1. The Legacy of
Pierson
Field Hockey

2. To the Team of 2013
…You brought together more than just a (much
needed) Championship title…
Photo Credit: Cailin Riley from the Southampton Press

3. “I could write a book of all the fantastic people I coached at Pierson!
There was nothing more rewarding than to see a team come together and strive for their
goals. We had our opportunities to go to Syracuse and the States. All special. We shared
many great memories-good and bad.
So to the Coaches, players and parents of the 2013 Championship team of Pierson I am
jealous of your opportunity to go for the gold!
Nothing will replace this experience. Keep up the great work, have each others back and
kick some butt!!!!!!!!!!
As Kate(Lo-Lo) Berkoski said you have SO MUCH support! Lets hear from you alum!!!!
Keeping ROARING(loved the video India)!!!!!!!!”
Coach Deborah Jayne

4. “There is nothing more memorable than making it (as a team) to the state championships. I
have AMAZING memories of that 7-hour hike up to Syracuse with my team so many years
ago. Those feelings of excitement, nervousness, sportsmanship and of course passion to WIN
are feelings that will stick with you for your lifetime. My high school friends and I still talk
about our three consecutive trips to the states, along with the laughs, the hard work and
even the sobbing, (when we lost, even though we came so close).
No matter what, remember that the entire town is rooting you on whether you win or lose.
We are so very proud of you. We are here to support you girls and your efforts at kicking
some butt! I wish you girls all the best. I think I remember even coaching some of you in
middle school and it's awesome to see you succeed at something you love. You have a great
coach that has led you this far and will continue to lead you to victory. Great job, Shannon!
Good luck Lady Whalers!
Sticks in, stir it up!
PP-PIE-EE-ERS-SS-SON - PIERSON WHALERS, GO FIGHT, WIN!”
-Kate Lowe Berkoski (1996,
1997 and 1998)

5. “Good Luck Lady Whalers from the 2004 Senior Players!”
-Jen Venesina 2004 Senior

6. “Fall down seven times, get up eight.”
-Bethany Semlear 2006-2007 Senior
“Talent wins games, but teamwork wins championships. Do
work girls <3”
-Sariah Cafiero 2011-12 Senior
“Some of the best years of my life!! The memories we shared
on and off the field I cherish for life.”
-Kate Wils 1996-2000

7. “Winning means you’re willing to go longer, work
harder, and give more than anyone else.”
-Robyn Mott (Bramoff) 2000 Senior
“Bring Home the Hardware!” (Classes 1996-2000)
Photo Credit: Kate Wils

8. "Somewhere behind the athlete you’ve become and the hours of
practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in
love with the game and never looked back… play for her.” – Mia Hamm
You got this girls!!! Play hard & with heart!!
-Tara Maxwell
(Patras) 1998 Senior

9. “Once you start playing hockey, it stays in your blood forever. Being on a team,
especially one as unique as Pierson, teaches you life long lessons and prepares you
for your future. I have learned so much from playing, coaching, watching, and
involving myself in anything having to do with the sport. If it wasn’t for Pierson field
hockey I would have never achieved the accomplishments I did, I would have never
met some of my lifelong friends, and I would have never been given the support that
I was given. I would do just about ANYTHING to be able to play on that field today!
So with that being said, play your hearts out! Stick together as a team! And lead
yourselves to be the next CLASS C STATE CHAMPIONS!”
-Abby Gawronski 2009-2010 Senior
(At 2013 Semi-Final Game)
Photo Credit: Kevin Duchemin

10. “Oh boy.....where do I start.....if I could only go back and do it all again....have the time
of your lives!!! Enjoy every single second!!! The feeling before a big game....there is
nothing like it! Go out there and be the best you can be....we are all supporting you back
here at home!!!”
-Elisa Lattanzio Carney 1987-1991
“It’s been so fun covering this team for the
Southampton Press, and extra special
because of how much field hockey meant
to me many years ago. Excited for
the weekend!” 
-Cailin Riley 1996-2000

11. “Realize your dream. Work as a team. Play as a team!”
“Best of luck girls!”
–Alyssa Lantiere 2007-2008 Senior

12. “A comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing ever grows
there” –unknown
“If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting the rest of
our lives.” –Lemony Snicket
- Vanessa Rojano 2009-2010 Senior
“Look at my butt when I cut!” –Coach Judge
-Lindsay Warne 2010-2011 Senior

13. “Seeing all of this brings back such great memories of our
trip to the States (1997) and cheering on the team while I
was at Syracuse in college. Enjoy every moment. You have
worked hard and deserve this shot. Play your game and
play hard, stick together and hold your head up high. No
matter the outcome, you have a hometown (and beyond)
that is extremely proud of you.You've got this!”
–Beth Lenox Cangemi 1997 Senior

