Wellesley Athlete of the Week: Field hockey’s Julia Bessette

Wellesley Athlete of the Week is made possible with sponsorship support from Deland, Gibson Insurance. The family-owned and operated business has carried on this Wellesley tradition for over 30 years.

Athlete of the Week: Julia Bessette

Sport: Field hockey (midfield, senior captain)

When & how you got involved in this sport: For as long as I can remember my Dad and both of my older sisters have played, so I too started at a very young age.

What you love most about this sport:  I love the team aspect of the sport and having to work with each person on the team to really make the game work.

Pre-game ritual: Always have to make sure to do my handshake with Kaitlyn Uller before we go on the field for each quarter.

Top goal for this season: Make it far in tournament.

Thoughts about this year’s team: I think that we have a team full of really strong and skilled players.  Since we do have so many seniors on the team I think that each player has a great sense for the game, meaning that our team has not only skills but a really good IQ on the field.

An accomplishment that you’re especially proud of: For this team especially I’m proud of the fact that we’ve been able to make it into the tournament every year since I’ve been on the team.

An inspiring story related to your involvement in the sport/this team: Coming from someone who’s been on the team for 4 years now, I think it’s really inspiring to see how the team has grown and changed through the years, especially with all of the big senior classes we’ve graduated. Being able to see the team stay this strong each year has been really inspiring to watch.

Interests outside of your sport: I really enjoy hanging out with friends and seeing new places.

Coach Erin Stickle on Julia Bessette: Julia has an incredible field hockey IQ and controls our entire field. A lot of our offensive transitions are started by Julia’s outstanding defensive skills and great anticipation of reading opposing teams passes. She knows her teammates and plays to their strengths to make everyone better on the field. She is confident, strong, fast and smart.

(Athletes of the Week are nominated by their coaches.)