Number of Participants: 70
Hours Donated: 1
Value of Time Served: $592
Event Type: Children & Youth
Sport: Field Hockey
School: Smithtown High School-East
Date: March 4, 2025
Location:
Smithtown High School East
School Street, Saint James
NY
About:
One year ago today, we tragically lost our angel, Valerie. She leaves behind her twin, her parents, and the entire field hockey community. Her absence is deeply felt, and we miss her every day. In her honor, we renamed the LIFH annual spring tournament last year and retired her number 58. This May, we will host the second annual Val K Memorial Tournament and continue to award the Val K Extra Effort Scholarship to two LIFH athletes who embody the love, teamwork, and work ethic Valerie demonstrated. Today, the LIFH club will wear light blue – her favorite color – to remember her.
Valerie Kratochvil was more than just a player – she was the heart and soul of the game. Her passion, determination, and unwavering dedication to field hockey left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of playing with her. Val’s energy, sportsmanship, and commitment to always giving her best continue to inspire athletes across Long Island and the field hockey community.
In her memory, the Val K Extra Effort Scholarship will be awarded annually to two student-athletes from Long Island Field Hockey who demonstrate the same love for the sport, relentless work ethic, and team-first mentality that defined Val. This scholarship honors players who go above and beyond, pushing themselves to improve, lifting up their teammates, and embodying the same passion for the game Val displayed every time she stepped on the field.
Through this scholarship, we celebrate Val’s incredible spirit and ensure her love for field hockey continues to inspire future generations.