14. “I swear we never, ever, think, dream (nightmare) about going
back and actually winning!!  Cailin Riley and I regularly
discuss why there is quicksand in our dreams keeping us from
running faster or how we can’t play because we show up game
time and forgot our shin guards or stick. (Ok so those last two
probably really happened, but you get the point.) Number one
place I’d go to with a time machine. Hope you girls can bring
home the gold!!! We are owed one (or three)!! Go kick some butt
ladies!!!!!!!!!!”
-Jaime Mott 1996-2000

15. “It's not over until the whistle blows...play till the
end and play hard good luck girls!!!”
-Sarah Mayer 2007-2008 Senior
"So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And
remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you
succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed)
Kid, you'll move mountains.” - Dr. Seuss
-Danielle Leggard 2010-2011 Senior

16. “Best of luck from the Seniors of 2006!!”
-Heather Geddie Mistich

17. “People don’t play sports because its fun. Ask any athlete, most of them
hate it, but they couldn’t imagine their life with out it. Its part of them,
the love/hate relationship. Its what they live for. They live for the
practices, parties, cheers, long bus rides, invitationals, countless pairs of
different types of shoes, water, Gatorade, & coaches you hate but
appreciate. They live for the way it feels when they beat the other team,
and knowing those two extra sprints they ran in practice were worth it.
They live for the way they become a family with their team, they live for
the countless songs they sing in their head while training all those hours.
They live for the competition, they live for the friends, the practices, the
memories, the pain, its who they are. It’s who we are" –unknown
-Nina Hemby 2010-2011 Senior

18. “I have hundreds of memories from being a part of Deborah Jayne’s
hockey brood. Irreplaceable and cherished! You have an army of
support and pride behind you ladies- fight like hell and bring it
home!”
-Tracey Parker Graham (1985-1988)

19. “This weekend is going to be the most exciting, nerve-racking, and
memorable experience. You are going to remember these next two
games forever. For the seniors I am so proud that you guys made it to
states again, I wish I could be playing with you guys one more time. Each
and every one if you girls should be so proud of yourselves for coming
this far it is an amazing journey. Just remember as long as you leave your
heart on the field and to breath during stressful times (believe me there
will be many) you will have an amazing impact on the school and
yourself. Give it your all and show everyone that you have the will to
win. Love you girls!!!”
-Catherine Musnicki 2011-2012 Senior

20. “My best high school memories were on that field hockey field, where I
played beside lifelong friends and was coached by one of my personal
heroes. While I never made it to states as a player, I was able to go and cheer
on the girls in the late 90's in Syracuse. It was an amazing, memorable
experience for everyone. Enjoy every minute of it, ladies. We'll be cheering
you on from afar. We're proud of you.”
–Karin Schroeder 1993 Senior

21. “Congrats 2013 Pierson Field Hockey! Bring home the
hardware and let's give the town the best parade it has
EVER seen on Sunday!”
-Coach Truland
“Good Luck Lady Whalers! We are all rooting for you 
enjoy every moment of it! Nothing like the game of field
hockey. It’s still in my blood! Xoxo”
–Caroline Whelan 2003 Senior

22. "We have a heard of gold, and that's what this
medal is right here. It's a team that will never give
up." -Joey Hagerty,
“YOU are a heard of gold. You've got skill,
you've got heart, you've got drive. You are
Lady Whalers. Bring it home again, ladies!!”
-JocelynnThommen 2007- 2008 Senior

23. “All of your hard work and dedication has brought
you this far, now just bring it even harder! And no
matter what happens, always remember the friends
you made that on that field and the memories you
will always share. WHAAAAALEHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
-Mariah Marienfeld 2008 Senior

24. "Somewhere behind the athlete you've become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have
pushed you, is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back...play for her." -Mia Hamm
"Love
is
playing
every
game
as
if
it's
your
last."
-Michael
Jordan
“I can assure you that when I stepped on the field as a freshman, that I would have never expected to fall
in love with a sport that I had to bend to play and use only one side of the stick. What I learned was that
playing hockey was one of the best experiences of my life! I learned to be part of something bigger and to
be part of a true team. A pitcher in softball can alone make or break a team, and a shooting guard with a
strong center can win a game of basketball, but it takes every single player on the field to succeed in
hockey. I have not only had the privilege of playing and learning from amazing coaches at Pierson but
then was given the opportunity to coach JV just out of college. Pierson athletes continue to have more
heart
than
any
other
athletes
I've
ever
met.
Girls- Play like it's your last game whether it is or not, have no regrets when the whistle blows, and
remember that the reason you have worked so hard is for the love you have for the game and each other!
I'll have the aerial ladder ready to bring you home as the champions you are!”
-Heidi Fordham Wilson

25. UCONN Hockey camp!! Aka HELL WEEK 
- Deanna (Beyer) 2004-2005 Senior

26. “Go girls! Our team from '92 only made it to counties before getting stuck in a
hell cycle of corners that we couldn't get out of (it was a 2 day game as a result
of those damn corners!). Have an amazing time - you've earned it, and you've
got tons of alums pulling for you!”
-Rachel Carben 1992 Senior
“Bring everything to the field on Saturday; your passion, your desire,
and all of your talent. Some of you girls have been working towards this
since you could barely hold a hockey stick. It’s been so cool to see all of
you girls grow up and become incredible field hockey players. You girls
deserve this title, so go out there and take it. Love you all and wish I
could be there to see you win it! FEAR THE SPEAR.”
–Aly Bori 2009-2010 Senior

