Meet the Michigan Field Hockey Newcomers
9/7/2017 3:36:00 PM | Field Hockey, Features
The University of Michigan welcomed a big group of nine newcomers -- eight freshmen and one sophomore -- to Ann Arbor this fall. While three are native to the Ann Arbor area, others have come from as far as Argentina and New Zealand. Now approaching the one-month mark since the start of preseason and with the 2017-18 academic year officially three days old, the Wolverine newcomers reflected on Team 45, their time in Ann Arbor so far, and some of their favorite things.
Freshman • Forward • Denver, Colo.
What attracted you to the University of Michigan?
I love the big-school spirit and intense focus on academics; the commitment to being the best is unparalleled. Also my big brother goes here so I have visited quite a lot and have been to many football games. My high school coach also went to Michigan and played here, so I have just absorbed the Michigan spirit.
How did you first get involved in field hockey?
I tried out my freshman year of high school and loved the sport! The program at my high school was so big and successful that I really enjoyed my four years there and knew at Michigan it would only be better. My mom also played in high school so I had a little encouragement from her as well.
How has it been getting to know your Wolverine teammates?
So far all of my teammates have been so welcoming and fun. We are so international, and it has been so cool to get to know everybody. Also navigating this big campus has been so much easier with all the upperclassmen showing us all the ropes.
What do you like about Michigan/Ann Arbor from what you've seen so far?
From what I have seen so far from Ann Arbor there is always something to do and it is always unique. So far we have ventured to Lucky's Market and Produce Station and so many other good places to eat. I also love the diversity of all the students yet with still such a strong sense of community.
What do you enjoy when you're not play field hockey?
I genuinely love being active, so in the winter I love to ski. I also have been going to the same summer camp for the past decade and love to swim, water ski and sail. I also love to read, and my mom and I both love art even though I am not the most talented artist.
Favorite food ... Waffles
Favorite singer/band ... Rihanna
Favorite TV show ... Friends
Favorite book ... The Glass Castle
Favorite movie ... Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Favorite superhero ... Spiderman
Favorite song to sing at karaoke ... Before He Cheats
Favorite subject/class taken ... History
Favorite athlete ... Serena Williams
Favorite place to visit ... Northwoods of Wisconsin
Favorite sport besides field hockey ... Lacrosse
Sophomore • Midfield/Back • Buenos Aires, Argentina
What attracted you to Michigan?
What attracted me the most was the level of excellence this university has and the passion that all the students have toward it -- from football games to regular daily routines.
How did you first get involved in field hockey?
My father used to play hockey, so we were on the field with him all the time. When I was about five years old I started playing and have not stopped since then.
How has it been getting to know your Wolverine teammates?
I honestly feel like it's a great team. From day one I felt welcomed, and though it hasn't even been a month yet, we've already have had a lot of great experiences together.
What do you like about Michigan/Ann Arbor from what you've seen so far?
So far I like downtown Ann Arbor the most.
What do you enjoy when you're not play field hockey?
I enjoy hanging out with my friends, and I really like playing any kind of sports, listening to music and going shopping.
Favorite food ... Milanesa and oven roasted chicken
Favorite singer/band ... Rihanna
Favorite TV show ... Grey's Anatomy
Favorite book ... Beautiful Disaster
Favorite movie ... The Notebook
Favorite superhero ... Superman
Favorite song to sing at karaoke ... Dimelo
Favorite subject/class taken ... Math
Favorite athlete ... Messi
Favorite place to visit ... Barcelona
Favorite sport besides field hockey ... Soccer
Freshman • Midfield • Ann Arbor, Mich.
What attracted you to the University of Michigan?
Growing up in Ann Arbor, I always had it on my mind, and the academics along with the athletics and the field hockey program in particular set it above every other school. The coaching staff, facilities and the team dynamic and philosophies all made me certain that the University of Michigan was the school for me.
How did you first get involved in field hockey?
A friend of mine's mom in third grade offered to coach a small Rec & Ed team for us to see if we would like the sport. She had played in high school and had a sister who played at the University of Michigan. We all fell in love with it and stuck with it all the way through high school and (some) into college!
How has it been getting to know your Wolverine teammates?
It has been great. Everyone is really nice, welcoming and inclusive. The team dynamic is something really special, and I am very glad to be a part of it.
What do you like about Michigan/Ann Arbor from what you've seen so far?
Since I grew up here I know most of the city pretty well, but there are always new things to discover.
What do you enjoy when you're not play field hockey?
I like to cook!
