A Pair of Watertown Field Hockey Players Sign Letters to Play at Division I Colleges

For many years, well before they became members of the Watertown High School field hockey team, Maggie Driscoll and Lizzie Loftus grew up playing the game with one another. Last Friday, they continued their journey together by signing letters of intent to play in college. While both will be at NCAA Div. I programs, Loftus is headed to Brown, and Driscoll will play at Boston University.

Watertown Field Hockey Coach Eileen Donahue described the pair as being dedicated, having great work habits, and having great intensity. So much so that Donahue first made them co-captains when they were sophomores.

“Lizzie and Maggie are relentless all over the field, directing the team, showing outstanding stick work, strong hits, unselfish play. They have high expectations for themselves as well as their teammates,” Donahue said. “When they play in college, I’m sure Lizzie and Maggie will make huge contributions to their respective teams. Congratulations to both of you, I am extremely proud of you.”

Driscoll wanted to stay close to home, and has always had an interest on the school on Commonwealth Avenue.

“I’ve grown up driving by (BU) and always had in the back of my head that it would be a great school to go to if I had the opportunity, so I was lucky to be able to get it,” said Driscoll, who is interested in studying nutrition.

Brown University was the right combo for Loftus.

“The program that the new coach is fostering has been really appealing, and the balance of academics and athletics they have at Brown is really exciting,” Loftus said. “Then, also how close to home it is.”

Donahue listed both players lists of accolades and accomplishments, which are long:

Driscoll is a four year starter, captain for three years, four year Middlesex League Champion, two year co-MVP of the Middlesex League and another on her own. She made the All-District Team in two years, made the MAX Field Hockey All Region team, in two years made the Boston Herald and Boston Globe All-Scholastic team and was and MVP one year, was a Best of 60 Team selection, a Div. 3 Final Four champion twice, and a Div. 3 State Champion (those don’t include what is to come after this season.

Loftus is a four year starter, captain for three years, four year Middlesex League Champion, two year Final Four Champion, and a Div. 3 State Champion. She was a three year Middlesex League All Star, one year co-MVP of the Middlesex League, two years All-District Team, a MAX Field Hockey All-Region member, one year on the Boston Herald and Boston Globe All-Scholastic team, and was Best of 60 Team selection.

The two players began playing as far back as Driscoll can remember, and he said it has been an amazing journey.

“I remember freshman year being together being on varsity was scary and intimidating at first, but getting the work ethic installed in us, and we would always push each other in practice, being competitive,” Driscoll said. “It is really nice to sign with her.”

Loftus said she and Driscoll have grown a lot since they were named captains as sophomores. She said it has been great to share the experiences with her friend and teammate, including signing college letters of intent.

“It’s just crazy, just so surreal. I’m just so thankful I’ve had the experiences, and that I’ve been able to share so many of them with her,” Loftus said. “I think we’ve just been working so hard for a while, so it is just so exciting to see how things paid off.”