27. “And if you don’t enjoy every step of the way, you might regret it. And
that would be sad, to regret a talent that you were given.”
(Candy graham quote that has been tacked to my wall since high school)
“The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have
the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play
together the club won’t be worth a dime.” –Babe Ruth
“Do work in ‘cuse and keep making us proud :D”
– Anna Verneuille 2008-2009 Senior
Fall 2008s seniors walking off the field after our last home game, then the infamous senior-run practice!
-Samanthe Federico 2008-2009 Senior

28. “Congrats Girls! I hope you will remember these as
some of the best times you had high school like so
many of us that came before. This is my sister and I in
1988- Debbie Jayne was an amazing coach, friend
and mentor to our team. Best memories!”
-Christina DeSanti 1988 Senior

29. “Be very proud because you are already champs! PHS is a special place- do
you feel the love and support of all the amazing women who have sweated
and laughed and limped and banged sticks on your home field, wearing the
scarlet and black? Do you feel all of us with you? Use that energy! Give
everything you have to give. Play with your heart and mind and body in
sync- and play as a team. This is your moment! Have fun!!! Tear it up Lady
Whalers!”
-Sarah Cardone 1990-1991 Senior
“GOOD LUCK LADIES!!!!!”
–Tara Maxwell (Patras)

30. “GO BIG OR GO HOME! Leave everything on the field!
Enjoy every second and live in the moment, your hard
work has paid off so do not give up now!! Fight till the
end! So proud to have been a Lady Whaler!!!”
-Samantha Spehler 2004-2005 Senior

31. State Finalists 2010
" Gold medals aren't really made of gold. They're made of
sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called
guts.”~Dan Gable
-Samantha James 2010-2011 Senior

32. “I am so proud of all of you and I know how hard you worked to get here. It means so much to
be a member of just an incredible team. The legacy of Pierson field hockey is bigger than you
can imagine. People you have never met are sending you all of their support. These lady
whalers have stood right where you are standing, felt just like you are feeling and they played
their hearts out fighting for every inch of victory just like you have. I can guarantee this has
already been one of the most amazing experiences you have ever had, I know it was for me.
This is probably the most important game in your life. For some of you this is your last high
school game ever. For others this might be the last game you ever play. For everyone else, this
may be your one and only opportunity to take the gold at states. Take a moment to think
about how important this is and what it would mean to be a state champion. Right now you
have the chance to leave your mark on Pierson, to prove your strength and unity, to bring
home the gold and to celebrate one last time. So, go out there and have fun, take risks, and
play like you’ve never played before! We're behind you the whole way. Xoxox”
-Alexa Lantiere 2010-2011 Senior

33. Photo Cred: Kate Lowe Berkoski

34. “Good luck bring it all home, leave it all on the field.”
–Coach Truland
To the 2013 Team- Stir It Up and Open a Big Ol'
Can of WHOOP ASS!!!!
–Coach Jayne

35. And as a result…
“Holy crap!!! I’m
beyond excited for our
field hockey team! We
are so proud! This is
truly historical! Wish I
could have been there
to see it!”
“Congrats
Ladies!!”
“Holy Nail Biter!!!!!”
“Congrats Ladies!!
So Proud!”
“Congrats
ladies its about
time!!”
“Congratulations Lady Whalers! Such
an amazing accomplishment!”
“WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!! So
exciting!!!! Can I just say, why the
heck can’t it ever not be a nail
biter to the end?! We all age 10
years in these games! Sheesh!!!
Happy your 10 year aging was for
the GOLD!!!!!!!!!!”
“So freaking PROUD and
excited. Wishing I were there
to witness the big win!
Congrats ladies…You deserve
it. If I am ever in town, can I
just touch the hardware, just
once to know what it feels
like? Hahhaha seriously!!
YOU LADIES ROCK!!!!!”
“Congratulations girls way
to bring it home!!!”
“Couldn’t be happier
right now!!! Way to go
girls!!!! Everyone who’s
home needs to go show
those girls some love in
town!!!”
“Holy crap!!!!! What an
accomplishment!!!! I am so
psyched for you girls!!!!!”
Our “WE JUST WON!!” faces
“We have been in the bridal party many times, sometimes we were
even the maid of honor, finally we are the BRIDE! Way to go girls!”
“Congratulations ladies!
You rock!!!!!”
“Far above peconic waters”
“Congratulations!!!
Awesome Job!”
“Congratulations to the 2013 Pierson/Bridgehampton Lady Whalers Field Hockey STATE CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy
for you and your coaches!!!!! Reading all the posts from all the alumni who didn’t quite reach this goal- I can only believe
they are feeling a sigh of relief and happiness!!!!!! You girls deserve this!!! Safe travels home and enjoy Sag Harbor celebrate
your return!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”