Congratulations to freshman Lexi Buchanan for being nominated as this year’s first female Athlete of the Month! Her hard work on and off the field along with her outstanding performances has led to her receiving this award!

So far this season, Lexi has scored ten goals and provided six assists while playing both offensive and defensive midfield. The best advice she has received from a coach is, “Just go out and play, not worry about anything else.” Notably, the West Morris field hockey team is head-coached by Traci Buchanan, who also happens to be Lexi’s mom.

Lexi shares that her favorite aspect of field hockey is the way she can detach from everything going on in her life when she steps on the field. She shares her favorite part of field hockey, stating, “The outlet it gives me from everything else in my life. It gives me a sense of stress relief.” 

Lexi also reflects on her work ethic by admitting that she tends to procrastinate in school when her life gets too hectic. However, she believes she is doing a pretty good job so far balancing high-level athletics and a tough academic regime at Central.

Lexi’s inspiration to pursue field hockey comes from her parents, whom Lexi admires for their athletic achievements. “They’ve achieved high-level sports as well, so they always push me to be my best,” said Lexi. Both Mrs. Buchanan and Mr. Buchanan teach at Central, so the pressure is on for her to perform well for her school!

If Lexi could offer advice to her younger self, she would say, “Just to keep going and working hard, you know, that all gets where I need to be if I just stay on my path.” Lexi plans to continue playing field hockey throughout high school and possibly into college.  In addition to field hockey, Lexi is also eager to stay active by participating in Unified Basketball and Central’s golf team for the rest of the year.