Athlete of the Issue: Mia Goetzke

Current captain of both Girls’ Varsity Soccer and Girls’ Varsity Hockey and athlete for over nine years, Mia Goetzke ‘24, has made immense strides throughout her years and stands out as a player among her peers.

Her hockey career began when her parents gave her a choice between hockey and figure skating; she ultimately chose hockey because her brother was already playing hockey at the time.

Goetzke has served as a role model for her team members physically and mentally. Her starting position on both teams demonstrates her physical abilities. She also embodies exemplary sportsmanship as her teammates praise her for her positive attitude and bright personality.

Hockey teammate Brady Wierl ‘26 said, “Mia’s definitely been an older sister to me throughout my time at Deerfield. She’s an amazing captain, friend, and leader and one of the best friends I ever could’ve asked for.”

Goetze enjoys playing on Deerfield’s Girls Varsity Hockey Team, saying, “It’s awesome. The team is like a family; the girls are insanely inviting and just kind.”

While she finds the team’s tight knit community commendable, her teammates ___ believe that she is a main contributor to this aspect of the team. __ commented, “

Goetzke also noted that she generally enjoys the sport for many reasons, but skating is an aspect of the game that speaks most to her. She loves “feeling the wind and the cold brush my face.”

Not only is Goetzke a committed member of Deerfield’s girls varsity hockey team, but she also pursues hockey outside of school by playing on the Connecticut Boulders Club team. She described her experience on the club team as more intense than Deerfield’s team but still a lot of fun. Her commitment to hockey is highlighted by her four-hour drive to Connecticut Boulders every Sunday.

Although she was in talks regarding recruitment to play hockey at the collegiate level, she shared that she ultimately decided not to, as she values exploring new opportunities in light of how long she has played the sport. However, for now, the Deerfield community will continue to have the chance to watch her on the ice, with the season just beginning and two wins already in the books.