Signed and sealed, but not delivered – at least not yet.
Emily Kate Covert signed on to play field hockey and attend the University of Iowa earlier this year but still had some unfinished business in her hometown of Dexter. And while she can’t wait to get started on her college career, the senior wanted to sign off on another state title before heading off to Iowa City.
Dexter won its second consecutive Division 2 Field Hockey State Championship last month with a convincing 3-0 win over Chelsea in Farmington Hills. It was the program’s fifth state title – two in D-1 and now three in D-2 – since its inaugural season in 2010. And it capped off an amazing career for Covert and her senior teammates.
“When we finally won I felt proud, relieved and excited,” says Covert. “I was proud of all this team gave time and time again. We had ups and downs, and we did it all together to reach this goal that we made at the beginning of the season. I just couldn’t be more proud of these girls. They are some of my best friends and it was an amazing moment to share as my last high school game.”
But amid the celebration and excitement, there was a little “relief.”
“I was relieved because it is hard to beat a team twice but three times most would say impossible,” says Covert of Dexter’s third meeting with rival Chelsea. “But we all dug deep and did it so when it ended I was relieved it was done. I was extremely excited to win my last game as a Dexter Dreadnaught and to be a part of a team that had such a successful season.”
There were some keys to Dexter’s success this past season which included some big wins and a dominant postseason. The Dreadnaughts finished 20-1-2 on the season with the only loss to Skyline 7-2 on Sept. 27. They also tied Skyline 3-3 and Huron 1-1 during the regular season.
“Some keys to success I had are the individual goals I set at the beginning of every season,” says Covert. “Making sure I was in shape for the role I had to fill on the team. Lastly, my biggest goal was to be me and do what I do best with my speed and vision.”
Covert knows all about winning. She won state titles three of her four years in field hockey.
So, what makes Dexter Field Hockey so special?
“I would say the bond you grow through the season,” Covert says. “You do everything with the team for the three months we are together. We do it all and love one another through it all no matter what. I was one of the team leaders as captain, and we had to prove that we could do it again. This year’s team was very close. We all knew each other very well and connected on all levels throughout the whole team.”
Dexter coach Keely Tamer, one of those reasons the program is special, had high praise for the team’s senior captains, Covert and Marissa Skinner.
“They both started in the Rec. and Ed program super young,” Tamer said. “Marissa’s older sister played so that family and the Coverts have been a part of the program almost from when it began. It’s families like theirs and the commitment they made to the sport and the support they showed the coaching staff over the years that has helped shaped to program. Not to mention Marissa and EK’s love for the game, commitment to be their best and the example they set for the younger players.”
Covert says she was introduced to the sport by Marissa because she had an older sister who played. “I also played ice hockey and was looking for an outdoor sport where the skills would translate,” said Covert, who has played for both Ann Arbor clubs, FDL and Pinnacle. “I have played club since I was 9 or 10. I enjoy playing high-level field hockey with girls from other schools and traveling around to play.”
Emily Kate, 17, is the daughter of Kim and Tom Covert. She is a member of the National Honor Society and also runs track and field for Dexter. And she is very excited to get to Iowa City.
“I will be playing field hockey and studying sports management,” she said. “I picked Iowa because it felt like my second home. The minute I met the team I was welcomed with open arms. The coaches have high expectations and will push me to be the best I can be. The campus was everything I was looking for and I can’t wait to get back there this summer.”
Signed. Sealed. And (almost) delivered. And now that she’s wrapped up another state title, it’s almost time to hit the road.
Main photo by Ryan Makki
