Tuesday was a one-of-a-kind practice for the U-32 Raider field hockey team. Junior Amelia Friot entered a contest held by USA Field Hockey in January for a chance to hold a practice hosted by Mr. Assist Field Hockey inventor Pia Serowik.”We made it to the championship last year, so this is just going to grow us,” said Friot.The Raiders are coming off a 12-5 season, ending in runner-up position to Hartford High School. That left a sour taste for the returning Raiders who are hoping to take inspiration from the former Boston College Eagle.”It’s so full circle for me,” said Serowik. “It puts a smile on my face because . It comes from loving the sport, and I hope that I can inspire these girls and to hopefully grow field hockey bigger than it ever has been.”Serowik invented the special Mr. Assist Field Hockey ball with the help of her father, Jeff, who played parts of three seasons in the NHL. It’s a field hockey ball attached to a bungee cord, allowing players to practice without a partner and hone in on stick skills.”This clinic does three things for me,” said U-32 Field Hockey head coach Dillon Burns. “One is just basic skill development. And then, the turf time, the dodge skills you can do on turf. And then Pia is just so cool. To have a really cool young player come out, it just gives our team a sense of legitimacy.”Tuesday’s practice had an underlying message to the young athletes; field hockey doesn’t have to stop after playing days are over. Through the regulation of name, image, and likeness, Serowik sets an example that field hockey can be a post-playing career.”I really think it’s changed, like women’s sports forever. I am able to stay in field hockey forever because of NIL. I came out with this product my junior year at Boston College. I didn’t want to break any rules. I wanted to make sure that my eligibility was still intact and I could still play.”U-32 opens its 2025 season against Mount Mansfield Union on Aug. 29 in Montpelier.
Tuesday was a one-of-a-kind practice for the U-32 Raider field hockey team.
Junior Amelia Friot entered a contest held by USA Field Hockey in January for a chance to hold a practice hosted by Mr. Assist Field Hockey inventor Pia Serowik.
Advertisement
“We made it to the championship last year, so this is just going to grow us,” said Friot.
The Raiders are coming off a 12-5 season, ending in runner-up position to Hartford High School. That left a sour taste for the returning Raiders who are hoping to take inspiration from the former Boston College Eagle.
“It’s so full circle for me,” said Serowik. “It puts a smile on my face because [I was once one of these kids]. It comes from loving the sport, and I hope that I can inspire these girls and to hopefully grow field hockey bigger than it ever has been.”
Serowik invented the special Mr. Assist Field Hockey ball with the help of her father, Jeff, who played parts of three seasons in the NHL. It’s a field hockey ball attached to a bungee cord, allowing players to practice without a partner and hone in on stick skills.
“This clinic does three things for me,” said U-32 Field Hockey head coach Dillon Burns. “One is just basic skill development. And then, the turf time, the dodge skills you can do on turf. And then Pia is just so cool. To have a really cool young player come out, it just gives our team a sense of legitimacy.”
Tuesday’s practice had an underlying message to the young athletes; field hockey doesn’t have to stop after playing days are over. Through the regulation of name, image, and likeness, Serowik sets an example that field hockey can be a post-playing career.
“I really think it’s changed, like women’s sports forever. I am able to stay in field hockey forever because of NIL. I came out with this product my junior year at Boston College. I didn’t want to break any rules. I wanted to make sure that my eligibility was still intact and I could still play.”
U-32 opens its 2025 season against Mount Mansfield Union on Aug. 29 in Montpelier.
