A Fan‑Driven Honor for a Rising Star
Delaware Online’s preseason player polls have become a barometer for emerging talent, and this year’s field hockey vote was no exception. The competition, sponsored by Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists, pitted five standout athletes against one another in an online ballot that ran from Monday through Thursday, culminating in a Friday announcement.
Bernadette Patino, a senior at Archmere, captured the top spot, securing the Delaware Online Preseason Field Hockey Player of the Year honor. Her victory follows a strong previous season in which she earned a spot on the All‑State first team, underscoring her consistent performance and growing influence on the sport.
The poll’s structure was straightforward: fans could cast a single vote for any of the four nominees, with the winner determined by the highest tally. While the field hockey category concluded this week, similar fan‑driven contests are slated for girls’ volleyball and football, with nominees set to be unveiled on Monday, August 24, and voting to follow the same short window.
Patino’s win reflects not only individual skill but also the power of community engagement in high school sports. As the announcement approaches, Archmere’s coaching staff and supporters anticipate how this recognition will boost morale and set the tone for the upcoming season.