AUBURN – Everyone has various reasons for becoming involved in athletics, and Mary Lewis is no exception.

Her decision to follow in her older sister’s footsteps and play field hockey has certainly provided Saint Dominic Regional High School with plenty of memorable performances.

The senior Saint is determined to complete her career on a high note. Saint Dom’s has developed a reputation for playing an up-tempo style, and the Saints’ high-powered offense has dominated the Western Maine Conference for a decade.

“I didn’t decide to play field hockey until after I watched my sister play in some high school games,” Lewis said. “I saw the intensity and the level of play and realized field hockey was something I wanted to play.

“All through Becky’s high school career, I bonded with the girls. I went to my sister’s games to learn how to better myself, my game and even the way I approach challenges. I would not be where I am today without my sister paving the way and helping me along.”

Lewis made an immediate impact as a freshman with strong drives to the net and refused to be intimidated by older players. This type of competitiveness wasn’t overlooked and No. 6 became a focal point for opposing teams.

“So many players from opposing teams asked me why I hadn’t graduated, yet,” Lewis said. “My sister and I do not look exactly alike, but on the field hockey field, we both have the same attitude: Play the best you physically can and prove to the world why you deserve to be on that field.”

Lewis’ exploits have been well documented, having averaged 24 goals and 16 assists the past two seasons. The strong play has also been recognized with earning all-state honors twice and first team-WMC three times.

The Saints’ program has a strong winning tradition.

“I believe that the strong winning tradition does drive not only myself, but my teammates as well,” Lewis said. “Every girl pushes herself to be the best that they can be and people can see that by the way the team plays. Throughout the years, the team has always risen up to the challenge of being a strong winning team.”

Lewis relishes her role on the team and is extremely well-prepared both physically and mentally. The challenges provide her with extra motivation to succeed in athletics and life.

“My preparation for every competition starts when I leave for school in the morning,” Lewis said. “As I drive to school, I think about what needs to be done. Once I walk into the school, my teachers and fellow schoolmates, wish the girls and me good luck. Between these two scenarios, I start mentally preparing myself for the game.”

When the players walk through the towering Pine Trees and step onto the field, the main focus is on the game and what needs to be accomplished.

“The main thing that makes me tick and rise up to meet the challenge is being with my team,” Lewis said. “Each girl, in their own way, helps me prepare myself and play the best I can. With the support of the team, I rise up to each challenge.”

Saints fans might notice a difference in the team’s offensive scheme early in the season. For the previous years, Lewis and Katie Landry provided a one-two punch that couldn’t be ignored. Landry has graduated, so Hillary Gove, a junior, is filling the physical position as the center

Lewis realizes how important it is to utilize her time between athletics and academics, but creating a proper balance has been difficult at times. Academics are more important than athletics because Lewis, who is ranked eighth in her class, knows that she needs to succeed in the classroom to participate in any athletic activities.

“I make sure I use the free time I have throughout the day, to get my schoolwork done,” Lewis said. “I use my study halls, breaks, mornings before school and any time I have in the evening to get my homework completed. I have had to create a schedule for myself so that I can succeed in my academics as well as in my athletics.”

Lewis is hoping to study chemistry, biology and/or mathematics in college, and she is trying to be recruited for field hockey or softball.