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Just a few years ago, field hockey was a completely foreign game to Didsbury, but today our athletes are a dominating force in the sport.

With 11 players and three coaches all representing Didsbury in this year's Alberta Summer Games, there's no question our girls have talent.

All three coaches participated in the summer games two years ago, so they'll use that experience to help the athletes on the road to victory.

Sarah Kemmere, 20, was one of the trailblazers and even though she's surpassed the age limit to participate as an athlete, she's excited about her new role as coach.

"I'm so excited for the girls," she said. "It's a blast."

Kemmere said the Summer Games will be an opportunity for the players to take their skills to the next level and also to meet lots of people.

"You really get to indulge in the sport and get more experience," she said. With the exception of a couple of girls, the team is comprised of all Didsbury athletes who have played together for some time, so that should give them a communication advantage.

Kemmere said the girls' success is due completely to DHS coach Jenni Johnston's passion and dedication to the sport.

Johnston played on the national field hockey team for years, and when she moved to Didsbury to teach, she brought the sport with her.

In most small towns, it isn't offered, so it's a unique opportunity for Didsbury athletes to try something different.

"It's a really interesting sport that is self-driven and works on so many aspects," said Kemmere. "I like how different and foreign it is, and it's also an exciting sport to watch."

This year has been a particularly exciting one, with the high school team getting the chance to compete in the prestigious Cal-Cup tournment in California and now the Alberta Summer Games.

The team will head up to Red Deer on Thursday for the opening ceremonies and will then play three games on Friday and two or three on Saturday, depending on how they fare.