By TIM TAYLORValley Sports Report
TIOGA CENTER — Tioga’s Abbie Engelbert will be playing field hockey in New England next season after signing her National Letter of Intent to become a Corsair during a group signing ceremony held here Tuesday.
“I chose UMass because they have a really good academic program for law, and I also chose them because I've been in contact with their coach for a long time, and their team … we got along instantly, and I really just love the field hockey program, and their whole law program's really good.”
Engelbert offers the Corsairs plenty of stick-wielding experience.
“I've been playing field hockey since I was three years old,” she said. “I grew up on the field. I play outside. I play year-round. I'm very strong on the forward line, and I think that's what I have to offer — just a lot of excitement and motivation to keep playing and hype up the team.”
“I've been able to coach her for the last few years, but she has been playing field hockey since she's been old enough to pick up a stick,” said coach Aubrey Worthing. “She has such a love for the game and it is apparent in the way that she shows up every day. It's easy to see the highlights and the stats, and the success on game day, but what you don't always see is the work behind it. The early mornings, the long weekends away, the leadership and the commitment to getting better every single day.
“Not only does Abbie play here at Tioga, but she is also on a travel team, so she is basically playing all year round, and this commitment, hard work and dedication is what got her here today.
“I also want to recognize the family behind her success,” Worthing added. “None of this happens without you guys, your sacrifices, support and encouragement, and coach would be proud.
“I have no doubt you will continue to succeed at the next level because of the person you are and the work ethic you bring every day. Our program is proud of you, love you all the way and we will be cheering you on every step of your way. Congratulations, and I can't wait to see what's next.”
Athletic director Jim Wood praised all eight of the athletes who signed.
“It's a culmination of their hard work and their dedication, and the culmination of their high school careers,” he said. “It's also the beginning of another phase in their life, which is something that's going to be more meaningful than Tioga, and I don't say that lightly. Those of you that are up here today, congratulations. All that hard work, the extra hours you put in, the time that mom and dad have taken to travel to get you to where you need to be and get you to this point, it's all been worth it.”
“It is not by coincidence that you hear about leadership, extra effort, all the different dedications across time from all of these up here,” said principal Jim Howey. “It is a statistical fact that only seven percent of high school athletes go on to play in college.” Almost double that number, 13 percent of the Tioga Central Class of 2026, have chosen to compete at the collegiate level.
Howey went on to ask those in attendance to applaud the athletes and for the athletes to return the applause to their parents and other supporters for their contributions. He also reminded the athletes they can always count on the people back home for support.
“When it gets tough, don't be afraid to reach home and say, ‘Hey, I need a little bit of loving.’ But stay where you're at. It's going to get tough. Just like it was tough here, you just don't remember those times. Okay? The final thing I want to tell you here is you're excellent.
“You've already excelled. The roof is yours to decide on. I wish you all the best. You're always welcome to come home, and you better stay where you're at and succeed because that's what we expect of you.”
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PHOTOS BY TIM TAYLOR.
