Field hockey: Thomas Worthington wins unprecedented fourth consecutive state crown
Saturday, November 1, 2025
By Michael Rich
mrichnotwealthy@gmail.com
Thomas Worthington’s Jaidyn Gussler celebrates her go-ahead goal during the Cardinal’s 3-1 win over Upper Arlington for their fourth straight OHSAA state championship. Photo: John Hulkenberg
Sophia Borghese did not score the game-winning goal. Jaidyn Gussler did.
And the result remained the same as it has for the last four seasons. The Thomas Worthington field hockey team is a state champion for the fourth consecutive season – a feat never achieved before in Ohio.
The Cardinals defeated Upper Arlington 3-1 on Nov. 1 at Thomas in a game full of tension and white-knuckle moments.
Gussler’s go-ahead goal came in one such moment, with 7:39 remaining in the fourth quarter, to give the Cardinals the lead (20-2-1).
“Honestly I was nervous,” said Gussler, a senior defender, who also had an assist. “I just took a deep breath before (the play) even started. And then (Kiera Posey) sent it high and it went through (Meredith Estepp) and then down to me. I was screaming for it. (I got it) and it just slipped right in. I stood there for a moment – just shocked (with my) mouth wide open. I felt so relieved.”
Borghese, a senior attacker committed to play at Miami University, scored two goals to lead Thomas, which converted two of four corners. She had scored the game-winning goal in each of the previous three state championship games for the Cardinals.
It was a decidedly different vibe than last year’s final where Thomas defeated Shaker Heights 5-0.
Winning a championship this year was anything but a forgone conclusion. Thomas had to replace six starters, including three playing at the Division I level in Rowan Casey (Ohio University), Julie Conroy (Kent State) and Emmy Wellejus (Michigan State).
Upper Arlington’s Evie Ruma (4) moves downfield with Thomas Worthington’s Sophia Borghese (2) defending for the Cardinals during their game Saturday. Photo: John Hulkenberg
“I was nervous because, I mean, it’s a state championship game,” Borghese said. “But I knew I trusted my team and I knew we were going to pull it out.”
Upper Arlington mounted a furious attack and created chaos throughout, but especially on corner attempts. Emerson Dunlap scored off one such attempt through a scrum in front with no time left on the clock before halftime to tie the game at 1.
“We had good opportunities,” UA coach Sara Greaves said. “And I think the team was just really excited to be here and work hard and have the opportunity to showcase what they’ve been working on all year. So, yeah, that was our strategy … to come out, play hard and have fun. And I think that’s what they did.”
The chance to make history meant mounting pressure for Terri Simonetti Frost, who has overseen nine of Thomas’ 10 state titles in her 27 seasons as Cardinals coach, including three in a row from 2015-17.
It was probably the hardest thing I think I’ve ever had to go through to calm them down, just focus on what we needed to focus on,” she said. “They followed the game plan. I thought we executed well defensively on their corners, which we practiced a lot on. I’m just so happy – I can exhale – I can enjoy it.”
But if anyone felt the pressure, it was junior goalie Mae Conroy, who stopped three shots. She anchored a defense that held the Golden Bears (18-3-2) to 1 of 6 on corner attempts, turning her nerves into a positive.
“It’s just like being locked into the game, being focused and you can’t think about the exterior,” Conroy said. “Whether you’re up one (or) down one – the game is being played, and you have to be ready for whatever’s going to come your way.
Thomas Worthington’s Sophia Borghese hugs her coach, Terri Simonetti Frost, after winning her fourth state championship in as many years. Photo: John Hulkenberg
“The adrenaline is part of the game and it’s what makes it exciting. Those nerves are what helped me to really focus in a game and I can use the nerves, turn it into adrenaline and help me play better.”
Led by Grace Basil, UA had its chances on the corners, creating more than one on a couple of occasions, including Dunlap’s goal.
Freshman goalie Peyton Garvey stopped one shot for UA.
The Bears were making their first appearance in the state final since 1990 where they also finished second. It’s the only two appearances for a program that has taken the next step over the last four seasons, appearing in two regional finals in 2022 and 2023 and a state semifinal in 2024.
“Every athlete just wants to compete at the higher and higher levels,” Greaves said. “And I think instead of running from competition, they’re running towards it.
“I think it motivates the younger generations (who will) play at UA and want to be part of something. And what I hope people take away from this is just the spirit of team that our girls brought.”
It wasn’t the first time the Bears and Cardinals played this season. Thomas won at UA 2-1 in overtime on Oct. 1.
“Playing UA in space was something that we weren’t exactly prepared for, but this was a great experience,” Conroy said. “Playing (them) was so fun and it’s so rewarding as a team … just so much fun. But being here – at the end of the day – this is what it’s about. Celebrating with your team and knowing that all the hard work you put in all season, it pays off in the end.”
Upper Arlington’s Crystal Cao attacks for the Golden Bears in their OHSAA state final against the Cardinals at Thomas Worthington Saturday. Photo: John Hulkenberg