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As both the middle school counselor and field hockey coach, Courtney Wilson brings energy, empathy and enthusiasm to everything she does at North Shore. Whether she’s cheering on her undefeated middle school field hockey team, leading a conversation about friendships and feelings or taking the stage to sing at a school talent show, she’s known for her positivity and passion. We sat down with Courtney to talk about this year’s standout season, what she loves about working with middle schoolers and how she finds balance through it all.

The middle school field hockey team had quite a season. How would you describe it?
We had the best season! We went undefeated with a shutout record, scoring 39 goals over 13 games — an insane stat for any team, let alone middle schoolers. The girls have come so far over the last few years, losing only one game in the past two seasons. It’s been amazing to see their growth and confidence.

What makes this year’s group special?
They’re fiery, tenacious and coachable. Even though they are really good, they’re quick to acknowledge there are things that they don't understand and they take the feedback that I give so well. I’ve coached at every level, but middle schoolers still have that spark — they just want to do the right thing and get better every day.

Any standout moments from the season so far?
Beating Wilmette Junior High! They’ve been our biggest competition. My first year, we got blown out; last year we lost by one goal in the final 30 seconds. This year, we won 1–0. The girls were so excited — it was their mission all season.

You still play field hockey yourself. What keeps you coming back to the game?
It’s the same spark I see in my players — I still get it myself. I play for the Chicago Field Hockey Club, and compete from late March to the beginning of August. We host a tournament at Northwestern every summer. Teams come from all over the country, and last year my team finished third. We attend tournaments in Arizona, and there’s even going to be one in Germany in 2026. I’ve played since sixth grade, through college and grad school — I just love it. It started as this random thing that I had to do for my sports requirement in sixth grade, and now it’s become such a big part of my life. I can’t get enough!

How does coaching influence your work as a counselor, and vice versa?
Coaching lets me see students in a different light, especially those who might not come to me for social or emotional support. If someone’s having a rough day, practice gives them a way to reset and release that energy. It also helps students see me differently — they get to know me as a person, which makes it easier for them to open up later.

What’s one piece of advice you find yourself giving middle schoolers most often?
That nothing matters! Not in a harsh way, but in perspective. They get so wrapped up in grades or small things, but it's all relative. Yes, it's important. Yes, it's big. Yes, you want to do well, and I love that. But also it's okay to make mistakes. I tell them, “If you saw my middle school grades, you wouldn’t believe where I am now.” This is the time to learn how to study, how to be a good friend, how to make mistakes. Take it day by day.

Many in our community have also seen you sing at Morning Ex or during one of the talent shows. How did music become part of your life?
Singing has always been a part of my life. My dad sings, my mom can carry a tune, my brother’s musical. Growing up we would sing around the house, I would sing in church, I took voice lessons. I love karaoke, though people say it’s unfair because I can actually sing! It’s just something I can’t help — if someone says a word that’s in a song lyric, I’ll start singing without realizing.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston or “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys. It depends on the mood.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
That I’m actually an ambivert — an introverted extrovert. I love people, but sometimes I get drained from what I do all day and I would rather just be home by myself. 

What’s the best thing about working with middle schoolers?
They’re so funny and so misunderstood. They’re learning how to balance independence with figuring out who they are. In lower school, everything's planned for you — your days are planned, your outfits are planned, your play dates are planned. So now as they're getting more independence, they're pushing those boundaries. But that's the only way you learn. Watching them mature from sixth to eighth grade — and then seeing them again in high school — is incredible.

Any advice for parents of middle schoolers?
Give them grace. They’re trying so hard, even when they can’t explain why they do what they do. Sometimes when they say, “I don’t know,” they really don’t. They’re figuring it out and they’ll get there.