring circle. Reanna has been a great captain and leader this year.”
Sharing a cohesive and close link with her fellow classmates on the club, Reanna truly embraces her new leadership role and connects with her peers in any way she can—even utilizing essential tools in this digital age.
“Branford field hockey has always been such a strong and developed team. I love my role as captain, and the nine seniors all share a special bond and so many memories together,” says Reanna. “For each game, I send out a group text to the girls with positive advice and words of wisdom to keep the energy up.”
The state crown of a year ago was not only of course a special moment for Reanna’s teammates and coaches, but also for her personally with her added support system in her family.
“Having the entire Branford community at our state final games last year was a memory I will never forget,” says Reanna. “The sound of the final buzzer and winning states was truly the best day. My 90-year-old grandfather has been my No. 1 fan and was the first to give me the biggest hug. We both cried and it was a memory I will hold onto forever. We have the ability to bring home another title this year; if we give it our all and work as one, we can do it one more time.”
That unity and functioning as one interconnected machine will look to produce another championship chase for Reanna and the Hornets. Though regardless of the final product in the 2023 campaign, they know to simply drink in each moment, and embrace every last fabric of it.
“Like last year, we have to play as one,” Reanna says. “We have to just enjoy it all, because it is almost done for many of us. We have to enjoy our last year together. As defending champion, we have teams looking to beat us, so we have to play each game like it is our last and make it our best game.”
As her tenure with the Hornets on the turf enters its final phases towards the postseason, Reanna reflects on the fact that her time at Branford has shown her a great deal about intangibles that will illuminate even greater successes as she moves forward in her life.
“I have learned the value of teamwork, perseverance, and dedication,” says Reanna. “We have a very talented group of girls who support each other on and off the field.”