Greenfield’s Gloria McDonald will get to showcase her talent on the field hockey pitch against some of the best players in the state. 

McDonald, a junior at Greenfield High School, was selected to be part of the A Shot For Life Family program, which includes getting to play in the A Shot For Life Field Hockey All-Star Game scheduled for March 16 in South Weymouth. 

A Shot For Life selects the top 50 field hockey players in the state to participate in the game, and McDonald’s skills stood out. 

“I originally heard about it from [Greenfield senior] MacKenzie Paulin because she was selected for softball,” McDonald said. “I was skeptical at first when I was emailed about it but I went through the interview process and was selected.” 

A Shot For Life’s website says that it is “a sports based non-profit organization that funds health and cancer research initiatives. Through sports-based initiatives, community in-person events and online activities, ASFL meaningfully engages and unites communities, inspires hope and teaches community leadership.” 

The organization started in 2010, though this is the first year it is hosting a field hockey event. 

“With this being the first year they’ve had field hockey, it really made me feel honored to be selected,” McDonald said. “It made it feel extra special.” 

A Shot For Life isn’t just an All-Star game. The goal is to raise money for Dr. William Curry’s Cancer Research Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital, with ASFL having helped fund the hospital’s immunotherapy projects since 2011. 

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As part of the process, McDonald has committed to raising $1,000 for the organization. 

“Not only is this a great opportunity for me and my goals with my field hockey career but it’s about making sure people out there are able to get the care they deserve,” McDonald said. “There are people that need the care.” 

McDonald already went out to Weymouth for the orientation, where Mike Slonina — the founder of ASFL — went over the organization, its roots, its impact and why it’s so important to the community. 

As of last week, McDonald was already halfway toward her goal.

“I’m at $500 right now,” McDonald said. “I’m trying to get creative with the process. I’ve seen other girls do bake sales, raffles, things like that. I just think outside of reaching out to people privately, I want to come up with something bigger. I’m hoping to figure something out.” 

While the fundraising is the most important part, McDonald is, of course, looking to showcase her skills on the field against some of the best players in the state. 

The All-Star Game will be a day long tournament, and with the best players there, expect some college scouts to be in attendance as well.

“It’s going to be interesting,” McDonald said. “I looked at the girls who were selected and a lot of them are going to play in college. It will be a good opportunity.” 

McDonald helped lead Greenfield to a Western Mass. championship game last fall and was a key part of the Wave making it to the MIAA Div. 4 state tournament. 

Being selected from a small town like Greenfield is something she is proud of, and she’s looking to show she belongs with the best. 

“I want to show what kind of skills I have,” McDonald said. “I’m assuming there will be a bunch of scouts there. I have to be on my game and want to leave feeling like I played the best that I could. Not only do I want to feel like I competed but I want to have fun too.” 

To donate in McDonald’s name, visit https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjI2Mjg5 and put her name in the donation where it says “public message of support” on the page where your information is filled out or send a check to A Shot For Life, Inc. (add Gloria McDonald to the “For” section) and mail to: 80 Poplar St. Watertown, MA 02472.