By Andy Hutchison

WESTPORT–The top-ranked and defending Class L State Champion Staples field hockey team will embark on another title run when No. 9 Conard of West Hartford visits in the quarterfinal round of the state playoffs today at 2 pm.

The Wreckers are coming off a first-round bye. They are anticipated to make a deep run once again, if not challenge for and potentially capture another championship.

Staples’ longstanding success, including two straight state crowns, is a product of the dedication, commitment and effort of tremendous players and coaches. It takes a full team effort and contributions from team members throughout the lineup. But a name that has stood out–Larit–has had a notable role in these winning ways. 

This year’s squad has two Larit sisters and there have been three to take part in the Wrecker dominance with junior Leah Larit and freshman Katie Larit not only starters but major contributors on and off the score sheet. This year, Leah has scored 15 goals and assisted on another dozen scores. Katie has bagged five goals and four assists.

They followed sister Emma, a former Wrecker standout now playing at the University of Connecticut. This trio collectively helped the Wreckers win 33 consecutive games, a streak snapped by Darien in penalty strokes of this year’s FCIAC title match, two state crowns and an FCIAC title with three straight appearances in the FCIAC championship game.

“Larit girls always step up their play when needed. They are extremely coachable and incredibly gifted. We are lucky to have them in the Staples field hockey program,” Staples Coach Ian Tapsall said.

Field hockey has been a huge part of the Larit’s lives and it all started with Emma’s passion for the game, inspired by a trip to Holland with the impact of COVID-19 also playing a significant role in the girls latching onto the sport.

Emma Larit

Emma has been playing field hockey since fourth grade. She was inspired to play after taking a trip to visit family in Holland.

“I had the opportunity to go on the field after my uncle’s game and try and hit the ball. As soon as we got back to the U.S. I asked my parents to sign me up for field hockey,” Emma said.

She started playing with AGH, one of the largest field hockey programs in the northeast, at age 11. “Playing for AGH not only taught me skills and strategy, but about hard work, dedication, teamwork, and passion. Some of my best friends to this day are friends that I made through AGH and I know we will be lifelong friends,” Emma said. 

She has fond memories of National Club Championship competitions and reaching the pinnacle three times.

“I also had an incredible four years playing field hockey at Staples high school. Playing for Coach Ian and winning two State Championships were so much fun and the connection I had with all of my teammates are some of my favorite moments at Staples and playing field hockey. Playing at Staples will always hold great memories for me and it helped me become a leader on the field,” Emma said.

“I am also so happy that I got to play with my sister Leah at both Staples and AGH,” she added.

It is not all about winning — although that doesn’t hurt of course. From travel to teammates there is plenty of off-the-field enjoyment that goes long with the game action.

“There are so many things I love about playing field hockey. I love the game, competing and the community of amazing players and coaches that I have the opportunity to be around and play with,” said Emma, who has primarily been a midfielder throughout high school, club and now collegiate play. “I enjoy helping my team be successful.”

Now at the next level as a freshman in college, Emma is in a new chapter of her field hockey career.

“Playing at UConn these last couple of months has been exciting, challenging, and fun. I have really enjoyed getting to know my teammates and the level of field hockey is fast and so competitive which I love,” said Emma, who hopes to go into nursing at some point after graduation.

When Emma was younger she played soccer and lacrosse but chose to focus on field hockey as time went by. “I appreciate my time playing other sports as I think it really helped me become a good athlete,” the UConn freshman said.

Leah Larit

“The best part about field hockey for me is the competitive side to it. I love being able to compete and continue to work hard while also being alongside my friends.” said Leah, who likes her responsibility of playing in the midfield.

“I really enjoy it because I can have the ability to be a part of both sides of the field and have the space to go forward or backwards. My role on the team is to control the ball, create give-and-go opportunities throughout the field, get corners, and closely mark the other team’s center mid players.

