A prolific goal scorer who has led Boothbay’s field hockey team to three consecutive tournament appearances and is the team’s all-time leading scorer is The Boothbay Register’s first-ever “Athlete of the Month.”

Forward Sydney Meader, who has scored 83 goals in her high school career, was nominated by her Coach Donna Jordan who described her as an “outstanding athlete who has worked hard to improve her game each season.”

Meader uses her speed along with a dose of guile and tenacity in racking up goals. She is a great athlete who has dedicated herself in becoming one of the state’s top field hockey players. “Sidney loves the game. She has innate ability to score goals. That’s something you can’t teach,” Jordan said.

Meader began playing field hockey at 9 years old. She began playing in a Y program coached by Connie Faulkingham and Laurie Dickinson. She developed her game by playing year round. Meader travels on Sundays to play for Black Bear Elite, a Bangor-area field club hockey team. She also plays an indoor version of field hockey during the winter. Meader’s game is so good, she will be playing college field hockey next season for Division I program University of Maine.

“I’m really excited about it, but I’m a little nervous, too,” she said. “The change of pace playing on a turf field will be a big adjustment.”

Meader’s goal scoring and leadership have helped Boothbay post its best record in school history. The Seahawks finished this season 12-2 and in third place in the Class C North Heal points. Last season, Boothbay defeated Central of Corinth, a town 19 miles northwest of Bangor, in the Class C North quarterfinals. The two teams were tied with one minute remaining. During a timeout, Meader told her teammates “We haven’t played our last game.” When the game restarted, Meader scored and Boothbay advanced.  In the semifinals, Meader’s second half goal against the region’s top team and defending state champion, Maine Central Institute, put Boothbay ahead, 2-1. MCI rallied to score five straight goals to defeat Boothbay, and later reach the state championship game.

But this year, Boothbay and Meader both have championship aspirations. “I don’t want to stop. I want (our team) to go all the way,” Meader said. It seems the senior has reason for a positive  outlook for Boothbay’s postseason chances. Boothbay would have finished second in Class C North  had it won its final regular season game. The Seahawks scored first in their game against Spruce Mountain of Jay, which is the second place team in Class C South. The Phoenix rallied and defeated Boothbay, 2-1, in overtime.

Still, Boothbay’s outstanding regular season resulted in its hosting at least one tournament game this season. The Seahawks will begin their quest for a championship by playing Mount View of Thorndike on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at Perkins Field.

Meader hasn’t decided what field she will study at UMaine. Meader is considering a career as a nurse anesthetist or physician’s assistant.

Editor’s Note: This is the first of a series of articles about local high school students being chosen as The Boothbay Register’s “Athlete of the Month.” The Register is now accepting nominations for October’s “Athlete of the Month.” Readers should send nominations to williampearson@boothbayregister.com.