Red Land and Warwick field hockey teams honored Rachel Apa at the start of their game Wednesday night. Photo: Bob Benscoter
There is comfort in imagining Rachel Apa running into the arms of her grandfather, whose memory she honored by running the New York City Marathon. Now, her field hockey community is honoring hers.
The 24-year-old collapsed near mile 24 and died later that day at Mount Sinai Hospital on Nov. 1, according to NBC News.
The former Red Land High School standout continued her field hockey career at Bucknell University, leaving her mark on coaches, teammates, family, friends and fans. On Wednesday night, Red Land played in the District 3 Class 2A semifinal.
The Patriots lost 2-0 at Warwick. But they improved on last year’s sixth-place finish. This year, they will finish either third or fourth. Red Land will compete against Elizabethtown at West Shore Stadium at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7.
Before the semifinal, the teams observed a moment of silence in Apa’s memory.
“It happened to us a couple years ago, when Coach Derr passed away, and it was actually Palmyra that was here for a game and I think it was districts,” Warwick head field hockey coach Ron Stief said. “It felt really good to be with somebody that got that this is more than hockey. So, when we heard the news, I mean, it's a tragic story. It's so sad. We reached out to Red Land first just to make sure it was all good.”
Red Land High School plans to host a two-mile walk Sunday at West Shore Stadium in Apa’s memory, symbolically completing the final two miles of her marathon. It will begin at 1:30 p.m.
“Rachel was wearing green during the marathon, so we’re inviting everyone joining us to wear green or show off their favorite field hockey gear as we come together to honor her,” Red Land field hockey wrote on its Instagram page. “There is absolutely no admission fee to participate. Whether you knew Rachel personally, shared the field with her, cheered her on, or simply want to be part of something meaningful, you are welcome.
“We know everyone grieves differently, and not everyone had the opportunity to know Rachel. But one thing we do know is that the Red Land and field hockey communities have always been about more than just a game. We show up for one another, we support one another, and we come together when it matters most.”
Her family has also announced plans for the Rachel Apa Foundation at therachelapafoundation.org.
“Our family is beyond heartbroken,” the family wrote on the website. “Rachel was a loving daughter and sister, a loyal friend, and the brightest person in any room. Her kindness, determination, and faith inspired everyone she met.”
The family said it has been overwhelmed by support from friends and strangers, including people who asked how to help or contributed to Apa’s original marathon fundraiser.
The family says donations will be used to create and fund the foundation.
Its stated mission is to educate athletes about rhabdomyolysis, often called rhabdo, which the family says doctors believe caused her death. Her father also described that diagnosis to NBC News; an official cause-of-death determination has not been independently verified.
Red Land head field hockey coach Gini Bramley described Apa as someone the players looked up to for her work ethic, commitment and determination to reach the next level.
“Rachel obviously was a big part of our community and a part of our program in the past,” Bramley said.
Some members of the coaching staff played alongside Apa, Bramley said, and her college career reflected a goal shared by current players.
Bramley said the team plans to walk in Apa’s honor and dedicate the rest of its season to her memory.
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