North Penn field hockey's Grace McGeehan makes a splash on and off the field

Citizens Bank Park is currently the hottest – and loudest – venue in the state. However, eight months ago, the vibes at the park were markedly different. That’s when Grace McGeehan found herself standing in front of a pool at the venue on a chilly February day.

Typically, when the North Penn senior and field hockey team captain sets her mind on something, she dives right in. So she didn’t hesitate before plunging into the brisk water.

While McGeehan is a talented swimmer and swam for North Penn’s team as a freshman, this plunge was about much more than working on her backstroke.

“I’m part of North Penn’s Special Olympics Club,” McGeehan said. “We have fundraising events, like the Polar Plunge, but the best events are ones where we get to spend time with the Special Olympics athletes, like our zoo trip.”

“We also have Special Olympics Days at local high schools, where we can watch the athletes compete and see how much they enjoy it.”

Jumping Right In

Polar Plunges aren’t the only things that inspire McGeehan’s head-first approach. Next fall, she’s committed to play field hockey at Pace University, just outside of Manhattan.

McGeehan’s decision was driven mainly by how well she connected with Pace’s coaches and current players. But there’s another reason that she is excited to be studying close to the city that never sleeps.

“I like that Pace is so close to New York City and I will be able to make connections in the city,” said McGeehan, who plans to study business and marketing. “I think NYC is really fun and I’d love to live and work there after college.”

Leading the way – on & off the field

For now though, McGeehan is focusing on some more immediate goals.

“Our team goal is to win a first-round district playoff game,” McGeehan said. “We lost in the first round last year.

“We definitely will be happy to get that win, but I honestly think we can go even further.”

The Knights, with a 13-3-1 record, have far surpassed last year’s record of 8-10-1 and are ranked seventh in the District One standings.

McGeehan, who plays forward, has been on quite a tear recently, scoring seven goals and assisting on five more in the Knights’ last six games.

On Wednesday, North Penn defeated Souderton for the first time since 2017. McGeehan’s hat trick was the key to ending the 10-game losing streak against their division rival with a 5-2 win.

Although the team lost several key seniors this year, McGeehan isn’t surprised at her squad’s success so far this season.

“This team is really close,” McGeehan said. “I think our bond has helped us improve this year.”

Nurturing that bond is one of McGeehan’s self-described duties as a team captain. It’s a role she takes very seriously.

“I remember being a sophomore on varsity and feeling so nervous,” McGeehan recalled. “It wasn’t until a couple older players reached out to me that I began to feel comfortable.”

“Last year we were young and still getting used to each other. I want to make sure everyone feels supported, whether it’s telling a younger player ‘good job’ or planning off-the-field team activities.”

Shannon McCracken, head coach of the Knights, emphasizes how much McGeehan has stepped up this season as a team leader, while also driving the team’s attack.

“Grace is a player that is the epitome of what I strive for our athletes and program to be about,” McCracken said. “High character, hard working, we-before-me play, and sportsmanship all characterize Grace.”

In addition to field hockey and the Special Olympics Club, McGeehan also plays lacrosse, is a member of the National Honor Society and Key Club, and plays indoor lacrosse.

And how about the bedlam that’s recently overtaken Citizens Bank Park?

“I’m not a huge baseball fan, but I love all the excitement around the Phillies,” said McGeehan. “Bryce Harper is probably my favorite player. I know most people probably say that, but how can you not love him?”

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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: High School Field Hockey North Penn ready for District One playoffs