Around the Horn with Rachael Charewicz

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File photos Pinkerton player Rachael Charewicz fires the game-winning shot during overtime to defeat Winnacunnet for the Division 1 state title. File photos
Rachael Charewicz (right) is congratulated by teammate Brianne Torre (center) and Maddison Driscoll (23) after scoring the winning goal in the state championship game.

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November 10, 2012

Around the Horn with Rachael Charewicz

By Dave Dyer ddyer@eagletribune.com The Eagle-Tribune The Eagle Tribune Mon Nov 12, 2012, 10:02 AM EST

Rachael Charewicz will be the first to admit that she’s not a big goal scorer.

But the Pinkerton senior midfielder sure knows how to pick her spots, as she showed in the Division 1 field hockey championship game against Winnacunnet.

With only two previous goals scored in her career, the Astros’ captain scored the goal-winner in overtime to wrap up an amazing season with a state title.

Even before scoring that goal (and she assisted on Pinkerton’s first goal), Charewicz’s ontribution to the championship can’t be underestimated according to second-year coach Jen Resmini.

“She is an extremely skilled player and was so important for us,” said Resmini. “Because of her abilites, I could place her anywhere on the field and she was extremely effective. She is also a great leader.”

With the season over, we caught up with Charewicz to talk about her game-winning goal and her love of field hockey while going Around the Horn.

What was it like, scoring the game-winning goal?

“It was kind of surreal. My body responded before I knew what was happening.?

Describe the play.

“It was a penalty corner and I got the pass and shot it in the left corner. That’s where II usually aim. I talked to our goalie, Jordan Dudley, during the season and asked her what was the most difficult spot to defend and she told me it was there.”

Was it more special winning the title as a captain?

“It definitely made it a lot sweeter ending my field hockey career on a high note. I was really happy doing it with (tr-captains) Brooke (Dorval) and Nicole (Yannalfo), who are good friends.”

Was it somewhat of a surprise winning the title this year after losing (All-American) Jordan Hamilton and several other talented seniors?

“A lot of people thought it’d be a rebuilding year for us but we were confident and we wanted the championship. Not having Jordan was different, but I think we were more balanced.”

What was it like last year adjusting to a new coach after Pinkerton had been coached for so long by (the winningest field hockey coach in state history) Denise Rioux?

“At first, we were all apprehensive. But coach Resmini fit right in and we all love her as a coach. She’s very open-minded and I think she relates to us more because she’s closer to our age.”

When did you first start playing field hockey and why?

“I started the summer before my fifth grade year. I just thought it was an interesting sport.”

You’ve been playing a long time. What do you like about field hockey?

“There’s a lot I like about it. I love the team aspect of it, the family aspect, and it’s a fun sport. After awhile, you just get used to it and you just like it.”

Do you play any other sports?

“I play tennis in the spring.”

What are your college plans?

“I’m still figuring that out and I’m on the fence as to whether I’ll keep playing field hockey.”

How good of a student are you?

“Pretty good. I’m ranked 18th in my class out of 670.”

What’s something people don’t know about you?

“I’m a writer. I really like creative writing.”

Do you have any pet peeves?

“I don’t like it when people read over my shoulder.”

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I would say Iceland, mostly because the landscape is beautiful.”