Field hockey may be one of the most underrated sports out there. It is a very intense sport, and the players have to be in top shape.

However, when things get too intense, whether in field hockey or just in life, there has to be a moment when you can just smile. Take a breath and just smile.

One person who causes those smiles is Rebekah Cartlidge.

Cartlidge is an Antioch Community High School sophomore and the starting goalie for the Varsity field hockey team.

“The best thing about being goalie is knowing even if the ball gets by everyone on the team, I still have an opportunity to block it, to get my team back the ball and be able to possibly change the game,” said Cartlidge. “As a goalie, I see the whole field. I help people know where to go and what to do. I can read situations maybe other players can’t. Being that person for my team makes being a goalie 100 percent worth it.”

Cartlidge may love being a goalie, but she definitely loves her teammates even more.

“There are so many great qualities about my team. They aren’t just a team, they’re not just friends, they are family. To have a team as close as we are is amazing. It makes us want it that much more to be able to celebrate and enjoy what we have,” said Cartlidge. “I am always laughing when I’m with them. There is never a dull moment, even when it’s pouring rain and it’s freezing outside. I am proud to call them my family.”

Usually, every family has that one kid who makes everyone laugh. The field hockey family at ACHS counts on Cartlidge to be that one kid. They count on Cartlidge to make them laugh, giggle and make memories that will last a lifetime, one of which Cartlidge was glad to share.

“One day at practice, the ball got underneath my foot and I could feel myself falling and I couldn’t really do anything about it, so I just fell right to the ground. Instead of getting embarrassed, I just burst out laughing and so did the team. They all said how it looked like I fell in slow motion. It felt like it, too,” said Cartlidge.

Some of her teammates had great things to say, also.

Senior and right midfield Carly McCameron said,”I love that she is always positive, fun and such a good teammate.”

Junior and left forward Alexis Duehr said, “She is hilarious and whenever I’m having a bad day, I know that just by going to practice and seeing her, I will be better. She is a great girl and I love how outgoing she is. I can’t wait to spend next year with her. We have become so close, and it makes me happy that she’s someone that is there for me, always happy and smiling and making me laugh no matter what.

Even if Cartlidge doesn’t do it on purpose, she somehow makes everyone feel better. Making people smile and feel better everyday does not only please others, but also brings satisfaction to Cartlidge herself.

“If I have to fall down to make someone’s day, I would fall down everyday, because making people smile makes me smile.”

There is no doubt that Cartlidge will be able to achieve great success in the sport of field hockey. There is no doubt that she will be able to achieve great success in life. But, as already seen on and off the hockey field, she already accomplishes what many cannot do: brighten people’s day, everyday.