Lady Celts Field Hockey: Building Tradition, One Game at a Time
After a season of rebuilding, the Dublin Jerome Field Hockey team is finding its rhythm—led by a strong group of seniors, dedicated coaches, and traditions that make the program both welcoming and competitive.
Focused and Fierce – A Jerome player winds up for a powerful drive as the team battles for control against Berlin.
Last year, the Jerome Field Hockey program underwent a total reconstruction—the 2025 season was accompanied by the loss of thirteen graduated seniors and the arrival of a whole new coaching staff: head coach Steve Boniface, assistant head coach Katie Lemieux, and assistant coach Lauren Finley.
The Celts went 2-14-1 last season—understandably due to the ongoing development of the program—and so far this season, they’re 1-7-3. Improvements are happening week by week as the girls focus on man-to-man marking and spacing on the field. The team has taken on top-ranked opponents, including three-time state champion Thomas Worthington, and used those tough matchups as opportunities to grow. Currently, the Celts are playing the best they have in quite a while, and hopes are high for a strong finish.
The team is led by Captain Ruth Aninweze (Sr.), Kate Daume (Jr.), and Sienna Valerio (Jr.). This year’s varsity squad boasts eight seniors, who will be celebrated on September 29th as the team takes on Olentangy Orange High School for their Senior Night. Interestingly, many of these seniors didn’t start playing field hockey until their sophomore year—or later. This reflects the program’s welcoming atmosphere, where players new to the sport are encouraged to jump in and learn.
Because many athletes are beginners, Jerome places heavy emphasis on mastering the basics: drives (hitting the ball powerfully toward a target), lifts and aerials (raising the ball in the air to maneuver over an opponent’s stick), and push-passes (quickly getting the ball to a teammate). The Celts line up in a 3-3-4 formation, with four forwards, three mids, and three defenders. This structure helps the team retain offensive possession while spreading the field.
Traditions also play a major role in building team spirit. The Celts enjoy an annual outing to an Ohio State field hockey game, Halloween practice in costume, a tie-dye party before the homecoming parade, and team meals before away games. This year’s schedule has taken the girls across central Ohio—from Lancaster to Bexley—with rivalry games closer to home. The Celts opened their season against Olentangy Liberty, faced rival Dublin Coffman on October 1, and will closed out the regular season against Upper Arlington on October 8 at Jerome.