The SHS girls’ varsity hockey program has struggled to maintain a team for several years. Consequently, a new co-op was established with Norwell and Abington, forming the NSA girls’ varsity hockey team. With 21 members in total, the team includes twelve student-athletes from Norwell, six from Scituate, and three from Abington.
SHS Athletic Director Scott Paine commented on the decision to combine the towns, explaining that there weren’t enough returning players at SHS to sustain a standalone team. He knew Norwell and Abington had previously combined, and many players were already playing together on Seahawks—a town league consisting of Scituate, Norwell, and Hull. Therefore, he considered the combination of teams a “natural fit.”
Nevertheless, a lengthy application process is required to combine high school teams: All three towns must seek permission from their school committees, superintendents, principals, and athletic directors. One school needs to be designated as the host school, and Scituate has taken on this role. Once all the necessary information was gathered, it was submitted to the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and was voted on for approval.
Paine noted this new cooperative team presents some challenges regarding transportation, as all three schools end their school days at different times.
In addition, uniforms had to be designed with a new logo representing all three schools. According to Paine, the new logo was designed by Arrow Sports, the same company that supplied the team’s uniforms. Paine explained, “We incorporated all three towns’ colors and mascots in the logo; thus, you have a Scituate Sailor on a Norwell Clipper Ship riding an Abington Green Wave.” According to Paine, “The response from the general public regarding the logo and the uniforms has been extremely positive.”
Beyond the myriad benefits of maintaining a girls’ hockey team, combining several teams decreased the cost and expenses associated with the program.
SHS junior Trinity Rothwell, who plays forward, has been a girls’ varsity hockey team member all three years of high school. She believes it was necessary to combine with Norwell and Abington; otherwise, Scituate would no longer have a girls’ hockey program. Rothwell said everyone is “meshing together nicely,” becoming closer off the ice, and helping to build a stronger team.
Rothwell noted the advantage of having players with different skill sets. She has previously played with many Norwell girls on the South Shore Seahawks team, creating a smoother transition. Eager to see how the team does this year, she hopes to qualify for the playoffs. She also likes meeting new people and experiencing a new coach.
Head Coach Victoria Dinger, a kindergarten teacher in Rockland, grew up in Norwell, where she started playing hockey at around 12 years old. She played for the South Shore Seahawks and the Breakers, as Norwell didn’t have a girls’ hockey team until her junior year of high school. Once the team was formed, she played during her junior and senior years and went on to play hockey at Saint Michael’s College in Vermont for four years.
Dinger views everyone on the team as role models. She specifically credited the three Norwell team captains for making the transition smooth. She sees the challenges as transportation logistics and practice times. In addition, the team will need to develop new traditions and routines. Dinger said the benefits include the ability to uphold a stronger future for girls’ hockey on the South Shore, especially since it is important for these girls to have the opportunity to continue playing.
Dinger wants to spread the word about the newly formed team. She is reaching out to the youth to build community interest and attendance at the games. She wants everyone to know this is a group of girls who are working hard and embracing change. She plans to teach them how to set team and individual goals, develop new routines, and, most importantly, maintain a growth mindset.