With the turmoil that ensued due to COVID-19, some could have succumbed to the lack of a normal season. Ruby Chase ’21 paid it no mind. On and off the field, Chase took hold of this unusual time and cultivated a culture where all players and students could garner the confidence to improve on the field, be comfortable to make mistakes, and learn what it means to bleed green.
Hailing from Half Moon Bay, California, Chase has been a member of girls’ varsity soccer since her ninth grade year. Having played soccer since the age of five, Chase came to the Deerfield soccer program under the wings of Ali Dougal ’18 during her ninth-grade year and Bailey Cheetham ’19 during her sophomore year. According to Chase, the two gave her “a new outlook” on playing soccer and taught her the importance of being a leader both on and off the field.
“Despite the dramatic change in our season this year, she always found a purpose to work hard and encourage others to do the same,” fellow Captain Emma Visnapuu ’21 said. “She has the best attitude, always smiling and positive. I’m incredibly lucky to call her my teammate, co-captain, and best friend.”
Chase’s leadership in the Deerfield community extends beyond the soccer field. As a proctor on John-Louis 1 South, a member of the Student Planning Committee, a Cheerleader, and one of the heads of Shriv at the Riv, and she has had to balance her athletic commitments with many other responsibilities. She is also a member of the girls’ Varsity Basketball and girls’ Varsity Water Polo teams.
“In the dorm, she’s kind of like a big sister, and on the field she’s really energetic and gets everyone hyped to play,” Fife McCargo ’23, Chase’s proctee and teammate, said.
On the field, Chase is an energetic and active forward, and isn’t afraid to take a risk when the moment arises. Head Soccer Coach Carly Barbato describes Chase as a “tenacious and infectiously positive competitor whose spirit inspires those around her.”
Chase was able to score a goal for the Big Green in the final game of her Deerfield career. Chase cites this “Choate Day” as her favorite moment of this unusual season. “After the game, me and some of the other seniors were able to go down to the river, which was a great way to end the year,” she said.
Fellow Captain Ingrid Matteini ’21 described Chase as a player whose “skill, hard work, and talent is incomparable and undeniable. Along with being an amazing athlete, she is an even better person and teammate, and I could not have asked for a better co-captain or best friend.”
Having such an impactful player on a team is a recipe for success. Jackson Kinsler ’22, who was new to the program last year, was quick to note Chase’s tremendous athleticism.
“She is one of the players you want to compete against because you know she’ll push you to do your best. She is able to get past any defender with her incredible speed and her quick decision making is beyond belief,” Kinsler said. “Even off the field, she’s amazing. Her smile lights up any room she walks into, whether she had a good day or a bad one. She’s one of the most influential role models I’ve ever had and I’m so lucky to be her teammate.”