Episcopal Academy’s Maddie Rehak is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week

The junior forward, a first team All-InterAc and All-Main Line field hockey selection as a sophomore, closed out her 2017 field hockey campaign in style, scoring four goals in the final week of the season, including the game-winner in the 2-1 victory against Agnes Irwin on EA/AIS Day. She finished the season with 22 goals and eight assists. Last fall, she scored 17 goals in 22 games and dished out 12 assists. She was selected for the 2017 National Futures Championships, and as a member of WC Eagles played a key role in her team winning a gold medal at the National Field Hockey Festival. A three-sport athlete, she also participates in lacrosse and track at EA.

Q: What was your most vivid memory of EA-Agnes Irwin Day – can you share it with us?

A: The second goal we scored, I deflected in off of a corner. It was in the last five minutes of the game and put us in the lead in a very tough contest. This goal being scored was, by far, my favorite memory of EA/AIS Day. Everyone on the team ran in for a hug and we celebrated it on the field alongside our classmates, teachers, and other supporters who came out and were cheering for us on the sideline the whole game.

Q: Have you always played forward? What do you think are the most important attributes for a forward?

A: I started playing field hockey when I was seven years old. Until fifth grade, I was playing almost every position on the field, even goalie when the team needed me. In fifth grade, I started to understand the physical and mental tactics of the game. When I played forward, it started clicking for me and I loved it and I have played that position ever since. I think the most important attributes to be a forward is speed, ball quickness, being scrappy and desire.

Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game? What part of your game are you working the most on at the present time?

A: I think the strongest part of my game is my desire and speed. I am quick in the circle with shots and decision making and I will do whatever it takes for my team to succeed. Moving to the indoor season, I will be working on physical fitness, strength and conditioning, and tightening up my stick skills. I am going to be working hard this year before our fall season comes around again because in 2018, EA plans to take back the Inter-Ac field hockey title and the PAISAA championship.

Q: Tell us a little about your experience at 2017 National Futures Championships – what was your most memorable experience there?

A: My Region 7 field hockey team did very well in NFC’s this year. We placed fifth overall, but I thought that it was really nostalgic because my team consisted of people I knew and grew up with from my elementary school and previous club in Maryland. My favorite experience was our game against the Pennsylvania top team, with all of the players that also play in the Inter-Ac and at WC Eagles. It was obviously a very tough match, but it was very high level play going head -to-head against those girls. We only fell short one goal and that team won the tournament.

Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.

A: I look forward to every game day, especially league games. Everyone wears their game day school uniform and when we see a teammate in the hallway we hype them up and get excited for our game later in the day. At home games, we go early into the locker room with our speaker and blast music screaming all the words to get ready for the game. We leave the locker room together and we all hit the “EA” sticker above the door on the way out.

Q: What originally sparked your interest in field hockey?

A: In elementary school, the social aspect was really what brought me to play field hockey but when I started I loved how difficult and fun it was with my original recreational team. I played with that same team of girls for eight years, creating my love for team camaraderie in a competitive atmosphere.

Q: Who have been your top field hockey mentors, and what has been the most important thing each of them taught you?

A: All of my coaches have had a huge impact in my field hockey career. Coach Michelle Webber, Hymax Field Hockey Club, helped me find my love for the game and desire to compete. The Kentwells and Guy from WC Eagles, elevated my tactical and stick skills and took my play to a new level. However, with all of these amazing coaching experience and opportunities, Coach [Gina] Buggy has not only helped me mature as a player but as a student and a person. Being my academic advisor and coach, we have a very close relationship. I could not begin to list the things she has taught me, but if I had to pick one it would be that working hard will produce results. She inspires me to put my best effort forward everyday and is the key component of our team’s success.

Q: What has been your most memorable experience with EA field hockey?

A: My most memorable experience with EA field hockey would have to be my freshman season. Throughout the fall, we were ranked No. 4 in the nation. It was a very exciting season, from our Friday night EA/AIS Day game under the lights, to our PAISSA championship game. I had the opportunity to start and play alongside national team members and other amazing players. At the end of the season we were Inter-Ac champions, PAISAA champions, and were undefeated.

Q: What has been your most memorable experience with the WC Eagles?

A: My most memorable experience at WC Eagles would be winning a gold medal at National Field Hockey Festival. It was a huge tournament in Florida and we were in one of the top pools. We blew out every game, mostly shutouts with 10-15 goals per game, where I, playing center forward, scored half of the goals. Not only did we win, but we were a close team, worked very well together, and were basically unstoppable.

Q: What do you think you would like to major in at college? Is there a career field that particularly interests you at the present time?

A: Right now, I am very interested in business and international affairs. After my undergraduate degree,  I plan on attending law school.

Q: Do you participate in any extracurricular activities at EA outside of athletics?

A: I am an active member of the Community Service Club and look forward to working in the community each year. I am also in the Diversity Awareness Club at EA, which is important to me. I am very involved in the music and theatre department at EA. I have been a member of our elite Vocal Ensemble since my freshman year and have performed in New Orleans, Washington D.C., and places around the suburbs of Philadelphia. I have also been involved in our spring musicals at EA since my freshman year, as well.

Fun facts – Maddie Rehak

Favorite book: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kesey.

Favorite TV show: The Vampire Diaries.

Favorite movie: Unbroken.

Favorite athlete: Melissa Gonzalez.

Favorite team: Baltimore Orioles.

Favorite place to visit: Nantucket.

Favorite color: Green.

Family members: Kurt (father), Melissa, Reese, Macy.

(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)