Number 48 stops Central Bucks West from scoring their goal, and the crowd cheers, but it sounds like there is more cheering then the usual save would summon. That is because Charlotte Gozzard, a senior and goalie on the Pennridge Girls Field Hockey team, just hit her goal of reaching her 200th career varsity save at the Pink Out game.
“It felt great. It was such an amazing accomplishment that my team, my family, and my friends were so supportive of,” Gozzard recalls. She had been aiming to reach this goal for the past couple of games, knowing it was coming soon but still waiting in anticipation for her moment. “One thing that I love about being a goalie is that it is a unique position with unique moments like this one that not many people get the chance to have,” she stated. Being a goalie comes with experiences as special as this one but isn’t always a picture perfect moment. “A lot of times, being a goalie means that you’re alone or isolated from the team because you’re stuck in that circle while everyone else is running up and down the field, so that can differentiate you from the team spirit of the field players. I am so glad that I was able to share this moment with my team despite that. My favorite part of playing field hockey on this amazing team is the sportsmanship between all of us.” Gozzard shares.
Gozzard wouldn’t be in the place she’s in now without her teammates. Gozzared remarked, “Ella, a sophomore who is a goalie as well, has influenced me so much. She pushes me to do better in every game and practice. We are very competitive with each other which helps push me to be the best that I can be. I couldn’t have done this last season without her.” When asked how it feels to be on a team with Gozzard, Colleen Firmstone, who plays defense on the team, replied, “Being on a team with Charlotte for the past four years has been amazing. I have gotten to see her grow as an individual and as a player. I have gotten to see her accomplishments and milestones that she has worked so hard to get.” Katie Leatherman, who plays defense on the team, commented, “It’s amazing to be on the same team as Charlotte. We have really been able to bond over our love for field hockey. I know she will always be there to talk to and hype me up when I’m not feeling up for a game or practice. She is always inspiring me from the cage.”
