Every championship team has a few unsung heroes. Addison Landis doesn’t mind being one of them.
When Manheim Township’s senior was in middle school, she was counted on to provide goals. Once she reached high school, she was switched to defense. The change suited her.
“I kind of enjoy it,” Landis said. “I’m never really standing out, but I feel like I’m always doing my role. I like that position.”
Two of the most important, and not-so-glamorous spots in field hockey are left back and penalty corner inserter. Landis filled both for the Blue Streaks last season.
By placing Landis on the left side, coach Jess Shellenberger was able to neutralize much of the opponents’ pressure. That’s because most people are right-handed.
“She’ll shut you down right away,” senior Rhylee Givens said. “She’s definitely one of our best defenders. Her footwork is really good to be able to get under the ball.”
Landis likes to challenge talented scorers. The senior can tell when they start to become frantic or when they hurry out of frustration.
That’s her defensive contribution. She has kept a stake in the offense as well.
Corners are often how the hard-to-get playoff goals are scored. When it was time for Township to call a play, Landis was the one who started it. She had to deliver the ball cleanly to the right place at the right time.
That will sometimes get Landis an assist, a well-deserved bit of recognition, or it might have no statistical measure at all. Again, Landis doesn’t mind.
“I like reading the play,” she said. “On defense I’m not really involved in the scoring opportunities. I like being down close to the goal and getting a good ball to the people at the top of the circle.”
Landis is part of a trailblazing senior class, which includes Givens and Oly Sponaugle, that has helped elevate Township to new heights.
Interview with Manheim Township’s Oly Sponagle at L-L Field Hockey Media Day
The Blue Streaks won their first L-L and District Three Class 3A championships in 2023, when they advanced to the PIAA final. They repeated as league champ last fall.
Despite all of their recent success, Township has conceded most of the preseason buzz to Warwick, the reigning Class 2A state champ.
Hopes of an L-L three-peat will start in the back for Township. That’s where Landis, Sponaugle and maybe Givens will play.
Givens is capable of delivering moments that wow her teammates. The Providence College recruit was an important part of Township’s attack last season.
“Her skill is amazing,” Sponaugle said. “She can score such unique goals. Reverses and shots where I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, how do you do that?”
Positions can be fluid at Township, particularly early in the season. Givens could be at attacking mid or in a more defensive role. Her versatility is an asset.
“Rhylee has always been incredibly skillful,” Shellenberger said. “She’s a beautiful passer. She has a lot of deception in what she does.”
Landis and Givens were both All-State second team selections. They’ll be joined by junior Julia Weaver, a first-teamer, in the starting lineup.
Township must overcome some big departures. Leading scorer Brooke Weaver, now at Penn State, and top defender Gracie Clawson, at William & Mary, were centerpieces when the Blue Streaks lifted those trophies the previous two years.
Nine seniors have helped change what’s possible for field hockey in Neffsville. That’s part of their legacy. One more chapter remains.
“Year after year, our expectations build for sure,” Sponaugle said. “I think this year is going to be no different.”
Landis will be in the middle of whatever success Township enjoys. Even if sometimes she goes unnoticed.
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