RETURN ENGAGEMENT: Stuart Country Day field hockey coach Missy Bruvik makes a point during a game this fall. Bruvik enjoyed her return to the helm of the program which she led to several county and prep titles during her first tenure in guiding the Tartans for 21 years through the 2006 season. A young Stuart squad showed improvement this fall as it went 3-14-1.
(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Missy Bruvik knew that she faced a challenge as she returned for her second act as the head coach of the Stuart Country Day field hockey team.

“It was a season where we had only four returning varsity players,” said Bruvik, who led the program to several county and prep titles during her first tenure in guiding the Tartans for 21 years through the 2006 season.

“We wanted to see the growth of the new varsity players and see how they could handle things.”

Although Stuart went just 3-14-1 this fall, Bruvik saw marked progress as the season unfolded.

“We had a tough schedule; despite the record I was proud of how the kids played,” said Bruvik.

“They showed tenacity. Some games it might be there for 30 minutes but it was always there.”

In the team’s season finale, the Tartans showed tenacity from the opening minute to the final whistle as they fell 1-0 at Morristown-Beard in the opening round of the state Prep B playoffs.

“I thought we played great,” asserted Bruvik. “We played a really strong 60-minute game. It was one of our best games of the season. We had an all-out effort.”

Bruvik got some strong leadership from senior stars Olivia Neubert and Nikki Starke.

“I think they really embraced what the season was about; they were great about working with the young kids and doing some coaching,” said Bruvik.

“They let them know what it is all about in terms of rivalries and how important the games were. They had positive quotes everyday. You hope to see intangibles like that from your senior leaders.”

Juniors Amy Hallowell, Megan Shannon, and goalie Margaret LaNasa emerged as key performers. “I was thrilled to have Amy back; we had so few upperclassmen with experience and she played so hard.

“Megan Shannon was also a big help. They were unsung leaders; they did their jobs well. Margaret grew so much over the season; it was a testament to her work ethic and Gia’s [assistant coach and former star goalie Gia Fruscione] work with her. She took a lot of shots; we played a lot of quality foes this year. I think she is going to be really good next year.”

Stuart’s corps of freshmen has the potential be a really good group for the program. “They played so tough; they are some good young athletes who are new to the game,” said Bruvik, whose freshmen included Catherine Donahue, Tori Hannah, Julia Maser, Sam Servis, Kathleen Walsh, Emma Froehlich, and Elena Bernewitz.

“They are learning the game and how to play with each other. It takes time to learn to play together and get used to where people are going to be on the field. It was all about that sense of improvement, seeing where we were in the beginning of the season and how far we have come. They will have that much more knowledge as a team when we get out there next year.”

Bruvik, for her part, had a great year in making her return to head coaching. “I felt it was really rewarding, I enjoyed everything about it,” said Bruvik.

“I was really lucky to get a group like this that was eager to learn and work hard. I am excited about next year.”