Field hockey now a varsity sport at West Bloomfield

The West Bloomfield Schools Board of Education voted Monday, May 21 to approve girls varsity field hockey as an official varsity sport at West Bloomfield High School beginning in the fall.

West Bloomfield High School Athletic Director Pat Watson said at the meeting that numerous students over a period of three months expressed interest in starting a field hockey program.

He added that adding the sport will help the Athletic Department to market and brand itself better, while also making note that some neighboring public schools and most private schools also offer field hockey to students.

Team members will participate on a pay-to-participate basis to cover expenses, including the coaches’ salaries, uniforms, and transportation.

Under pay-to-participate, a student-athlete at West Bloomfield pays $300 for the first sport they play, $150 for a second sport, and $100 for a third sport.

The team will conduct its practices at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s and will play its games on the West Bloomfield High School football field on Saturdays.

Watson added that he hopes a junior varsity field hockey team will be added in the future.

Over the last three years, the West Bloomfield School District has also added boys and girls lacrosse to its list of official varsity sports.