February 3, 2021

Lions, Mustangs earn MFHA all-academic status

 Mount View's Fowler, Belfast's Woods, Wheeler earn classy distinction

By Staff | Feb 01, 2021

While the Maine Field Hockey Association did not bestow All-State awards this fall — due to the season being shortened for some schools or canceled for others — the organization did honor those that gave their all in the classroom.

Sadie Wheeler and Emily Woods were chosen to the all-academic team for Belfast Area High School, while Macy Fowler of Mount View High School in Thorndike also was selected.

Fowler, a center forward and co-captain, compiled eight goals and three assists in six games this season, while tabulating 14 goals and seven assists during her high school career.

She also is a member of the National Honor Society and has been part of Maine Majestic and Black Bear Elite. She also was the Mustangs' top stroker this season.

"I would have nominated her for All-State as well as for the [Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference] All-Conference first team this year if not for COVID-19,” said Mount View coach Gloria Hewett. “She has been a strong, dedicated player for all four years of high school. She was also a leader for my youth camp and was a camp counselor for every year of high school, helping to teach young players the game of field hockey.”

Belfast coach Jan Holmes-Jackson said Woods and Wheeler “have been a big part of Belfast field hockey’s success over the past two years and they both will be greatly missed.”

Woods, who played right mid and was a team captain this season, compiled one goal and four assists in the fall and three goals and six assists throughout her high school career.

“Emily has always worked at 100 percent on and off the field,” said Jackson. “She demonstrated great teamwork communication and leadership. Emily was a big part of our success in 2019 being northern Maine runner-up and also this year with a record of 6-0  and not allowing any goals."

Wheeler, who played right back and is a talented flyer on defensive penalty corners, also was a captain. She finished with one goal and one assist — along with three defensive saves — was “a great leader on and off the field [and] she is very much a team player always giving 100 percent," the coach said.

Woods also received the coach’s award for Belfast and Wheeler the “hustle” award.

"I am very proud to have coached Emily and Sadie," Holmes-Jackson said. "They have been a big part of Belfast field hockey’s success over the past two years and they both will be greatly missed."

The MFHA is a nonprofit organization that works to promote the sport. Its members mostly consist of high school coaches.

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