WOODBURY — The stage was set between rivals in the Berkshire League field hockey tournament final: after double overtime, Nonnewaug and Shepaug were tied 1-1 and the game was headed into a shootout.

For most goalies, this would be the most nerve-racking moment in their career. But for Nonnewaug sophomore goalie Fiona Scozzafava, her hands didn’t tremble; they remained steady, poised, and prepared for a game-winning save.

“As we prepared to set up for the shootouts,” says head coach Janet Crocker, “Fiona walked over to the cage and clapped her arms to the crowd as though to say, ‘Make some noise, people, because I got this.’”

This ‘I got you, guys’ mentality stems from Scozzafava’s relentlessness.

“She’s always eager to learn more, grow more, gain more to be more,” says Crocker. “No one is outworking that kid on the field. She often would travel to a four-hour clinic or club practice and then still show up for our team practice and not ever complain, still be in the lead pack for the runs, still give her all for every rep, every shot, every play.”

Scozzafava’s strong game play isn’t just because of her hard work. She possesses a mature mental game, one that’s beyond the years of the typical sophomore.

“She is intrinsically motivated by challenges,” says Nonnewaug assistant field hockey coach Jason Scozzafava – also her dad. “She competes against herself to make every save. That is the standard; nothing gets past you, ever.”

Along with her father, Fiona’s teammates look up to her standard.

“No matter what Fiona steps up for a challenge,” says Lila Farrelly, who plays with Fiona. “She encourages us all to take every practice and game seriously.”

But Fiona understands the balance between fun and seriousness.

“I try to balance fun and seriousness the best I can during practices,” says Scozzafava. “Though for games I think the most fun I can have is winning and making great saves, which comes from taking it seriously.”

Like Fiona, coaches also notice her ability to juggle the two.

“During practice she likes to have fun with the team,” says Jason. “I think she has a good understanding of when it is time to work and when she can mess around with her teammates. You won’t see too many smiles during a game, she is focused on the task at hand.”

The task at hand this fall was being the best goalie in the Berkshire League. Scozzafava ended with a save percentage of 95%, only allowing 11 goals over 22 games. For context for Scozzafava’s in-goal acumen, the average goal keeper maintains a noble 80%.

Along with league-leading stats, Scozzafava led her team to the Berkshire League tournament title and the Class S state semifinals for the first time since 2011.

Beyond the team’s success, Scozzafava racked up the individual awards, including All-BL First Team and All-State First Team.

While juggling her responsibilities for the Chiefs, her task reached the national level.

“She was selected as one of only 32 goalies in the country to compete in the USA Field Hockey’s NEXUS championships,” says Jason. “The NEXUS program is the US Women’s National Team development program. She has also competed in several national tournaments. She was invited to be the keeper for her club’s top U16 team this January.”

While her NEXUS selection is impressive, her club, AGH, was recently recognized as the No. 4-ranked team in the country.

Success follows Fiona wherever she goes, but these achievements don’t come without hard work.

“Before practices and games I am ready to play the best I can,” says Scozzafava. “I like to think of each practice like a tryout, where I am working hard to try and get the best result.”

Her work ethic is noticed by everyone, but especially the 10 who share the field with her.

“Playing with Fiona is great,” says senior Sophia Garguilo, who joined her goalie on the All-BL and All-State teams. “While you’re playing with her, you know there is always someone that you can always depend on. Fiona has a level of commitment that sets her apart from the rest of the team. She consistently puts in extra practice and her overall work ethic is amazing.”

Despite other people thinking that having a larger goalie comes with an advantage, Scozzafava’s 5’3 stature surprises opponents.

“Fiona may be petite and quiet,” says Crocker. “But she becomes a fierce warrior and competitor when she puts on that goalie gear. When it comes from within the player like that, you know that you are part of something special. Coaching someone like that is a gift.”