Probably one of the most important players on a field hockey team- you can't win without a good goalie.
Only the toughest and strongest
girls can be good field hockey goalies. They are brave enough to let
girls drive balls at over 90mph straight at them. Most people think that goalies are just one big wall of padding, but some pads have gaps in coverage that can result in extremely painful injuries if
hit. Imagine getting
hit with a
ball going over 90mph, straight in your thigh or
hip- that's what it's like to be a goalie. Balls often pop up, so goalies need to deal with shots to the arms, hips, and thighs.
Goalies have to be quick and agile, even in bulky pads. Not only is it a physical game for goalies, but it's mental, too. Goalies have to be able to bounce back quickly if (god forbid) a goal is scored on them. If an offender, middie or defender misses the
ball, there's always a chance to reclaim possession. If a goalie misses a
ball or misjudges her timing, then the other team scores. Offenders, mids, or defenders take
heat for not winning the game, but the goalies take
heat for loosing the game. Goalies have a hard
job because if the defenders aren't doing what they're supposed to do, or are playing like crap, then the goalie has no hope, and will still be blamed for the loss.
Goalies are tough, courageous, determined, and extremely skilled players in one of the most aggressive
sports out there. There's no one else like them.