Junior Mia Lloyd recently committed to play Division I field hockey at Merrimack College. For most, this accomplishment would be enough to memorialize a special story, but for Mia, her commitment means reuniting on the field with her older sister, Gracie, whom she’s been on the field with since first grade.
“Field hockey has been such a big part of my life for so long, I can’t see myself not playing. I’m really excited to push myself at a higher level, I love putting in the work to get better, and I’m so excited to get to play with Gracie again. She’s my best friend,” Mia said.
Lloyd’s list of career accomplishments is long. Just last year, Lloyd earned all Eastern Connecticut Conference (ECC) First Team, Connecticut High School Coaches Association All-State First Team, played in the Junior Select Field Hockey game composed of the top Class of 2027 players in the state, and led her team to ECC finals as a junior captain and midfielder. Her incredible performance attracted interest from multiple collegiate programs.
“She definitely had a lot of other schools interested in her, but ultimately Merrimack was the perfect choice. The cherry on top is that she gets to play two more years with Gracie,” Mia’s mother and ELHS field hockey coach Amy Lloyd said.
For Mia, her connection with her sister has played a major role in shaping her as a player.
Gracie agreed, “We’ve been best friends since she was born, and continuing that connection into a sport we both love so much is amazing.”
As two division one athletes, the sisters agreed that their bond comes with a competitive edge.
“Mia’s competitiveness and grit brings my energy and intensity up. It’s one thing to be able to push each other and have competitiveness, but it’s a completely different dynamic when you know the other person genuinely wants you to be your best, which is what Mia and I have,” Gracie said.
Mia continued, “Whenever we’re conditioning or practicing we’re always gunning for each other, trying to out-do
one another. But, at the end of the day, I’ve always looked at her as an example of who I want to be. It’s a good competitiveness. There’s never any jealousy, we’re always so happy for each other,” she said.
On the field, the Lloyds work together as a unit. In their two years playing together at ELHS, they led their team to win the ECC championship against Stonington.
“I love watching them play together. They share a passion for field hockey and just have great chemistry on the field
together. They really push each other in all aspects of the game,” Ms. Lloyd said.
As she prepares to close out her senior season as a second-year captain, Mia is focused on finishing strong before
beginning her collegiate career.
“Playing Division I field hockey, not even necessarily together, has been such a big goal for Mia for as long as I can
remember, and seeing she achieved that was a very proud moment for me. I am beyond thrilled to have her coming to Merrimack, not only as her sister but also as her teammate. She will bring so much to this team,” Gracie said.
