If you were trying to learn the sports of field hockey and its positions, Messalonskee’s Katie Bernatchez was probably the last person you wanted to watch. You would think you had the role of a back figured out, then watch Bernatchez and say, “Wait, what is she doing so far upfield?”

In a way, Bernatchez redefined the position. While most backs focused almost entirely on defense, Bernatchez ranged all over the place and was an essential part of Messalonskee’s offense.

In addition to being a top-notch defender, Bernatchez recorded six goals and three assists. For her all-around brilliance, Bernatchez is the choice as the Kennebec Journal Field Hockey Player of the Year. Cony’s Nicole Rugan also was considered.

Bernatchez didn’t start playing back until last year and said she played it safe as a junior because she wasn’t yet confident enough in her defensive abilities.

“But last winter and spring with Majestix I played a lot more of an attacking style as I got better at tackling and channeling,” she said. “This fall, our other backs — Bri Garland, Jess Boghosian and Natalie Hunt — and goalie Lexy Cole were so solid that it allowed me to play higher up the field and be a back-pass option for our mids.”

Messalonskee coach Katie Gorham said Bernatchez played the role of the point guard and often would start Messalonskee’s offense with her individual defense.

“She’s extremely patient,” Gorham said, “and just waits for that right moment to jab and take the ball away.”

Another thing that makes Bernatchez so valuable, Gorham said, is how much of the game she can visualize ahead of time.

“Katie definitely sees the field better than any player I’ve ever seen,” Gorham said. “She communicates really well with her teammates. She was able to be a real leader on both sides of the field.”

“I’ve been around the game my entire life because my mom (Amy) is a coach,” Bernatchez said. “When my sister Kristy and I were in elementary school, we’d sit in the back seat of my mom’s car after her games and talk about how the team could improve. I think I’m pretty good at seeing things a couple steps ahead, seeing where the open space on the field will be, instead of where it is at that moment.”

Before her senior year, Bernatchez decided to go to Boston University, where her cousin Ciara Corbett was a fine player. Many times, when projecting players from high school to college, coaches will talk about a player’s speed and how well that translates to the quicker college game. Bernatchez does not have blazing speed, but Gorham does not see that as a problem.

“She’s such a smart player,” Gorham said. “That’s what makes up for her speed. She sees the most direct route and can get there as fast as (another) player.”

One of the things Messalonskee was hoping to do this season was play in its first state title game since 2000. As it was, the Eagles lost to Skowhegan in the Eastern A final all four years of Bernatchez’s high school career. Still, she leaves as one of the top players in the program’s history and with a lot of great memories.

“I remember being in only second or third grade, watching my mom coach the Messalonskee team and wanting to be a part of that so badly,” Bernatchez said. “I couldn’t wait to be a Messalonskee field hockey player. Now that it’s all over, I feel really proud of our team, especially the other four seniors. We went through so much together and learned a lot — not just about the sport, but about life in general. There were a lot of ups and downs, but I don’t have any regrets.”

Matt DiFilippo — 861-9243
mdifilippo@centralmaine.com

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