Last week, the Tabb High School field hockey team reached a historic milestone—100 consecutive wins. A key contributor to the Tigers’ continued success is senior midfielder and Penn State commit, Kira Trader. We're excited to name Kira Trader of Yorktown, Virginia, as this week’s Player of the Week.
While Kira is now a standout in field hockey, her athletic journey actually began on the ice. Encouraged by a friend, she first tried ice hockey and was drawn to its speed and intensity. But after picking up a field hockey stick, she quickly fell in love with the sport and never looked back.
Her passion and dedication have paid off on both the high school and national stages. In 2024, Kira traveled to the Netherlands with the U16 U.S. National Team to compete in the prestigious Four Nations Junior Tournament, one of the highest honors for a youth player.
Despite the accolades, Kira remains focused on the present. She says her team’s main goal this season is simple: “give their all in every game and practice.” For Kira, success isn’t measured by wins or recognition, but by the joy of playing the sport she loves. Her advice to younger athletes? “Always remember why you are playing, and have fun no matter what!”
Kira brings that positive mindset to the entire team. To get everyone energized before a game, she plays upbeat tracks like “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers and “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo. Her goal is to keep things light and fun because when the Tigers are enjoying themselves and playing for one another, they’re unstoppable.
One of Kira’s favorite memories this season was the September 14 matchup against rival Poquoson. She said the team felt more connected than ever, hustling for every play and feeding off each other’s energy on the field.
Looking ahead, Kira and her teammates are determined to keep their undefeated streak alive through the rest of the season. The road won’t be easy, especially as they prepare for the State Tournament, but with their strong work ethic and team spirit, Kira believes they’re ready for any challenge that comes their way.