Favorite food ... Hash browns
Favorite singer/band ... Chance the Rapper
Favorite TV show ... It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Favorite book ... When You Reach Me
Favorite movie ... Napoleon Dynamite or The Incredibles
Favorite superhero ... The WHOLE Incredibles cast
Favorite song to sing at karaoke ... anything from Frozen or One Direction
Favorite subject/class taken ... Psychology
Favorite athlete ... Serena Williams
Favorite place to visit ... Cape Cod
Favorite sport besides field hockey ... Dance
Freshman • Back • Ann Arbor, Mich.
What attracted you to the University of Michigan?
I grew up in Ann Arbor so I've always wanted to go to the University of Michigan. There is a strong team culture and atmosphere here on campus, so when I had the opportunity to come to Michigan to play field hockey I couldn't say no.
How did you first get involved in field hockey?
I started playing field hockey for a Rec & Ed team in fifth grade with all of my friends, and I fell in love with the sport after that.
How has it been getting to know your Wolverine teammates?
It has been a lot of fun getting to know my new teammates. Everyone is super welcoming and really good friends, and I've enjoyed the time I've spent on this team so far.
What do you like about Michigan/Ann Arbor from what you've seen so far?
I've been living in Ann Arbor my whole life so not a lot is new, but I enjoy how close everything is on campus. Also, the dorm food here is great!
What do you enjoy when you're not play field hockey?
When I'm not playing field hockey I enjoy reading, hanging out with friends and cooking.
Favorite food ... Macaroni and Cheese
Favorite singer/band ... George Ezra
Favorite TV show ... Psych
Favorite book ... Kite Runner
Favorite movie ... Star Wars
Favorite superhero ... Thor
Favorite song to sing at karaoke ... All Star by Smash Mouth or anything by One Direction
Favorite subject/class taken ... Biology
Favorite athlete ... Serena Williams
Favorite place to visit ... California
Favorite sport besides field hockey ... Soccer
Freshman • Goalkeeper • Middletown, Pa.
What attracted you to Michigan?
During my first visit to U of M, I knew it was where I wanted to call home. The atmosphere of our amazing athletics and dedication to academics make this truly where students have it best!
How did you first get involved in field hockey?
When I first started playing field hockey, I would have never guessed I'd be here playing it in college. I was actually much more focused on soccer, but I fell in love with the sport! I got involved when my local middle school team was trying to grow the game.
How has it been getting to know your Wolverine teammates?
Getting to know my teammates has been an amazing experience. Not only are the upperclassmen extremely welcoming, but it's apparent that everyone is here to grow as a team. Our freshman class is extremely close, and I can't wait to learn more about them in years to come!
What do you like about Michigan/Ann Arbor from what you've seen so far?
One thing I love about Ann Arbor so far is that all of the students are genuinely happy! Everyone is eager to share the amazing parts of campus and how to get the most out of our time here.
What do you enjoy when you're not play field hockey?
When I'm not playing hockey, I enjoy watching movies and taking pictures.
Favorite food ... Mac 'n cheese
Favorite singer/band ... The Weeknd
Favorite TV show ... It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Favorite book ... 1984 by George Orwell
Favorite movie ... Almost Famous
Favorite superhero ... Batman
Favorite song to sing at karaoke ... Hey Ya! by Outkast
Favorite subject/class taken ... Psychology
Favorite athlete ... Tom Brady
Favorite place to visit ... Los Angeles
Favorite sport besides field hockey ... Football
Freshman • Forward • San Diego, Calif.
What attracted you to the University of Michigan?
The balance of academic and athletic prestige at the University of Michigan was a huge draw for me. The field hockey team culture and players also have a very positive and inspiring energy that makes me want to be a part of the team and the school. Michigan is a place where you become a champion in all aspects of life; how can you say no to that?!
How did you first get involved in field hockey?
My mom made me try out for the middle school field hockey team in seventh grade and would force me to go to practices for a while. I didn't end up falling in love with the sport until freshman year of high school, when I had some incredible teammates and coaching that made me want to play every day.
How has it been getting to know your Wolverine teammates?
The team has been super welcoming and supportive. I have asked them so many silly questions and have felt very comfortable being myself with the team. There are so many different interests and personalities on the team, and I'm excited to get to know everyone better as the season continues.
What do you like about Michigan/Ann Arbor from what you've seen so far?
Being a self-proclaimed foodie, I've loved getting to try all the restaurants around campus and finding which ones are the best. It's also been fun to walk around all the cute shops and bookstores in downtown Ann Arbor.
What do you enjoy when you're not play field hockey?
When we aren't on the field, I like to eat, read and be active. I love hiking and being outdoors (in the summer at least!) and checking out all the cool places Ann Arbor has to offer.
