Charlie Breitrose Watertown field hockey players celebrate a goal in the State Final win over Sandwich. The Raiders won back-to-back titles, and WHS’s 20th overall.
After winning the State Championship for the 20th time, Watertown High School’s field hockey team received praise from the School Committee, and the players were called inspirations who represent the community well.
The Raiders completed an undefeated, untied season on Nov. 19, defeating Sandwich in the MIAA Div. 3 State Final 2-0. The win gave Watertown back-to-back championships, and School Committee members told the players and coaches that they were proud of their accomplishments.
Even with the unblemished record and another state title, Watertown Head Coach Eileen Donahue said the accomplishments are still special for the Raiders.
“Our team does not take wins for granted, OK. We go through a big process. Along with working hard, there is so much preparation, commitment, and it’s not the easiest thing to go through,” Donahue said. “We’ve had a lot of funny moments and we had a lot of hard moments. It took a while for us to become a cohesive team, our team knows that if you can’t pull off a big accomplishment unless everyone is involved.”
She credited every member of the team, whether they were on the field for the state final or helped prepare for games during practices.
“They are all here to be recognized for a big accomplishment,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what level you are, how many years you’ve been playing or not. It is so important — and it has taken a while but we have finally gotten there — that everybody knows that one person cannot win the State Championship. Everyone’s role was important.”
Senior co-captain Maggie Driscoll said the team appreciated everything that “Miss Donahue” and her assistant coaches do for the team.
School Committee Chair Kendra Foley said that she admired the team’s dedication and attitude.
“I went to a number of games this year and what I noticed was the discipline you showed and it wasn’t just during the game,” Foley said. “It went from the minute you stepped on the field when you started warming up, to the moment you finished that game. You could see it in everything that you do and that’s unique and really special.”
Charlie Breitrose
The 2022 MIAA Div. 3 Field Hockey State Champions: Watertown High School. 
Mark Sideris spoke on behalf of not just the School Committee but the City Council, as he serves on both boards as the City Council President.
“On behalf of the City Council, as well, we are very proud of you,” Sideris said. “You represent the community well. We really appreciate the way you put yourselves together and represent the town the way it should be represented. We are very proud of you.”
This year’s team was special for School Committee member Amy Donohue.
“I’ve known most of these girls since they were born, so this is a very special group of girls for me,” Donohue said. “You have spent a lot of time in my house and I love you dearly. Congratulations! You guys have worked very hard. You should be very happy. I’m very proud and I know your parents are.”
School Committee member Lindsay Mosca said the WHS players serve as great role models for young Watertown athletes.
“What you all have accomplished, the way you play and the way you conduct yourselves, you are so inspiring,” Mosca said. “You are super exciting to watch. You have inspired so many young girls in the district to play. My own daughter plays and she plays because she loves watching you.”
Foley, a former WHS field hockey player, said that the players are continuing a tradition.
“You are inspiring, you might not know it,” Foley said. “The Driscoll girls (senior Maggie and junior Molly), your mom (Patty) inspired me and now you are inspiring a whole new generation of players and female athletes and that’s important. You are creating a tradition that is unique and special and you’re a really big part of it.”
She added that Donahue’s coaching over the years has set a high standard.
“I think about it a lot — what makes a great coach. And when I do, I think of you,” Foley said. “Thank you for what you have done for this community, for our female student athletes, and for our School District.”
Watertown Athletic Director Ryan Murphy said he has enjoyed watching the field hockey team as a fan, and said one of the Raiders’ hallmarks is modesty of the members of the team and the coaching staff. He wanted to give the team, and its coach, proper credit.
“Twenty state championships is just unheard of — phenomenal. One of the greatest coaches if not the greatest coach in the state,” Murphy said. “We’re very proud to call you our coach. We don’t say it enough. We really do appreciate you. I hope you coach forever. The staff and assistant coaches are incredible, and the players — you are so hard to beat. You practice so hard, 2 to 2.5 hours, always looking for perfection, never losing a game, playing a tough opponent in the state championship.
