Audrey Shaud ’28 Sophie McGarry ’29
Photo courtesy of James Quinn
Episcopal Academy’s Varsity field hockey team has had great success so far this season, and Rebecca Block ’26 is, quite literally, at the center of it all. As a co-captain, Block’s remarkable talents combined with her unwavering determination have made her stand out against some of the nation’s fiercest competitors. From effortlessly scoring crucial goals in close games to her steady voice and leadership, Block has had a monumental impact on the team ever since the start of her freshman year.
Block started her field hockey career at just six years-old, playing in a local recreation league called Fast Flicks. She picked up field hockey because her mom grew up playing, but it quickly developed into a true passion. Since then, she has garnered recognition at every level.
Block has received countless awards and accolades as a result of her tireless work ethic, exceptional game sense, and remarkable athleticism and speed. In addition to being named to the Top 50 player list in the class of 2026, she has also won the Corinne Ruth Patton Zanolli ’17 Varsity Field Hockey High Scorer Award in 2023 & 2024 and was awarded First Team All Inter-Ac 2023 & 2024.
Block currently plays center midfield, although one of her biggest strengths as a player is her versatility. This ability to dominate at any position has made her a vital asset to any team. Additionally, as Head Field Hockey Coach Paul Zelenak notes, “She doesn’t let adversity change her mentality, confidence, or approach in the game, which is huge as a leader.”
Block’s talent extends far beyond the high school level, as she has also represented our country playing for the US Junior National team. In January 2024, she qualified for the Junior National selection camp, where she was able to try out for the U18 Junior Women’s National Indoor team. Even among the most talented players in the nation, Block still managed to earn a well-deserved spot on the team and traveled to Toronto to begin competing.
In the spring of that year, she was again selected to play for the U18 Junior Women’s National team in Valencia, Spain. Reflecting on the experience, Block remarks, “It was beyond my dreams, it was the highest level of hockey I’ve ever played at, which was so different and amazing for me.” Her time spent playing with the national team was not only a once-in-a-lifetime experience but also another opportunity to develop her game further.
Block’s ability to adapt to any situation on the field makes her a perfect role model for her teammates. Her co-captain, Eliana deGennaro ’26, states, “She knows when she needs to pass the ball and she knows what position she needs to be in, but she also can do it all herself as well. So she’s a super diverse player. And then off the field, I think her kindness is really, really special. She’s just a really kind person, and that’s what makes her a good captain as well.”
Looking forward to the rest of this season, Block has confidence in the direction the team is headed. “I think that our team has a lot of potential, but we’re definitely young. I think we are connecting more than we ever have on the field, which is a big deal for us. I see us scoring more goals and winning closer games this year.” By helping to set a tone of growth, teamwork, and resilience for this season, Block inspires her teammates and further strengthens the team both on and off the field.
Block is committed to playing field hockey at Cornell University next fall. “It has always been my dream school; it was the only school I wanted to go to. I know a lot of people look at a million schools, but I only ever looked at one.” She is eager to compete at the high pace of collegiate-level hockey, saying, “I am excited to be a part of something where it’s 100% intensity all the time.”
Block’s relentless effort and unwavering commitment to hard work have prepared her to thrive even against the gauntlet of opponents awaiting her at Cornell. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that she will continue to shine during her college career and leave behind a legacy of competitiveness and camaraderie for years to come.
