Congratulations to Shae Wozniak, a senior forward/midfielder from Conestoga High School in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, on being named the 2024 National and Pennsylvania Player of the Year! Shae scored 32 goals coupled with 22 assists in her final season at Conestoga, taking her career statistics totals to 139 goals and 60 assists. In 2024, she earned honors as AAA First Team All-State, First Team Central League, Daily Local News All-Area First Team, All-Main-Line First Team, MAXFH and NFHCA First Team All-American, MAXFH and NFHCA All-Pennsylvania First Team, MAXFH HSNI All-Tournament First Team, and MAXFH Preseason Player to Watch. Shae’s career at Conestoga was characterized by hard work and resilience, allowing her to achieve all of her high school field hockey goals, which she shared in an interview with us.
Q: How did your journey in field hockey begin? What does this accomplishment mean to you in relation to your time spent involved in the sport?
A: I first began playing field hockey in second grade and played for a recreational league called Flast Flicks. I eventually started playing club at Mainline Mayhem and then, starting my freshman year, I played for Conestoga Field Hockey. My whole life has been dedicated to the sport, whether it be traveling for tournaments, constant training, or months of preparation for the season. This accomplishment has made me reflect on how much support I have had over the years from coaches and teammates who always push me to be my best every time I play.
Q: What do you love most about field hockey?
A: The bonds that you create while playing field hockey are truly incomparable. I've been so fortunate to work with skilled coaches who have not only guided me on the field but ingrained values in me off the field. Over the years, having played on various teams, meeting new people has always been something I've loved most. The friendships that field hockey has given me I will cherish forever. The people genuinely create the sport, and I have always had nonstop support when achieving my field hockey aspirations.
Q: What were your field hockey goals entering your senior year at Conestoga? Were there any routines, skills, or drills on which you focused over the summer in preparation for the season to work toward achieving those goals?
A: It has always been my goal to win a state championship, so entering senior year, my mind was set on achieving that. During preseason, the focus was on skill repetition, and we did a lot of high-intensity stick work and shooting exercises. Most of the energy that is brought to games is fueled by the friendly competitiveness we have at practices. Along with technical skills, we also emphasized an importance on mental strength. Before games, it was always routine for us to have a "Mindful Minute" before we stepped on the field, allowing us time to mentally focus on the game and visualize our success on the field.
Q: What did being a captain for Conestoga in 2024 mean to you? How did it feel making history, leading your team to its first PIAA 3A state title?
A: As a captain, especially on a team that has won its first state title, has filled me with an immense amount of pride. I was proud to have watched the growth of an amazing group of girls and to know that I filled my role as a team leader throughout the season. I'm especially grateful to have had such an unforgettable experience with the Conestoga Field Hockey program, which culminated in winning a state title my senior year. To say that we are the first team to achieve this title is an honor.
Q: Name your proudest moment or a significant response to a setback from the season.
A: After losing districts to Villa two weeks before the state finals, I believe my and the team's primary emphasis was on how we would rebound in the state playoffs following the loss. We wanted to extend our season as long as possible, so we worked even harder during practices and played with grit every game through the state playoffs. I was proud of our relentless resilience following the loss. When we faced Villa again, we were prepared with a readjusted game strategy and greater composure, allowing us to pull away with the state title.
Shae will relocate from Pennsylvania to North Carolina in the fall of 2025 to continue her academic and athletic career at Duke University!
