The Trip to the End of an Era
In lieu of my retirement from international field hockey, it only feels right to share the story of how I got to this day. So, let’s take it back to the beginning…
Growing up my mom and dad encouraged my brother and I to play one sport a season. So, I played it all, soccer, softball, basketball, dance, gymnastics- some sports stuck, some sports did not. And when field hockey was introduced, it was game over for all the others.
My hockey journey begins at a youth field hockey summer camp in 3rd grade, where I picked up a stick for the first time. I remember not wanting to go, but my mom hit me with the “you have to try everything at least once”. After a week-long camp and Rita’s Water Ice, my mom signed me up for the Twin Valley Youth Field Hockey fall league and I never looked back. I played my first fall and still remember the grass fields we would line up on, the mini goals we’d score in, and the grapes we’d eat at halftime. I remember in between games I’d try to see how many times I could juggle the ball on my stick… the beginning of obsession with the sport.
Although hockey quickly became my number one, I continued to play one sport a season, so up until my junior year of high school I was a dual sport athlete. I played AAU basketball, which were some of my favorite teams and years, I played travel soccer, where I met my best and longest friend, and I ran track in high school which stepped me outside my comfort zone into something completely new. Memories and moments that all began to shape me as an athlete.
In 6th grade, I decided to add club field hockey to the lineup. Club is where I found myself most nights of the week until I graduated high school- going to open plays, practices, and individual lessons. Not only did I start at a club, but I signed up to play in Nexus, formerly known as Futures, through USA Field Hockey. Whether I knew it at the time or not, I was well on my way to achieve my dreams! My USA Field Hockey journey began my junior year of high school when I made my first Junior National Team following a U19 Junior National Team camp.
High school hockey was formative and so much fun. Twin Valley Field Hockey was stacked with stars and athletes who loved the game, were true competitors, and just simply enjoyed the sport.
In high school, through club and playing at USA Field Hockey events throughout the year I started to get noticed by colleges. The possibility became real- I will play in college, and good enough to play at a division 1 University. I started looking at colleges that had historically great hockey programs and top-notch academics- after all that is why we go to school right?! From the moment I stepped on The University of Maryland's campus, I knew it was where I was meant to be. One evening on a phone call with Missy Meharg, head coach, she asked “what’s keeping you from being a terp?” and looking at my mother next to me, I replied “honestly, nothing, I want to be a terp”. '
University of Maryland was a dream come true and ultimately prepared me for the National Team. With a coaching staff with a wealth of knowledge and experience at an international level, I was encouraged and supported to pursue my goal of making Team USA. Now, I’m not saying it was a walk in the park… I was absolutely challenged mentally, and physically throughout my career. It led me to become a servant leader, a disciplined student, and gave me the ability to find joy in all circumstances. During my junior year of college I took a semester abroad in Mannheim, Germany, where I did an internship and played hockey. In that semester, I spent a lot of time on my own, found independence, and the courage to be outside my comfort zone.
Following my senior year of college, in January 2020, I attended a Women’s National Team trial, where I would be named to the team. I remember receiving the email with congratulations, my name on it, and a first meeting time to report too. A DREAM COME TRUE. Little did I know at that moment, what would become of my career. I reflect now, with gratitude for all of the moments and people that influenced my journey. It gives me confidence in the uncertainty of my current season, knowing that God is faithful and weaving every part of my story together.
Reflection: what’s your story? Write out how you found your way to this moment.
Scripture to meditate on: Psalm 31
