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The Story

On November 17, 1973, the world changed and a legend was born. A band of girls from tiny Granby High School won Connecticut’s first-ever state field hockey tournament. They beat Guilford High School scoring the winning goal in the second sudden-death overtime.

This is a journey through a life of highs and lows. A regular season of sticks and obstructions. Games against long-time rivals and emerging powerhouse teams. The joy and pain of a single elimination tournament.

This memorable season is a bridge to a 50-year journey for the game of field hockey in Connecticut’s public high schools; overcoming the barriers of systemic oppositions by state municipalities to federal guidelines for Title IX, the institutionalized practices of gender bias, discrimination and homophobia.

A Life of Obstructions by Rob Penfield tells a story about common people and their accomplishments playing a game, not because they had to, but because they wanted to be a part of something special. Because on November 17, 1973, the world really did change and a legend was born.

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What a gem! Rob successfully recaptures a nostalgic time that is held dear in the hearts of many in Connecticut’s Farmington Valley. The steady back and forth between Vietnam experiences that shape the author to the interplay with coaches as this story is told really hit the reader's heart. I was there when all of this happened. The book put me on the grassy sidelines, back in my 1969 Chevy Impala listening to AM radio. Thanks for this time capsule. Well done!
Martha Griffin-Weis
Martha Griffin-WeisGranby, CT Author
A fabulous book! Read it in one day because I didn’t want to put it down! I played sports at nearby Stafford High School 1972-1976. It’s a wonderful tribute to that era and the marvelous women athletes! A real treasure!
Gail Panciera
Gail PancieraFormer CT Field Hockey Player
A very well written book, great character development. You get a real sense of the time and how girls’ sports, especially at the High School level, were perceived and treated. Loved getting a better understanding of the work and effort it took to enable my daughters to have a wonderful fulfilling high school field hockey experience. A wonderful book!
Marianne O’Neil
Marianne O’NeilChairperson, Simsbury, CT Public Library
What an interesting book. I enjoyed this book very much. Rob’s writing technique brings the characters and events into sharp focus. I also had the opportunity to see Rob in person at the Granby Library and he is a great storyteller. I found his recollection of names, places, and dates amazing.
Ron Roach
Ron RoachGranby, CT
An absolutely wonderful and riveting book. Filled with memories and emotions only Rob would be able to understand and capture.
Leslie Gribus Dunlap
Leslie Gribus DunlapGoalie on the 1973 Guilford CT High School Field Hockey Team
"Thank you for your inspiring book bringing Connecticut field hockey to the national stage. We reminisced, laughed, cried and remembered the joy that field hockey brought to those who played and love this sport. Your time, effort and talents are valued and appreciated."

Sadly, legendary coach Nancy Grace died in October 2024. I knew her for over 50 years. She was my friend and I, along with so many others, will miss her.
Nancy Grace and Arlene Salvati
Nancy Grace and Arlene SalvatiCT Hall of Fame Field Hockey Coaches
What an amazing book!
Pam Sproul Hammersmith
Pam Sproul HammersmithCo-Captain of the 1973 Granby State Championship Team
When my book arrived in the mail, I just stared at the picture on the front cover and cried. Rob’s story and his words are so powerful. They brought back to life so many good memories of a wonderful time in my life.
Sue Jensen
Sue JensenFullback on the 1973 and 1974 Granby State Championship Teams
Informed about this book, I had no plans or interest to read it. But I did read it. Wow, Rob can write! This is a very powerful book and Rob’s riveting story and emotional words will affect you as they did me. There are no books like this about field hockey...anywhere!
Anonymous
Anonymous Online Review
Rob was the only one out there covering girls’ sports on a full-time basis in 1973. His published stories and efforts made it easier for us who came along in later years, providing information for our research. His words, descriptions and details of events brings back games and memories as if they happened earlier this afternoon…not 50 years ago. It’s a special book!
Gerry deSimas
Gerry deSimasEditor Collinsville CT Press
I thought I would never read a book about Title IX and field hockey. Nor did I believe that if I did, it would affect me in an any way. This is a book that goes way beyond just a story about playing field hockey. Rob absolutely affected me with his riveting accounts, recollections and passionate words. I strongly recommend this book.
Bob Kelly
Bob KellySavannah, GA
The best book I’ve ever read!
Arlene Salvati
Arlene SalvatiLongtime Field Hockey Coach at Cheshire CT High School
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