Arapahoe High School’s Brynn Dzengelewski has been playing field hockey for a long time.
“I have been playing field hockey since sixth grade,” she said. “Most players in Colorado don’t start until high school, so I was the youngest one on my team for a few years.”
It’s paid off. The senior was a first-team, all-state selection last year. She’s won letters in each of her years at AHS. She was a member of the USA Field Hockey national team. She’s a team captain this year, and she’s beginning the recruiting process to play in college.
“I was looking for a new sport. I went to a camp and thought it was interesting and unique,” she said. “So I kept playing and fell in love with field hockey. I played a lot of sports growing up, including soccer, golf, tennis and gymnastics.”
As is the case with a lot of team sports, Dzengelewski spends a lot of time on her game.
“I have to travel to out of state tournaments since there are not a lot of playing opportunities in Colorado,” she said. :I miss a lot of school and hanging out with friends but still have maintained good grades and connections with my friends.”
Through 10 games this season, the Warriors have won six and tied two. Dzengelewski led the team in scoring with 11 goals and eight assists.
“The season is going much better than I expected, given the fact that we had 12 players graduate last year,” she said. “Our team is ranked fourth in the state. I am leading my team with goals and assists. In the state I am first in assists, second in goals and second in points.”
With all that going for her team, Dzengelewski said there was one thing that surprised her.
“We tied Regis,” she said. “They have been the two-time returning champions, so this tie was pretty exciting.”
The college recruiting piece is ongoing.
“I will be going out of state for college because there are no college field hockey opportunities in Colorado,” she said. “Field hockey has taught me that I can try new things, not to be afraid to make mistakes and if you put in the time and work you can succeed.”
Dzengelewski and the rest of the Warriors travel to Poudre for a 5:30 p.m. contest Tuesday, Oct. 11.
“The Colorado field hockey community is very small but it has been great to me,” she said. “I owe a lot to so many coaches in the state. I wouldn’t be the player I am today without them.”