“Getting to play with my teammates and some of my best friends is so cool because we all are really close and celebrate each other in many ways. This team picks each other up and motivates one another through the good and the bad plays and that’s what I love most about this team. We play with unity and fight and that’s what makes us successful.”

Leah has played since fifth grade. She started with the town programs and then when routines were altered by the coronavirus she got more serious about the sport. Each day Leah and her sisters went outside to play.

“Emma loved field hockey and since she played everyday outside I would come and join her and I started to love it and be outside everyday working on new things,” Leah said.

Leah has been a part of the town program, Staples and AGH and noted that all have helped her develop to become a better player.

“Through these programs I have learned new skills and new ways to improve my game and through each coach I appreciate the difference in their coaching styles and learn many different ways. All of these components helped me become a better player and be successful,” Leah said.

“The Staples coaching, players and atmosphere of high school field hockey helped me with my game as it brought a new energy to field hockey. High school field hockey and Staples coaches have taught me the importance of teamwork, relationships and working together,” she added.

Among Leah’s favorite memories from her tenure with the Wreckers thus far is winning a pair of state championships.

“It was a great feeling to know how much work we put into it and how much success we got out of it. It really showed us that in order to be a winning team, there are sacrifices and steps to become productive,” she said. “I remember getting our first goals in both of the championship games and it was a great feeling because everyone rallied together and celebrated that moment but also continued to stay focused because that’s what it is all about until the game ends. Once that state championship game was over the energy on the field was amazing and it was such a great feeling to be a part of such a great thing.” 

Leah committed to play field hockey at Northwestern. “I am really excited about that opportunity and looking forward to that new chapter in the future,” she said.

Just like her older sister, participation in other sports helped pave the way for success in field hockey. Throughout her childhood, Leah also competed in gymnastics, lacrosse and soccer.

Gymnastics was her first sport and something she did for almost a decade. “I loved the sport and used to think that was what I wanted to do in college. When covid happened I ended up really getting into field hockey as we played every day outside and I didn’t go back to gymnastics when covid ended. It was too much to do field hockey and gymnastics at the same time because gymnastics was every day of the week,” Leah said. “Gymnastics taught me a lot of life lessons that greatly impacted me and my field hockey game as it was such an independent sport. Gymnastics taught me the importance of discipline, hard work, competitiveness and perfection that I continue to strive for in my everyday life. This reflects over field hockey as gymnastics created a mindset for me of never giving up and striving for perfection and that is what carries over to my game as I continue to have a competitive mindset and I understand the work that needs to be put in to do well.”

Katie Larit

The youngest of the Larit, Katie, continues the family tradition of making an immediate impact on the Wrecker program. The right midfielder’s role is to move the ball up the field while working together with Leah at center mid and the forwards up top, while also assisting on defense in transition.

Katie has been playing field hockey since third grade when she began doing clinics. Initially, Katie’s favorite sport was soccer. “But when COVID happened my sisters and I began playing a lot of field hockey in our driveway and backyard. It was so fun playing together and I really wanted to continue playing field hockey,” she said.

“I think COVID impacted me toward playing field hockey because I would see Emma and Leah practicing in the driveway and I would always want to join them. This time together and playing made me realize how much I loved playing field hockey and wanted to keep learning and improving,” she added.

Katie has been a part of Westport youth field hockey and AGH leading into her Staples career. “Playing for all three programs has improved my stick skills, knowledge and love for the game and has helped me learn and grow as a person and field hockey player,” the freshman said.

“The best part of field hockey in addition to playing is being a part of a team. Everyone is super-close and I have enjoyed getting to know everyone on the Staples team,” she added.

“My favorite memory of playing Staples field hockey this year so far was beating Darien,” Katie said of Staples’ regular-season win over the Blue Wave. “For so many years I was in the stands cheering for Emma, Leah, and Staples as they played them. I really respect the true rivalry and competition between Staples and Darien. I couldn’t wait to get on the field and play them! This year when I finally had the opportunity I was so motivated to help my team win and it was so much fun”