Favorite food ... Thanksgiving stuffing
Favorite singer/band ... Zac Brown Band
Favorite TV show ... Survivor
Favorite book ... The Language of Flowers
Favorite movie ... Grease
Favorite superhero ... Mulan
Favorite song to sing at karaoke ... Party in the USA
Favorite subject/class taken ... World History
Favorite athlete ... Tobin Heath
Favorite place to visit ... Kauai
Favorite sport besides field hockey ... Soccer
Freshman • Back • Hummelstown, Pa.
What attracted you to the University of Michigan?
The University of Michigan is the perfect balance between athletics and academics. The atmosphere of the school is also like no other.
How did you first get involved in field hockey?
The school district I lived in would hold a Red Rose Field Hockey camp with our coach Linda Kreiser.
How has it been getting to know your Wolverine teammates?
They have all been very welcoming and inclusive. It has also been nice to get to know them off the field as well.
What do you like about Michigan/Ann Arbor from what you've seen so far?
I like how friendly the people are and how cute the town of Ann Arbor is.
What do you enjoy when you're not play field hockey?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends. Also going to the beach, watching movies and shopping.
Favorite food ... Buffalo chicken pizza
Favorite singer/band ... Khalid
Favorite TV show ... One Tree Hill
Favorite book ... Girl on the Train
Favorite movie ... The Last Song
Favorite superhero ... Wonder Woman
Favorite song to sing at karaoke ... Any throwback Taylor Swift song
Favorite subject/class taken ... Biology
Favorite athlete ... Mia Hamm
Favorite place to visit ... Marco Island
Favorite sport besides field hockey ... Basketball
Freshman • Midfield • Auckland, New Zealand
What attracted you to the University of Michigan?
Things that attracted me to the University of Michigan were its academics, which was a huge factor, and the hockey program led by Marcia (Pankratz). I also really enjoyed the girls' company on my visit here.
How did you first get involved in field hockey?
I got involved in hockey when I was nine years old, which is somewhat late in my country. I was playing rugby as I wanted to copy my brothers, but my mum wanted me to stop. I didn't like any of the other sports she made me try; then a family friend told us to try hockey and the rest in history.
How has it been getting to know your Wolverine teammates?
It's been really good. Everyone is so nice and friendly. I feel like we have a very good team culture, and it's been a lot of fun to be a part of it.
What do you like about Michigan/Ann Arbor from what you've seen so far?
The campus is really nice, and everyone is very friendly.
What do you enjoy when you're not play field hockey?
I enjoy going snowboarding in the winter and wakeboarding and scuba diving in the summer.
Favorite food ... Sushi
Favorite TV show ... Suits
Favorite book ... Divergent series
Favorite movie ... The Notebook
Favorite superhero ... Superwoman
Favorite song to sing at karaoke ... Follow Me
Favorite subject/class taken ... Sociology
Favorite athlete ... Richie McCaw, Petra Webster
Favorite place to visit ... Tauranga Bay in the summer, Queenstown in the winter (both in NZ)
Favorite sport besides field hockey ... Touch rugby
Freshman • Midfield/Back • Whitmore Lake, Mich.
What attracted you to Michigan?
Growing up in Ann Arbor, I always knew Michigan was a phenomenal school in all aspects. Then, when I really started looking at other colleges I realized nothing else compared to it!
How did you first get involved in field hockey?
My mom played when she was growing up and in college, so I was always familiar with the sport. When I was in fifth grade she started the field hockey program in my school district, and I've been playing ever since.
How has it been getting to know your Wolverine teammates?
It's been so much fun! Everyone was super welcoming and friendly. It's only been a month, but I feel like I'm a part of this great big family!
What do you like from Michigan/ Ann Arbor that you've seen so far?
The campus has to be the gem of Ann Arbor. When I have free time I walk around with my teammates and there are so many cute shops and great food places. There's no way we could ever get bored.
What do you enjoy when you're not playing field hockey?
Right now I am in the midst of learning about stocks. I still don't really understand it well, but I've spent some of my free time trying to learn.
Favorite food ... Mashed potatoes
Favorite singer/band ... Rihanna
Favorite TV show ... Friends
Favorite book ... Lock & Key
Favorite movie ... Imitation Game
Favorite superhero ... Spider-Man
Favorite song to sing at karaoke ... Sweet Home Alabama
Favorite subject/class taken ... Biology
Favorite athlete ... Serena Williams
Favorite place to visit ... Grandparents' house in Vermont
Favorite sport besides field hockey ... Ice hockey
