Maroon All-Stars: Margo Ehrlich

Varsity field hockey player Margo Ehrlich '11 (second-to-left) with teammates. (photo courtesy

With 18 goals this season, Margot Ehrlich has distinguished herself as the highest-scoring member of the Varsity Field Hockey team. On the field, Ehrlich’s skill, tenacity, and aggression made her an important asset to the team’s successful season. Ehrlich’s excellence, however, doesn’t fade when the game is done. Those who have spent the season by her side praise Ehrlich’s personality and leadership qualities.

Ehrlich’s family influenced her decision to begin playing field hockey six years ago. “I wanted to do modified volleyball in seventh grade, but my mom convinced me to do field hockey,” said Ehrlich. She was one of the only freshmen to make the SHS Varsity team in 2007. Since then, Ehrlich has had the opportunity to develop her skills and grow into the player she is today.

After a truly great season, Ehrlich’s teammates commended her on her enthusiasm and determination. “Margot’s passion is really important,” said teammate Maya Pochiraju ’12. “She gives 110% every time she goes out there, and she really wants to score goals and win games.” Kathryn Cotter ’13 added, “She really leaves her heart out on the field in every game, and plays with intensity, but knows how to have fun and not be too serious.”

Ehrlich’s energy contributed to the team’s 15-2-3 record this season and advancement to the Class A Section 1 finals. “She brings fire to the team,” said team manager Jamie Tartell ’11. “People are aggressive [on the field], but when we’re lagging behind, she’s the one to pick us up.”

In addition to her passion and athletic ability, Ehrlich’s kindness makes her a role model for her teammates. “She is a really nice, genuine person and definitely someone to look up to for the underclassmen,” said Cotter. Ehrlich is able to connect with her teammates both on and off the field. “She is always there for you and she likes to joke around,” said Pochiraju. “She often drives people home and sings songs in the car.”

Ehrlich “hopes to play field hockey in college,” she said. “I have been in contact with several college coaches, but if those don’t work out I will try to walk on to a team in the fall.” While she looks to the future, her experience on the SHS Varsity field hockey team has made a profound impact on her life. “I am not [exagerating] when I say that field hockey has shaped who I am now,” said Ehrlich. “I couldn’t have asked for anything more in a team.”

By Michele Ko, Anisha Nandi, Jake Brodsky, Rebecca Faust