Flash Points:

• Sophomore Hannah Retherford (Benton, Pa./Benton) will be highlighted.
• Started all eight games this season.
• Has recorded three goals and two assists on the season.

LORETTO, Pa. – In this week's edition of the Field Hockey Notebook, sophomore Hannah Retherford (Benton, Pa./Benton) will be featured.
 
Retherford is a dual major in Finance and Marketing. After she graduates, she wants to work with a marketing company in cities such as Chicago, New York City or Pittsburgh. For anyone growing up on a farm, such as Retherford, it may be difficult to make the transition from living on a farm to a big city.  However, Retherford says she looks forward to the change.
 
Working on a farm has prepared Retherford mentally and physically for field hockey. The long hours she endures has given her the power to persevere. Not everything in life goes as planned. This past year, a devastating storm hit her family's farm. Instead of dwelling on it, the Retherfords used the turmoil to their advantage.
 
"We picked ourselves up and the farm is running better than it was before the storm."
 
What is the main lesson Retherford has learned on the farm to help her on the field? Mental toughness. If she was to miss a pass or when the Flash are down, she does not put her head down, instead, she regains focus and maintains faith in her teammates. Being able to adapt to misfortunes or simple mistakes at home has given her the ability to persevere through the toughest moments on the field.
 
She also credits her individual work ethic and strength from her work on the farm. She stated that there is a difference between farm and gym strength. Having to carry large pumpkins or squatting to pickup boxes of tomatoes has increased her muscle endurance for field hockey.
 
"I am able to stand my ground and be more balanced because of the muscles that I have gained from the farm."
 
Retherford did a lot of individual training during the summer and the work she put in has paid off. This season she has started in all eight matches this season, has added three goals and two assists – all career highs. Retherford worked with her old club team over the summer to further enhance her skill by competing against with other Division 1 players.  
 
"I had to earn my time on the field, which I put in a lot of effort this summer."
 
Most importantly, Retherford has been able to use her college education to help her family's business.
 
"I am able to use everything that I learn in class to help my mom with Facebook and the website and to help promote the produce stand and corn maze."
 
The Retherford's roadside stand sells tomatoes, pumpkins and flowers among other items. She actually hand pulls all the corn to make the corn maze for the fall season.
 
Saint Francis begins their five-game road trip starting on Friday against Rider at 4:30 p.m.