“I appreciate everyone. It really is truly special,” Murphy said. “You should enjoy it. Every season is different. I’m truly grateful to be a fan and be able to watch it.”
After winning the State Championship for the 20th time, Watertown High School’s field hockey team received praise from the School Committee, and were called inspirations.
The Raiders completed an undefeated, untied season on Nov. 19, defeating Sandwich in the MIAA Div. 3 State Final 2-0. The win gave Watertown back to back championships, and School Committee members told the players and coaches that they were proud of their accomplishments.
Even with the unblemished record and another state title, Watertown Head Coach Eileen Donahue said the accomplishments are still special for the Raiders.
“Our team does not take wins for granted, OK. We go though a big process. Along with working hard, there is so much preparation, commitment, and it’s not the easiest thing to go through,” Donahue said. “We’ve had a lot of funny moments and we had a lot of hard moments. It took a while for us to become cohesive team, our team knows that if you can’t pull off a big accomplishment unless everyone is involved.”
She credited every member of the team, whether they were on the field for the state final or participated in practices.
“They are all here to be recognized for a big accomplishment,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what level you are, how many years you’ve been playing or not, it is so important — and it has taken a while but we have finally gotten there — that everybody knows that one person cannot win the State Championship. Everyone’s role was import.”
Senior co-captain Maggie Driscoll said the team appreciated everything that “Miss Donahue” and her assistant coaches do for the team.
School Committee Chair Kendra Foley said that she admired the team’s dedication and attitude.
“I went to a number of games this year and what I noticed was the discipline you showed and it wasn’t just during the game,” Foley said. “It went from the minute you stepped on the field when started warming up, to the moment you finished that game. You could see it in everything that you do and that’s unique and really special.”
Charlie Breitrose
The 2022 MIAA Div. 3 Field Hockey State Champions: Watertown High School.
Mark Sideris spoke on behalf of not just the School Committee but the City Council, as he serves on both board as the City Council President.
“On behalf of the City Council, as well, we are very proud of the you,” Sideris said. “You represent the community well. We really appreciate the way you put yourselves together and represented the town the way it should be represented we are very proud of you.”
This year’s team had was special for School Committee member Amy Donohue.
“I’ve known most of these girls since they were born, so this is a very special group of girls for me. You have spent a lot of time in my house and I love you dearly. Congratulations! You guys have worked very hard. You should be very happy. I’m very proud and I know your parents are.”
School Committee member Lindsay Mosca said the team provides great role model for young Watertown athletes.
“What you all have accomplished, the way you play and way conduct yourselves, you are so inspiring,” Mosca said. “You are super exciting to watch. You have inspired so many young girls in the district to play. My own daughter plays and and she plays because she loves watching you.”
Foley, a former WHS field hockey player, said that the players are continuing a tradition.
“You are inspiring, you might not know it,” Foley said. “The Driscoll girls (senior Maggie and junior Molly), your mom (Patty) inspired me and now you are inspiring a whole new generation of players and female athletes and that’s important. You are creating a tradition that is unique and special and you’re a really big part of it.”
She added that Donahue’s coaching over the years has been amazing to watch.
“I think about it a lot — what makes a great coach. And when I do, I think of you,” Foley said. “Thank you for what you have done for this community, for our female student athletes, and for our School District.”
Watertown Athletic Director Ryan Murphy said he has enjoyed watching the field hockey team as a fan, and said one of the Raiders’ hallmarks is modesty of the members of the team and the coaching staff. He wanted to give them credit.
“Twenty state championships is just unheard of phenomenal. One of the greatest coaches if not the greatest coach in the state,” Murphy said. “I’m very proud to call you our coach. We don’t say it enough. We really do appreciate you. I hope you coach forever. The staff and assistant coaches are incredible, and the players — you are so hard to beat. You practice so hard, 2 to 2.5 hours, always looking for perfection, never losing a game, playing a tough opponent in the state championship.