On Wednesday, April 18, 2019, senior Zoe Hammond joined Midlo’s group of committed athletes, as she signed to continue her field hockey career at the Division 3 University of Mary Washington.

Hammond has competed in the sport of field hockey since 5th grade. She recalls, “I hated soccer, softball, and basketball. My dad’s girlfriend in high school played field hockey, so he suggested that I try it out.” After starting on her first recreational team, Betty Weaver, Hammond developed a passion for the sport. She continued to play for the club Undertow as well as on the Midlothian Varsity Team all four years of high school as a standout player. In the fall of 2018, Hammond earned 1st Team All Region.

Hammond developed her skills with the guidance of her influential coaches, Geri Douglas and Caroline Freeman, the support from her teammates, and lots of practice and commitment. One day, her travel coach introduced her to the UMW coach, who grew interested after seeing her play at the Spring Fling Tournament. Hammond explained why she decided to go with Mary Washington, saying, “I really like the size of the school and the campus and the field hockey team is like a family.” She plans to study the subject of biology during her college years.

Hammond anticipates this next step in her athletic career and looks forward to becoming an Eagle in the fall of 2019. She welcomes the opportunity to “be able to still be part of a team and enjoy the sense of community that comes with field hockey.”