Since her sophomore year, Senior Madigan Rustia has been a key factor in the success of the field hockey program. A current captain, Rustia leads the team both with her play and mentality. Last year, Rustia was nominated to the First Team for the Patriot District, as well as the Occoquan Region. Rustia was also nominated to the All-State Second Team, an achievement only awarded to the best 32 players in the state.

“It’s great to be able to play a team sport with my friends,” said Rustia. The unity preached by Rustia has benefitted the field hockey team greatly, as the program appeared in consecutive state tournaments, and competed for a third in the row this fall. Rustia’s passion for the game is so boundless, it has even landed her team-high appearances in the penalty chair. “It’s actually a surprisingly nice, comfortable chair,” Rustia says as she reflects fondly upon her time in the seat. “Sometimes it’s a nice break during the game.”

Rustia encourages young players to “work hard on the basics and have fun… don’t be afraid to try new things.” With the goal of playing club field hockey after high school, Rustia has enjoyed her time playing for Robinson. “Go Rams,” she said. “Horns up!”

State champion Katie Vu has had a busy couple of months. Vu, who was the individual champion in the girls golf state tournament, also finished third in the co-ed tournament last month, as Robinson earned its first-ever state championship for co-ed golf. “[Winning states] this past season has been my goal for my entire high school career, and being able to do it in my final year was a really special moment for me,” said Vu.

With experience playing golf for seven years, Vu has had time to hone her skills and prepare herself to play at the Division 1 level, where she has committed to continue her academic and athletic careers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with an interest in studying business. “I didn’t always think I would have the opportunity [to play in college], but I’m very happy it worked out. It’s been an awesome process.”

Through her four years on the varsity golf team, Vu’s leadership has set an example for the next generations in the program. Spending time at practice coaching the younger players, Vu is instrumental in building a team-first mentality. “Even though golf is an individual sport, at the end of the day, we are a team.” Vu’s advice for younger players beginning their careers in golf is to “work to become more efficient. If you know what you need to work on, that will help you become the best golfer you can be.”