Five Questions with SPHS Field Hockey's Liz Mata

Patch stopped by the Severna Park varsity field hockey practice and spoke with senior Liz Mata about her field hockey career, this season’s expectations and her plans for the future. 

Severna Park Patch: What are your goals or expectations for this season?
Liz Mata: I think obviously a goal for anyone in the county is to be state champs. But especially with a small group of seniors like we have, we want to have a good sense of leadership. Personally I want to keep improving my skills.

Severna Park Patch: What’s one of the key matchups you have this season?
Mata: One of our biggest games is Friday against South River. As a team they are really strong. Those kinds of games are the most fun to play in, and the most exciting. Playing for a team like that you have so much respect for them that it has to be a good game.

Severna Park Patch: What was your favorite field hockey moment or experience at Severna Park?
Mata: My sophomore year being on varsity and being state champs. That year was an amazing feeling. But whenever we have a good practice and we mesh as a team—when you know you are playing well as a team—that’s probably the best feeling you can have.

Severna Park Patch: What advice would you give to an aspiring high school field hockey player?
Mata: I think to remember that you have to have a sense to always be better. I always set high expectations for myself, and that has helped me to keep pushing.

Severna Park Patch: What are you plans after high school?
Mata: I am actually committed to the University of Pennsylvania to play field hockey and I am really looking forward to that.

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