November 11, 2024 – Story and photos by Joshua Ross
Playoff time means multiple performances that are worthy of Athlete of the Week presented by College Hype. This week, junior Sam Ruddick was a key factor in Hingham field hockey’s two wins and a birth in the MIAA D2 Final Four for the second year in a row. She scored goals in both Wednesday’s round of 16 game and Saturday’s quarterfinal game vs Notre Dame Academy. It’s not only her ability to score goals. Her versatility, hard work, and attitude that’s vital in her team’s success not only in the playoff, but for the whole season.
“Sam is a workhorse on the field,” says coach Susan Petrie. “She fights for every ball and really pushes our offense. She is great at drawing corners, and she’s scored key goals in our last two games. Sam has been switching between inner and wing and is adept at dodging defenders at either position and works so well with the other forwards. She also always has a positive attitude and helps motivate her teammates.”
Fellow junior and captain Ryan Hallisey explains how Sam leads by example with her actions on and off the field.
“Sam is such a great asset to our team,” Hallisey says. “Her speed and hard hits really have helped us this past week! She always works hard in the circle and hustles up and down the field. Sam is a great teammate who you can always count on both on and off the field. Her positive energy is contagious.”
Congrats Sam!