Going into her third year as a starter for the varsity field hockey team, captain Sydney Meltzer (12), was named the first female Athlete of the Month for the school year.
Meltzer is entering her sixth year playing field hockey, starting in 2018 with HTC Field Hockey Club. She began her high school career on the junior varsity team and was pulled up to varsity at the end of her freshman year to play in the CIF Open Division playoffs.
Meltzer demonstrated her “consistency and determination as an athlete,” Courtney Kun, the varsity field hockey head coach at the school, said.
“She was a key player on varsity for two years prior to being captain,” Kun said. “She really does show up and plays her hardest every practice and game. She is reliable and the girls all look to her when they need help on the field.”
Meltzer is seen as a leader on and off the field, in addition to her skill set, which set her up for success as captain of the team.
“Sydney was chosen to be captain due to her off season field hockey commitments, her skill level, past experience on the varsity roster as a starter, overall work ethic and her passion for the sport/this team,” Kun said.
Meltzer’s value to the team led her to being chosen to be the varsity captain this year.
“She leads the team by example at every practice and game, and has begun to really step up with her voice by coaching the younger girls around her,” Kun said.
Not only is Meltzer a hard and reliable worker, but “Sydney is just a down to earth and kind young woman, someone who is easy to get along with and is very relatable,” Kun said. “The younger girls on our team flock to her.”
A captain’s role is not only to be assertive and communicative with teammates and coaches, but also to serve as a positive role model.
“She’s always there as a helping hand at practice, not only making sure everyone is on task but also is enjoying the sport and enhancing their skills as an athlete,” Greta Rucks, a right back on varsity field hockey (11), said.
Meltzer helped lead the team to four consecutive Avocado League titles and a CIF Open Division championship in 2023, thanks to her “consistent work ethic at each practice and game.” Throughout her career, she has celebrated the victories and grieved the losses alongside her teammates.
“In the past year, Sydney helped lead our team to win with her consistent work ethic at each practice and game,” Kun said. “She always shows up, and never has an off day.”
The varsity field hockey team has met many successes with Meltzer on the starting roster.
“I would say our biggest successes were the playoff games last year,” Meltzer said. “Almost every game was against a big rival for us and we stepped up and won CIFS.”
Off the field, Meltzer is also a leader in academics, enrolled in multiple advanced courses and interning at a local start-up.
“She is a strong role model on and off the field, as she is enrolled in all AP classes, has an internship … and is part of the HTC field hockey club,” Kun said.
The life of a student athlete takes a toll on some, but Meltzer shares how she has managed to keep balance.
“I try to balance my time by making sure I do as much homework I can either during school with extra time or in between school and practice,” Meltzer said. “Most importantly, I avoid procrastination.”
The field hockey team is starting the season strong, as they have taken home six wins, compared to only three losses and one tie.
“I’m excited to see how our team does this year, and how we can all improve as athletes.” Meltzer said.
