Teacher appreciation is a big deal around most schools, with weeks, days, or similar events dedicated to faculty. But Creek’s field hockey took it to a different level with their Teacher Appreciation Game.
At the second annual Field Hockey Teacher Appreciation Game on Sept. 16 at Stutler Bowl, the field hockey players invited their teachers to come out and support them.
“I love getting to see the teachers’ connections with the players,” math teacher Dana Hansen said. “It’s lovely to see players that are excited about sharing their sport.”
The teachers were given goodie bags with some candy and a field hockey t-shirt, and also came onto the field before the game to have their names called out.
“It’s such an honor to be selected, and it’s really fun to get out in the field,” science teacher Heather Berry said. “I love seeing students when they’re doing their sport and just doing things outside of school.”
Having the teacher appreciation game can also be a good way to show teachers a sport that they might’ve never watched before, and having a team to support, and even a specific student, gives them more reason to show up.
“We just want to give a little bit of a thank you and bring them to the sport that not many people know,” field hockey Head Coach Tori Karsten said.
Karsten’s idea isn’t only to get teachers to show support for their students, but also to get the students to actually appreciate their teachers beyond the occasion.
“[The teachers] are the ones that are giving you the student in student athlete, and that’s what’s going to take you further, the respect and appreciation that these teachers do every single day,” Karsten said.
Karsten was inspired to bring the appreciation game to Creek from her previous job in Chicago.
“I always talk before the season starts with the girls,” Karsten said. “Your teachers should know who you are, because they’re gonna know me and the expectations I have for you.”
Karsten’s idea to bring the appreciation game to field hockey really gives a deeper connection between the students and their teachers.
“[Their teachers] are giving them the student in student-athlete, and that’s what’s going to take you further, that respect and appreciation that these teachers do every single day,” Karsten said.
