Ohio Wesleyan University Athletics

I originally looked at Ohio Wesleyan because it is one of the closest Division III field hockey schools to my hometown, Grand Rapids, Michigan.  As I kept looking at OWU, the diversity and openness surrounding the campus really appealed to me.  There is such an accepting and kind atmosphere surrounding OWU.  Everyone I met on my visits was so nice and willing to talk to me.  The field hockey coaches and players were welcoming and obviously had strong relationships with each other.  It made me really want to be a part of the OWU community!

My senior year of high school I sat back and looked at what I enjoyed most because I wanted to pursue a major I would be happy in.  At the time, I had been teaching Sunday School at my church for 4 years, and I also babysat and worked with young kids in multiple settings.  I realized that those aspects of my life were really important to me and I was always so much happier after working with children.  I have always found such joy in helping out and teaching children, and each year that I have been in education classes has enhanced that in me. There is no doubt in my mind now that this is what I am meant to do!
 

My freshman year I got second-team all-conference and I also led the conference in defensive saves.  I did not expect much recognition since I was only a freshman, so that will always be a special memory and it means so much to me!  Academically, I have been on Dean's List a few times and was also Honors student of the month in April 2017.  I was very flattered that my professor suggested me to be honored in that way!
 

The best thing for me that has contributed to making defensive saves is being ready whenever the ball is in the defensive circle.  That means having my stick down and ready, getting low, and having my head up so I am aware.  Whenever the ball is in the defensive end, players have to be 100 percent ready for whatever might happen.  I think another component is that from the backfield and being close to the net I can see so much of the field, which is a real advantage that other positions do not always get.  It helps me be able to anticipate where the ball might be going next so I can be ready for it.
 

Each year I pick something to do immediately before each game, usually it involves connecting with another player on the defensive line.  This year and last, Maggie Greer and I point our sticks at each other and say each other's names while we are lined up to start the game and at halftime.  It's a way of encouraging each other and sharing our support before the ball starts rolling!  Another thing I do is, no matter what, I always start the game and the half with my stick on the ground.  I do have a bit of a superstition where I need to have my hair the same way for every game during the season.  So whatever I start with for the first game, I stick with (unless we start losing, then I have a tendency to change my hair in the hopes it will affect my play!)  I also always have the same phrase I use before every defensive corner. When we are standing in the goal waiting for the ball to go out, I make sure to say the exact same phrase of encouragement and motivation to the corner team every single time.