Student Athlete Of The Month: Amalia Hagerty

Singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson was the first person to publicly proclaim “one is the loneliest number,” but as the only senior on Severna Park High School’s field hockey team this year, Amalia Hagerty felt anything but alone.

Knowing that her playing time would be cut in the COVID-shortened season so that coaches could groom younger players, she used the season as a chance to mentor those underclassmen and forge new friendships.

“I came back for a reason: to create those strong bonds with my teammates,” Hagerty said, “and I wanted to show that by having a positive attitude.”

Hagerty is a three-year starter who did not play field hockey her freshman year because she was committed to cross country.

This year, she continued Falcon field hockey traditions, making snack-filled “sister bags” for her teammates and joining them for bagel breakfasts. Having watched former teammates demonstrate leadership, Hagerty knew what kind of teammate she wanted to be.

“They always put in the work, on and off the field,” Hagerty said, referring to former seniors. “I wanted to stay in contact with all of the players and make sure everyone had a good time.”

She did her part, often cheering on players from the sideline as the Falcons lost only one game.

Hagerty has also mentored a younger generation of youth, tutoring kids at Mathnasium.

“When people have a common goal, you seem to connect to them more, so I enjoy that,” she said.

During the next school year, Hagerty will create new friendships as a student at Virginia Tech College of Engineering, where she will be enrolled in the Corps of Cadets for either Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) or the citizen leadership track.

Hagerty will miss her Severna Park teammates and the field hockey program, which she credits for helping her grow as a person and as a leader.

“That was something I will cherish and never forget — not just winning but having fun,” she said.

Sophomore Reflects On Season

One of the young Falcons who grew throughout the season was Ava Drexler-Amey, a sophomore. Drexler-Amey was struggling in Severna Park’s second game of the season, against Broadneck on March 30, when coach Shannon Garden pulled her aside. After the half, Drexler-Amey scored two goals including the game-winner in overtime of the 4-3 win.

“It was an intense moment where our team proved that we could win under the pressure,” Drexler-Amey said. “At that moment, I knew that’s when our team was a force to be reckoned with.”

She credits the coaches for giving her confidence. She has been working on her dribbling and shooting drills so that during games, she can dodge opposing players and get into the circle to take shots on goal.

Drexler-Amey is excited to see how the Falcons compete next season.

“My goal going into next year is to develop a strong team,” Drexler-Amey said. “As a varsity player, I received trust and guidance from the seniors. Now that they have graduated, it’s my turn to assist with our upcoming team. My main focus is rebuilding a strong team that’s going to go all the way to states and bring it home again.”

In partnership with The Matt Wyble Team of Century 21, the Voice’s Student-Athlete of the Month series recognizes the many student-athletes in our area who make an impact not necessarily by way of statistics or stardom, but by their unique contributions. Contact Zach Sparks at zach@severnaparkvoice.com to nominate a young person in our community making a positive impact through sports.