When it comes to winning, the Cox field hockey team knows more than just about anyone.
The Falcons recently grabbed their second straight championship and third in the past four in a decisive 4-1 Class 5 state final victory over Mountain View.
Zoe Campisi, the All-Tidewater Field Hockey Player of the Year, has been on hand for all three of those titles. This past season, the senior midfielder played a crucial role on the team, scoring a goal and adding 29 assists as the Falcons finished 21-1 and captured Region A and Class 5 titles.
But for Campisi, what stands out the most about the year is how her team came together and performed for each other.
“Our season this year … every game we had a motto of togetherness,” Campisi said. “(Winning the state title) was a very exciting moment … just because it’s my senior year and I really wanted to go out with a bang. I was able to do that, and all of my talented teammates were behind me. They helped me and helped the team.”
For coach Taylor Rountree, the most impressive part of Campisi’s game is her ability and desire to help make her teammates better, regardless of her own stat line.
“On offense, Zoe’s field vision is unparalleled. She is able to put the ball where her teammates are going to be,” Rountree said. “She finds their sticks in tight situations and has racked up 29 assists this season. … That is the true nature of a midfielder. She is unselfish in everything she does on the field.”
Campisi, who started playing field hockey in middle school after relocating from California, is among the most naturally gifted players in the area. But, said Rountree, it’s her passion and drive to improve that help push her to the next level.
“Field hockey is part of her makeup, it’s in her blood,” Rountree said. “On top of natural athleticism, Zoe is a student of the game. She understands the game of hockey better than most, which allows her to play at the highest level possible.”
According to Rountree, Campisi’s leadership both on and off the field helped power the Falcons to their state-record 21st field hockey title.
“Her drive towards excellence has set a standard for others, especially the underclassmen, to measure themselves by for years to come,” said Rountree, who speaks just as highly of Campisi’s contributions off the field as on it.
“Zoe truly believes in spreading her positive thinking to others, and it spills over into everything she does. … She genuinely wants the best for everyone and has a unique ability to find the little joys in life to celebrate daily.”
Campisi, a senior who will play at James Madison next year, is proud to be a part of the Falcons’ field hockey legacy.
“Being a part of the legacy, it’s tradition,” Campisi said. “I made (the team) my freshman year and it’s been a part of me ever since.”
