50 field hockey student-athletes played a part in the making of ‘The Next Play Movie’

“The Next Play Movie” was filmed in the Lehigh Valley in July and early August. Photo: Submitted

This past July, a group of dedicated high school and college field hockey athletes generously volunteered their time to work with “The Next Play Movie” writers and directors in the Lehigh Valley.

Their insights were invaluable to the Sossiadis sisters, who have been developing the screenplay since 2020.

The movie aims to authentically portray the experiences of being on a high school field hockey team, including the pressures to perform, navigating healthy relationships, and addressing mental health challenges.

Koula Sossiadis Kazista and Katina Sossiadis, the sisters and writers/directors, shot with their photographer and producer over the course of 18 days. Production began July 9 and ended August 2.

They worked 12 hour days and dedicated six days to field hockey.

Both high school and college-aged athletes took part in the production of the movie. Photo: Submitted

“We are currently in post editing and then will move on at the end of October to the other parts of post production like sound editing, coloring, special effects,” Kazista said. “After everything is complete, we anticipate the film will be done by early Spring (2026).”

Northwestern’s Ashely Sessa, also a member of the USA Women’s National Field Hockey team, has a cameo in the movie.

“Our steadicam followed her into our luau party,” Kazista said. “It was so much fun. She is such a great person. The whole set loved her.”

Adding to the movie’s field hockey credibility were Lehigh University’s head field hockey coach Kelsi Lykens, and Phil Danaher and Caitlyn Rinker of the Phoenix Performance Academy, who provided insight on set.

Koula Sossiadis Kazista and Katina Sossiadis are the writers and directors of “The Next Play Movie.” Photo: Submitted

The following athletes took part in the filming:

Kenley Bottles — Donovan Catholic High School (speaking role)

Raegan Day — Louisville (speaking role)

Aurora Gery — Michigan (speaking role)

Mena Kazista — Haverford College (speaking role)

Gianna Tripodi — Towson (speaking role)

Bryn Underwood — American (speaking role)

Field Hockey players who played hockey (doubled) for the lead actresses:

Emerson Dougherty — Liberty High School

Hannah Gober — Northwestern Lehigh (Ohio State University commit)

Mackenzie Harris — Bridgewater Raritan High School

Gracie Merrick — Rowan University

Filming began July 9. Photo: Submitted

Field hockey extras:

Emma Bonshak — Rider University 

Ellie Bozikis — Freedom High School

Mari Bozikis — Freedom High School

Jordan Brunnabend — Mansfield University 

Makayla Brunnabend — Millersville University 

Cassidy Clausnitzer — Southern Lehigh High School (Lock Haven University commit)

Alina Culver — DeSales University 

Megan Dadio — Franklin and Marshall College

Zoey Emrick — Appalachian State University 

Addison Feathers — Whitney Point High School in New York

Sarah Fitzpatrick — Rider University 

Jazmyne Frack — Kean University

Elaina Fragassi — Shippensburg University 

Ella Gaitan — University of Maryland

Gabi Horn — University of Scranton

Madison Horvath — Muhlenburg College

Kendall Iasiello — Bloomsburg University 

Raegan Iasiello — Bloomsburg University

Ana Jones — Alvernia College

Caroline Kuehner — Freedom High School (Franklin and Marshall College commit)

Taylor Langley — Northwestern Lehigh High School

Daniella Lister — Adelphi University 

Lauren Masters — University of Louisville

Abigail Mayes — Liberty High School

Jillian Mayes — Frostburg State University  

Maddie Mera — Bangor High School

Emily Materna — Easton High School (Hood College commit)

Mikenna Price — West Chester University 

Laney Rinker — Nazareth High School

Gracie Rousch — Susquehanna University 

Teresa Rubio — Marian University 

Brooke Saul — Frostburg State University 

Alyssa Schlossman — DeSales University 

Olivia Seidel — Marywood University 

Delaney Szwast — Ithaca College

Riley Tepper — Assumption University 

Olivia Thompson — Oley Valley

Abby Wortmann — University of Massachusetts Lowell

Julianna Zumas — Liberty High School (Rider University commit) 

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