West Perry’s Jordan Byers shares how field hockey failures and successes have helped her to grow
Jordan Byers, a West Perry High School senior, is pictured passing the ball during the Mustangs’ 2024 PIAA Class 1A championship game. (Photo: Bob Benscoter)
The following essay was written by West Perry High School field hockey athlete Jordan Byers
Byers participated in the 2025 Dr. Judith Benscoter Female Athlete Scholarship competition. The competition included an online and social media vote held in March.
Byers finished second. Below is her essay page.
Name: Jordan Byers
State: Pennsylvania
High School: West Perry High School
College: Iowa University
Third grade was when I found my first love.
I started with soccer and gymnastics, but I didn’t feel a true passion towards them, or maybe I thought I did. However, it wasn’t until I touched a field hockey stick that I learned I could love a sport almost as much as I loved my family, dog, or childhood blanket, “Blankie.”
Field hockey has shaped me into the person I am today. Long training, film, and classroom sessions have challenged me both mentally and physically.
Although difficult, I always appreciate these moments afterwards, knowing they have only brought me closer to my goals. The sport has also taught me how to cope with pressure.
Failure is something each athlete fears, for we think one wrong mistake will cost us everything. However, through experience and many (I mean, MANY) mistakes, I have come to accept I’ll never be perfect, but I can always strive to be the best version of myself.
Having this mindset in my field hockey career has translated into the classroom. My competitive spirit takes over as I work towards perfect test scores and a high GPA.
If I strive to be the best student I can be, I will be successful. Putting complete effort into everything is the most anyone can ask, and as I have furthered my education, I have learned it is what teachers appreciate most.
Athletics have also contributed to my ability to communicate. I am not afraid to ask questions, or present my input in conversations when prompted, allowing me to learn better in and outside of the classroom.
However, the greatest thing field hockey has provided me with is the most amazing community of people.
My coaches have mentored me throughout my life, guiding me through hardships, and keeping my head on my shoulders in the best of times. My teammates have provided me with more laughs and smiles than I could count, all while pushing me to grow in my abilities.
I would never have traded my teammates for any accolade or championship. In fact, I believe our strong family-like bond was one of, if not, the greatest factor in our high school team winning the state championship.
I plan to attend the University of Iowa in the fall where I will study Computer Science and Engineering. In a state with no professional sports, the university carries a unique atmosphere.
The field hockey program is full of deep traditions, and has high standards of excellence. I know the team and coaching staff will go to lengths to help me grow as a person and athlete.
Being a Big Ten student-athlete will allow me to compete against some of our nation's best teams, while also providing me with connections and networking I would otherwise not receive.
Ultimately, being a Hawkeye is a dream come true, and there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about how grateful I am to soon wear black and gold.
This post is an unedited piece written by Jordan Byers. She participated in the 2025 Dr. Judith Benscoter Female Athlete Scholarship contest.