PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert High School field hockey coach Crystal Bradford is less concerned about the scoreboard than the progress her players make this season.
Bradford enters her second season as the Cavaliers’ head coach after leading a young team through a season of growth in 2025. Although Calvert finished with a losing record and was eliminated by Kent Island in the playoffs, Bradford said the experience helped establish a foundation for the future.
“I think we had some great development overall as a team,” Bradford said. “The record itself wasn’t wonderful, but we got to have some good experiences on the field.”
Bradford said one of her primary goals this season is establishing a culture centered on hard work, persistence and accountability.
“We’re really trying to build this culture of hard work and persistence within our team,” Bradford said.
The Cavaliers are expected to rely on one of the youngest rosters in the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference. Bradford said the team includes six freshmen and several sophomores, many of whom are still learning the sport.
Unlike some neighboring communities, Calvert County offers limited opportunities for athletes to play field hockey before high school. As a result, many players begin developing their skills after joining the varsity program.
Bradford said that reality shapes her expectations for the season.
“I want them to understand that growth doesn’t always come across as a win,” she said. “There are a lot of other ways to measure success.”
One encouraging sign has been participation. Bradford said 17 players have signed up for the season, the highest number she has seen in recent years.
Throughout the offseason, the coaching staff emphasized conditioning, stick work and consistent communication. Players also participated in summer workouts and strength-and-conditioning sessions before preseason practice.
“The more time and energy you put in during the offseason, the better you are during the season,” Bradford said.
Bradford said the biggest improvement she hopes to see is not a specific skill but a change in mindset.
“I would rather them show up with a positive attitude and work hard than have the best skills in the world,” she said. “Having a student-athlete who is coachable and open is far easier than having somebody who thinks they already have all the skills necessary.”
Bradford, who also teaches in Calvert County Public Schools, said she wants her players to develop qualities that extend beyond athletics.
“I think these moments that we have on the field really begin to shape how we act and conduct ourselves in the future as adults,” she said.
Bradford expects another competitive season in the SMAC despite declining participation numbers in some sports and increased competition from girls flag football programs.
She said Calvert’s biggest challenge will be overcoming its inexperience and changing the perception that established programs are out of reach.
“It doesn’t matter what somebody did last year,” Bradford said. “If you’re coming out strong this year and you have that focus, drive and effort, anything is possible.”
As the season approaches, Bradford said she is looking forward to watching younger players develop confidence as they gain experience.
“I think seeing those light-bulb moments is my favorite part,” she said. “Seeing them develop those skills and take off.”
Bradford also encouraged the Calvert community to support student-athletes throughout the season.
“They’re out here working hard,” she said. “They’re trying to make their families, fans and school proud.”
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
