Roy-Hart Field Hockey Teams Unite to Promote Mental Health Awareness

Royalton-Hartland High School’s Varsity Field Hockey team came together for an important cause on Saturday, October 10, 2026, hosting a special game against Medina in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week.

The initiative highlighted the importance of mental health, kindness, and supporting one another, demonstrating how athletics can bring student-athletes and communities together for a purpose greater than competition.

Led by Head Coach Delaney Ulrich, the Roy-Hart Rams organized thoughtful activities to spread positivity, encourage meaningful conversations, and honor the memory of someone whose story holds a special place in their coach’s heart.

Rams Spread Positivity Through Teamwork

Leading up to their Mental Health Awareness Game against Medina, 11 Royalton-Hartland Varsity Field Hockey student-athletes participated in a creative team-building activity designed to promote kindness and connection.

The players suggested making special “hug T-shirts,” a meaningful activity in which teammates painted their arms and embraced one another, leaving colorful hug prints on their shirts.

Each athlete also decorated the front of her shirt with an uplifting message using puffy paint.

The team proudly wore their handmade shirts during pregame warmups, sharing messages of encouragement while strengthening their bond as teammates.

The activity served as a reminder that small gestures of kindness and support can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

A Pregame Ceremony With a Powerful Message

Before the Varsity Field Hockey game against Medina, Coach Ulrich organized a special ceremony to bring attention to mental health awareness.

A Mental Health Awareness banner was displayed on the field hockey shed, helping spread the message to spectators and the school community.

Coach Ulrich also delivered a heartfelt message to both teams about the importance of mental health awareness, compassion, and recognizing that others may be facing challenges that are not always visible.

As she spoke, the Roy-Hart student-athletes distributed goodie bags to Medina’s players, filled with Mental Health Awareness bracelets, candy, and stickers featuring positive and encouraging messages.

The thoughtful gesture demonstrated how student-athletes can come together to support one another, even as opponents on the field.

Honoring Maggie Pontius Through Maggie’s Way

One of the most meaningful parts of the event was Coach Ulrich’s personal connection to mental health advocacy.

In March 2019, her cousin, Maggie Pontius, passed away following a long struggle with mental illness and other health challenges.

To honor Maggie’s memory, her sister, Marcy, established Maggie’s Way, a foundation dedicated to spreading mental health awareness and encouraging compassion and understanding.

The foundation’s symbol is a sunshine, reflecting Maggie’s love for the color yellow and the joy and positivity she brought to those around her.

As part of the Mental Health Awareness Game, Coach Ulrich included a Maggie’s Way sticker and memento card in each goodie bag distributed to Medina’s athletes.

She also shared Maggie’s story with her team, helping the players understand the deeper meaning behind the initiative.

The experience reinforced that mental health awareness is about more than wearing a ribbon or participating in a themed event. It is about recognizing that others may be struggling, showing kindness, and reminding people that they are not alone.

Learn more about Maggie’s Way at https://www.livemaggiesway.com/.

Building a Tradition of Awareness and Kindness

The October 10 event provided an opportunity for Roy-Hart’s field hockey players to take an active role in promoting mental health awareness while demonstrating compassion toward their opponents and school community.

From creating personalized warm-up shirts to distributing thoughtful gifts and sharing Maggie’s story, the student-athletes helped create a positive and supportive atmosphere for everyone involved.

Coach Ulrich hopes to continue the Mental Health Awareness Game as an annual tradition, finding new ways to use athletics as a platform for kindness, advocacy, and meaningful conversations.

Making an Impact Beyond the Field

Royalton-Hartland Field Hockey’s Mental Health Awareness Game was a powerful example of student-athletes using their platform to make a positive difference.

Through their creativity, compassion, and willingness to support others, the 11 participating student-athletesdemonstrated the importance of empathy, leadership, and teamwork beyond competition.

Congratulations to the Royalton-Hartland Varsity Field Hockey team, Coach Delaney Ulrich, and everyone involved for helping create a supportive community and bringing attention to such an important cause.