The William Paterson Field Hockey team fought hard on Wednesday to win in an epic shutout against Cedar Crest College, creating a wonderful senior night for the players who have been there through it all.
In the spring of 2023, the team had a rough go, with girls not coming back to play and quitting. This resulted in the team not having enough players to play any games in the 2023 fall season.
After a year of no team, William Paterson rehired the previous coach, Jill DiSanti, for the Fall 2024, bringing the Pioneers back to life.
“The first year was rough, and so was the second. Obviously, not having a team was hard too,” said Noel DeBonta, a senior who had been with the team since 2022. “I basically felt like I didn’t have a purpose.”
The Pioneers had a rough season in the fall of 2024, only managing three wins with 12 losses, but they never gave up.
“Even though it was rough because we didn’t have a good record, it was still amazing to be with the team and to have that every single day and build on that,” said DeBonta.
The school replaced last year’s coach after their season ended, bringing in Melissa Zurawiecki, who played field hockey and was an assistant coach previously for William Paterson herself, for the 2025 campaign.
DeBonta, a team captain, was recognized this past Wednesday, along with Carly Horn, Koutney Scipio, and Allison Ochs, on their senior night, having been some of the only players to be coached through the multiple changes and hardships the team experienced.
Noel was relied on heavily by the coaches and always worked hard to help out her teammates.
“I was the only one who knew the team best, even now, and I love having that role because it makes me feel like I have purpose again, that I’m of importance, and I like being responsible for my teammates,” said DeBonta.
Although the team was brought back to life in 2024, the pioneers still struggled with having no substitutions in games and finding their rhythm with each other. They still never gave up, regardless.
“We really pushed each other to work hard and to keep going, and it made us stronger people,” said DeBonta. “It put us in a position where even if someone gets hurt or we have no subs again, it doesn’t affect us.”
Noel and her fellow seniors have seen a lot in their collegiate careers but never let it get to them or deter them from their end goal, which is playing field hockey.
“Yes, losses are hard, and there could be all odds against you, and that’s really hard to deal with, but in the end, if you’re having fun, it’s going to be okay,” said Debonta.
