SACO — Thornton Academy field hockey captain Grace Decker was recently selected to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association’s All-Region team, representing the Northeast.

Decker, a senior, has started for the Trojans over the last three seasons, and has made a major impact on the TA field hockey program during that span. Not only was Decker among the best defensive players in the region, she also was a consistent force offensively as well.

TA has gone 37-11-1 during her three years as a starter. In 2016, the Trojans tied the school record in points scored (61), committed less penalties than their opponents in all but one game, and allowed just 86 shots on goal in 15 games played.

TA coach Lori Smith was impressed with the mark Decker made on the TA program.

“She played every minute of every game and we relied on Grace a great deal,” said Smith. “She gave our team confidence by playing consistent, patient defense. She was often responsible for shutting down the other team’s best forwards. She was also instrumental in setting up our transition to offense as she took most of our 16-yard hits out of our defensive end. She was adept at sending balls in the air and over the 50-yard line.”

Decker also grew into a leader during her time at TA, and led the younger players by example.

“Grace was a calm force on the field. She’s very humble and not the most vocal player on the field. She knew when to be serious and that often set the tone when needed,” said Smith. “Grace is highly respected by her teammates and she had been incredibly dedicated to field hockey over the years. Her example has helped inspire younger players to work hard at their game.”

Decker has also proven to be an impressive student-athlete along with her leadership. 

“She is also a person with great integrity and a role model off the field,” said Smith. “She is a member of the (National Honors Society) and an honor roll student and someone who is kind and thoughtful.”

Smith was also exited to see one of her players recognized by the NFHCA, as Decker was the third TA player in to be named to the All-Region team in the past three seasons.

“This is the third year in a row that (Thornton field hockey) has had at least one player make the NFHCA All-Region team and we are all very proud of her. It can mean that others in the Northeast recognize our program as one that is consistently achieving at a high level and one that produces skilled players,” said Smith.

The Trojans will have a big void to fill next season, and Smith hopes the incoming youngsters have learned from TA’s senior leaders.

“There will be quite a void left by our backfield — Issy Capozzi, Sydney Hurst and Grace Decker. They have played almost every minute together for the past two seasons and they worked in sync with each other like a well-oiled machine,” said Smith. “It’s easy to take that team work and experience for granted. We will definitely feel it next year as we work to fill those positions with our younger, inexperienced players. Hopefully those players watched and learned from one of the best defenders TA has seen in Grace Decker.”

—Associate Sports Editor Alex Sponseller can be reached at [email protected] or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.