MARYLAND HEIGHTS – Seniors Kate Logsdon and Katy Chapman have played field hockey together since they were five years old, but they never dreamed of playing for the same college team.
“We didn’t plan it this way, but now that we are, I can’t imagine not,” Logsdon said.
Both are committed to play at the University of Virginia, and they began their final high school season with a synergy that created several highlight-reel plays, including the championship-winning goal, as John Burroughs captured the Pool B title at the 27th Gateway Classic Friday and Saturday in Maryland Heights.
John Burroughs (3-0) defeated Lake Forest (IL), Huntington Beach (CA) and St. Stephen’s (TX) by a combined score of 14-2, but the Bombers needed some late game magic from Logsdon and Chapman to hoist the trophy.
Tied 2-2 in the fourth quarter against St. Stephens, Chapman drove baseline, dribbled through a defender and sent a no-look pass to Logsdon, who blasted home the game-winner.
“It’s like we’re interconnected,” Logsdon said with a laugh. “I think it comes from playing with each other for so long. We just communicate really well.”
Two excellent saves by junior goalie Tessa Zwicker in the final four minutes clinched the Pool B trophy for the Bombers.
The Logsdon-Chapman magic began Friday evening against Lake Forest (IL) in the opening game. A 20-yard scoop pass by Chapman that originated from the midfield sailed over the Scouts’ defenders and was guided gently to the ground by a streaking Logsdon in the circle. Logsdon surveyed the scene and bombed a shot into the far corner.
“Katy is a master distributor. She knows where everyone is and sends them the perfect ball,” Logsdon said. “Her presence in the center of the field and her ball skills are amazing. It’s so hard to defend her.”
Less than a minute later, Chapman eliminated three oncoming defenders, entered the circle and scored to increase the lead to 2-0.
Chapman moved to the position of center midfielder for the Bombers this season, the same position she played this summer as a member of the United States Under-18 National Team during a trip to Spain.
“That trip was amazing. Going into it, there’s girls from all over and you don’t know anybody, but once you’re there, you’re traveling together, you’re living together, and you become a team so quickly,” Chapman said.
During that tour, the USA team went undefeated in games against Spain, England, Scotland and Poland, and Chapman was one of two center midfielders on the field. This fall, she will roam sideline to sideline for the Bombers as the only player in that position. It allows her to utilize her exceptional speed and anticipation to turn defense into offense.
After a goal by Finnley Desloge on a penalty corner, another slick pass from Chapman sent Logsdon racing into the circle, where she unleashed a backhand rocket to increase the lead to 4-0 midway through the third quarter.
“Anyone who sees Kate play immediately notices her speed. I’ll send a ball that is way too fast and that I think is going out-of-bounds and Kate runs on to it,” Chapman said.
Logsdon qualified for the U-21 Nexus championship team this summer and had a similar experience playing with superstars from all over the nation.
“I started at the local ones, advanced to the regional ones and then the national. It was a lot of fun getting to play with girls I’ve never met before,” Logsdon said.
John Burroughs is under new direction this season as Katy’s mother Carrie Chapman took over head coaching duties, replacing Meridith Thorpe, who coached the Bombers for 16 years.
The Bombers reached the state title game the last three seasons, winning the championship in 2023.
“I want to go out with a bang. We’re going to work as hard as possible to get to that spot again,” Logsdon said.
Katy Chapman added, “High school field hockey is so fun. We’re going to enjoy (the season). We want to live in the moment every day because it will go by quicker than we expect.”
And the first major moment of their senior season ended in a trophy.
For photo galleries from the 27th Gateway Classic, visit https://benvessa.smugmug.com/Field-Hockey/2025-Season