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Some things just fit. Some things make us better. Claire Wilke embodies both.

By Vicki Yost, 01/03/23, 12:15PM EST

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Field Hockey Manager Leads Team by Example

Claire is special.  Not because she has different needs or considerations but because of who she is and the gifts she has brought to Farmington United and all those who are fortunate enough to join her on her journey.

Some things just fit.  Some things make us better.  This defines Claire Wilke and her wonderful run with Farmington United Field Hockey.

Claire is special.  Not because she has different needs or considerations but because of who she is and the gifts she has brought to Farmington United and all those who are fortunate enough to join her on her journey.

Claire joined Farmington United as a freshman.  Her mom Peggy and her were seeking opportunities for Claire to meet others at school and experience the gifts that high school sports and activities provide.  It was a quick fit as Claire took center stage, quickly became the jokester, and found her way into the heart and soul of the Farmington United Family.

Four years later, I reflect on the gifts, the moments, how lucky we have been to meet and share in her journey.  She simply makes us better, more thoughtful, more appreciative, and honestly, she often makes us laugh.  She will push the ball back at the start of the senior game.  She has earned this role and practiced to make sure she gets it right.  It will be the highlight of our season.

This team, this family has embraced Claire and Peggy.  They are a steady presence.  Farmington United returns the favor and some of the team attend Claire’s baseball games.  Claire proudly lets everyone know that her “girls” are there for her.  For her 16th birthday the team participated in a birthday parade – made more difficult by COVID – you should have seen the line of cars and trucks.

 

The best part of gifts is that they are unexpected.  Claire’s influence on Farmington United was just that.  At a practice this week I heard a captain exclaim “Oh, Claire!” as once again she had seized the opportunity to engage.  At a game she snuck up behind me while telling everyone to “shhh” so she could scare me.  Sometimes she just walks up and gives a hug.  Other times she takes over the team huddle or cheer.  Next, she might take over coaching.

What a joy, a treasure and a gift Claire has been.  She is a force.  She has made us better.  I, we at Farmington United are grateful.  We appreciate Claire and Peggy beyond words.  They will always be part of the Farmington United Field Hockey Family.  We can’t wait to see what comes next.


The Michigan State Chapter of USA Field Hockey is happy to have sponsored the web presence for the Michigan High School Field Hockey League and Claire's team, Farmington United.

We are proud to see this type of leadership and inclusion in the sport we love.  Coach Vicki Yost and the team members of Farmington United are an example to everyone of how to create inclusion and truly make field hockey a sport for everyone.  The team and Coach Yost found a way for Claire to belong that fit Claire, her needs and unqiue gifts.