Monica Harvey has been an instrumental player in the Oswego State Lakers field hockey team for the past three seasons, and this year, her senior season, is no different. Harvey was named team captain this season and has been a vocal leader on and off the field.

Before Harvey stepped foot onto Laker turf to start her collegiate career, she attended Glens Falls High School. She was a multi-sport athlete in her high school career. In field hockey, she was named part of the New York All-State Team, during her senior season in 2013.

Even though she got such a monumental achievement, being named All-State, she was not recruited by former head coach Brandi Lusk.

“I think I was definitely really excited,” Harvey said. “I was going to give it a shot. I just emailed [Lusk] and was like ‘hey can I try out?’”

It did not take long for Harvey to adjust either. She was able to fit right in with the team during the 2014 campaign, when the team went 6-9 throughout the season. Harvey played all 15 games that season, starting in eight of them.

“Once I got comfortable, I think I just fell into my groove,” Harvey said. “It helps that it’s a higher level, so I think you just naturally rise to the higher level and play harder.”

During her sophomore year, she captured three assists on the season, as the team went 3-11 that year. Field hockey wasn’t the only place she made some assists. Harvey joined the Oswego State women’s basketball Team that season as well.

“I played basketball since I was in elementary school,” said Harvey. “I’ve always liked playing it, and I didn’t end up playing my freshman year just because college was a new experience and I should stick with one sport.”

Harvey averaged 6.5 minutes per game, and had 12 points in the 15 games she played in her only season on the court.

“It was fun for a year, but then it was just too much with too many sports,” said Harvey. “Obviously, I didn’t play a lot, either. It was fun. I liked it a lot, and I liked the [team].”

Able to focus primarily on field hockey during her junior season, Harvey excelled on the field. She started in all 15 games for the Lakers, leading the team in goals (7), points (16) and shots (44). She also tacked on two assists during the season.

“I feel like I was in different positions, so I would be in forward, and forward is more opportunities to score,” said Harvey, who now plays at midfield. “Now it’s more based on passing it up. This year we just want to get the ball in the goal.”

Now entering her senior season, she faced multiple things that were new, not only to her, but to the rest of the team. Oswego State gained their first full-time coach, Heather Moore. Once a player, but now an assistant coach, Corinne Kimmelman, now sat on the sidelines, hoping to bring success to Oswego State.

“When we were on the field, I felt like there was always a connection,” said Kimmelman. “I was a defender, she was in midfield … I know how she plays … [she] sees me as a coach, but also as a friend, because I did play with [her].”

Harvey was also named captain this season, based on teammate’s votes, as well as the final decision made by both Moore and Kimmelman.

“She doesn’t even need to have an assist or goal, she brings the ball up and down the field,” said Kimmelman. “She’s everywhere on the field. That’s what we need as a midfielder and as a Captain.”

Both Kimmelman and Harvey have similar end result wishes: The SUNYAC Championships – somewhere the field hockey team has never gone in their existence, since 2004 – as well as at least a .500 record.

“Last year we were hoping for a winning season, so I think that’s our goal this season,” said Harvey. “But ultimately, our end goal is to make it to SUNYAC’s.”

Kimmelman is hoping Harvey can help lead the team the same way.

Harvey is trying to soak up her senior season. She, as well as the large senior class, will be playing their last season, hoping to achieve their final goals.

Photo: Greg Tavani | The Oswegonian