Field Hockey in the state of Michigan is going to a whole new level this year. The MHSAA is officially recognizing and sanctioning field hockey in the state. Although, field hockey has been active in the state since the 1930s, there has been a resurgence after a lull in the '90s and early 2000s. With the new playoff format coming into effect, there will be one championship for the entire state and the 37 teams participating this year. East Grand Rapids Lady Pioneers will be well-positioned to capture one of those 4 Regional #1 seeds. Coming off their OK Rainbow Conference championship in its inaugural season, the girls seek back to back titles, but have eyes on far more hardware this season. With 7 returning Seniors, and a corps of outstanding Juniors and Sophomores all making their return, this will be a team to reckon with as they look to join the perennial powers. The addition of some key elements from rising Freshman and students transferring in, will give the opponents all they can handle each time EGR steps on the pitch. Under Coach Kelsey Chun's leadership, the program is growing to emulate the consistency that other, older programs in the state have established. Having studied as a player under the tutelage of Coach Jane Nixon at Ann Arbor Pioneer, Coach Kelsey took that experience to the next level when she played (and started) for four years at Northwestern University in Chicago. Building a savvy staff with a variety of experiences in the game has primed the pump to get the most out of this group of girls, some never having played before high school. See the link to the article below to understand the implications of the MHSAA sanctioning: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/high-school/2025/08/17/field-hockey-michigan-mhsaa/85614975007/ Check back regularly to get updates on the progress of the team as they progress through the season!