When Erin Gemar took over the GHS field hockey program in 1998,
the program was barely even known around the city of Gilroy.
Seven years later, the Mustangs have gone international.
When Erin Gemar took over the GHS field hockey program in 1998, the program was barely even known around the city of Gilroy.
Seven years later, the Mustangs have gone international.
Kailynn Kitaji, whose first year of varsity was Gemar’s first year of coaching, was recently invited to participate in the Northern University Games Tour in Australia.
Kitaji, currently a senior at Earlham College in Richmond, Ind., was one of 18 athletes invited to represent the United States as a both a player and ambassador for the organization, USA Athletes International.
From June 26 to July 8, the group will train on the Gold Coast before traveling to Cairns and joining 2,500 college athletes from across Australia.
“I’m really excited and really honored for the opportunity to play field hockey abroad,” Kitaji said. “I had no idea I was even up for something like this.”
To her coaches, though, it comes as no surprise.
“Kai has been an integral part of our program’s growth,” said Jill Butcher of Earlham, where Kitaji was a three-time all-conference selection and two-time captain. “Her work ethic and dedication are just two of the characteristics that make her such a good leader both on and off the field.
“It’s really been a privilege to coach such an outstanding athlete and special person.”
At GHS, where Kitaji became the first field hockey player to receive a full scholarship to a four-year college, “has set a standard,” Gemar said.
“And she hasn’t stopped raising the bar,” she added. “Kids who have never met her, know about her.”
If you ask Kitaji, though, she’d be quick to give Gemar and her husband, Adam, their proper due for her success.
She’s kept in constant touch with the couple over the years, and when she scored a goal during Senior Day last October, the Gemars were right there in the stands to see it.
When Kitaji was in high school, she said college “was never even an option or anything I even thought about it.” But there were the Gemars, right there to push her along.
“They’re definitely like my second parents,” Kitaji said. “They’re my friends, my mentors … they’re just amazing people.”
So when the Gemars recently asked for help in trying to spur along a few of the current GHS seniors to consider four-year colleges, Kitaji sent a moving e-mail to the Mustang players titled “Words of Wisdom from one senior to another.”
She wrote that she felt “lucky, warm and honored to be writing this statement.” She wrote of tough times at the start of her college experience and of wonderful, rewarding times that came after.
Inspired by the message, both Elena Ramirez and Janelle Perez filled out applications for Earlham College, along with Pacific, Ithaca (N.Y.) and Catholic University.
“They were influenced by her experience to keep trying and stay competitive, both academically and with field hockey,” Erin Gemar said. “She’s been a real inspiration.”
To attend the Northern University Games in Australia, Kitaji now faces the task of raising nearly $4000.
To help with the burden, donations may be made to Gilroy High Field Hockey Alumni Scholarship at 750 W. 10th St, Gilroy, CA, 95020. Those interested can also call coach Gemar at 422-2985.
In other hockey happenings …
TO INFINITY AND BEYOND
Led by GHS coaches Adam and Erin Gemar, Gilroy’s ever-growing field hockey club, the Infinity, is back for another year. Nearly all of the current Mustang hockey players take part in the club and there’s undoubtedly future GHS stars playing at the lower levels right now.
For those in grades 4-8, practice time is from 3-4pm every Monday at Gilroy High. On Thursdays, all those in seventh grade through high school practice from 4-5:30pm at GHS. Then on Sundays, all levels are invited to join from 5-7pm at South Valley Middle School.
The Infinity will travel to four tournaments in April and May and are set to host a tournament and alumni game in Gilroy on May 14.
For more information about the club, access the Infinity’s Web site at gilroyhockey.com.
LIVING IN THE FUTURES
The Gilroy High field hockey team has a program-record 10 girls participating in Futures, the prestigious U.S. Olympic Development Program. Currently in their fourth week of competition, the group members will have the chance to compete at a regional tourney in Berkeley in late May, when they’ll be scouted by hockey coaches from around the country.
“One of my favorite coaching quotes is, ‘You’ve got a stick and a ball … a field hockey player is not made in the fall.'” Adam Gemar said. “It’s incredible how much players improve when they play even once or twice a week during the offseason.”
The list of Mustangs participating in Futures includes: Erin Magill, Karlie Sandoval, Elena Ramirez, Dana Schoeneman, Heather Link, Stephanie Glenn, Brittany Simpson, Andrea Chichester, Lindsey Valadez and middle-schooler Elise Ogle, the youngest Gilroy resident ever to join Futures.
