Meet this year’s captains for CU’s club field hockey team, Elise, Jackie, and Haley!
Tell us a bit about your roles on CU’s club field hockey team!
EC: Each of us try to split the roles of being leaders on the team. As co-president and a co-captain I am in charge of communicating important information to the team and managing fundraising opportunities. All of us sort of do the “behind-the-scenes” stuff then communicate it to the players!
JP: As Co-President and Co-Captain, one of my main duties for the team is planning out all of the logistics for our California Tournament, which means handling the budget and travel card in my name. Additionally,
HC: We work with Club Sports to set up games and tournaments, as well as hire our refs and design/order the team clothing. We work hard to be good leaders and to help guide the team to its goals!
When did you start playing field hockey?
EC: I first began playing field hockey when I was 14, which is a bit late compared to other sports like soccer where you are playing at age 5!
JP: I first started playing my sophomore year of high school, and made it onto varsity my second year playing, and we made it to CCS finals my senior year which is awesome considering it was still an up and coming sport in California at the time.
HC: I started playing in 8th grade. Field hockey isn’t huge in Colorado, so that was considered an “early start”.
What’s your favorite thing about the sport? And the team?
EC: I love field hockey because it’s unique and takes a lot of practice to become skilled at it. It’s rewarding! The group of girls I play with are some of my closest friends and we have such a strong sense of comradery.
JP: I really enjoy it because it is similar to soccer (position-wise) so that is why it was an easy transition, and it is a great way to meet people who are also trying something new and learning together and it is amazing to watch each other progress and grow in the sport.
HC: I love how fast-paced field hockey is and how it is so unique. My favorite part about the team is how it is a family; we all love and support one another and our bond is something that many students don’t experience, I believe.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
EC: Yes, I tried a variety of sports before sticking with field hockey. I played soccer, danced, did gymnastics, lacrosse, and basketball.
JP: I played soccer since I was 4 years old and played throughout high school–I actually almost went to a small college in Boston to play for them, but I decided to come to CU instead and realized I really enjoyed playing field hockey a lot more!
HC: I played soccer, basketball, and gymnastics like most other kids! I realized that I was not very good at any of these, so when I discovered that I was better at field hockey, I really invested myself in it.
If we were to run into you off the field, where would that most likely be?
EC: Hmm…I don’t want to speak for the other captains but I would guess all three of us would be jam-packed on our couch watching a scary movie.
JP: You would probably see me in Starbucks a lot since I usually go finish up homework or something there in between classes, or you would find me walking through campus with some friends OR you will probably catch me on the slopes when the resorts open for the season!
HC: At some coffee shop on Pearl or in our house (all of us captains live together) cooking and binge-watching some scary show.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received from a coach/mentor in field hockey?
EC: To stick with it and not give up. A huge part of sports is having confidence in yourself and the most meaningful coaches I have had are the ones who have pushed me to believe that I am capable so long as I don’t give up!
JP: My coach in High School always pushed us to get past those mental barriers when we were on the field, whether we were just tired or struggling with external issues, I would never give up and always gave 100% during games and practices.
HC: My high school coach taught me how to be aggressive on the field and to never underestimate my own strength and ability against players who possessed fancy stick skills or could perform an impressive move. With patience and determination, any opponent can be defeated.
Tell us about your favorite memory from playing field hockey at CU!
EC: Every year we participate in a tournament in California. The trip is super fun and rewarding because we get to travel together and see how hard we have worked all season to be there. It’s probably one of my favorite college experiences.
JP: I loved traveling to California and Pennsylvania, especially since I was new on the team. This gave me such a great opportunity to get to know the girls and form strong bonds with my teammates.
HC: I will always remember our amazing tournaments, but my favorite memory has to be the everyday practice atmosphere. As a team, we become so close and time spent together is fun, hilarious, and unforgettable.
What three words would you use to describe the team as whole?
EC: Bonded, hard-working, and talkative
JP: Ecstatic, triumphant, successful
HC: Determined, loving, sisters
You all are amazing leaders, especially for the underclassmen. Who was your role model on the field when you were younger?
EC: When I was a freshman on the team I really admired an older player for her ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and give 100% every time she stepped on the field.
JP: I always admired upperclassmen and their commitment to the sport and team–it was always amazing to see them encourage one another and everyone on the team and make everyone feel comfortable, which is what I really try to do as a leader for the team now.
HC: My role model would change every day, depending on which of my teammates played with the most heart and intensity. The women that I play with who take constructive criticism well and use it to immediately build their performance are the ones who inspire me.
Super cheesy, but what’s your favorite motivational sports quote?
EC: “Never give up.” I really believe that persevering and maintaining a positive attitude will keep you moving forward no matter what.
JP: “You can’t just beat a team, you have to leave a lasting impression in their minds so they never want to see you again.” -Mia Hamm I love this quote because I always get nervous before games, but I know I can’t let my mental barriers get the best of me, and with my team relying on me I want to give my all and to prove to myself that I can be the best I can be, which motivates me to show the other team what we can do!
HC: “They said I fight like a girl. Good.” –Ronda Rousey I love this because it reflects that women are powerful and motivated beings that are capable of performing at high athletic levels and are proud of their skill and ability.
What’s your favorite way to sweat off the field hockey field?
EC: I like to run and do yoga! I’m not very good at either though.
JP: I love to ski, hike, and go on long runs outside!
HC: I love to lift, hike, and ski!!
What are you most looking forward to this season?
EC: California!
JP: California tournament–my home state!
HC: Cali, baby.
What else are you/were you involved in on-campus?
EC: Not much else! I participate in the Yoga club and have an internship with the athletics department.
JP: I’ve participated in intramural sports on campus, but besides that I have two internships I am currently working outside of CU.
HC: I am also an officer of a pre-med honor society and am the Vice Captain of the CU Love Your Melon crew, an organization that works to fight pediatric cancer.
You’re graduating soon, which is crazy to think about, I’m sure! What will you miss most about CU?
EC: Getting to live within a few miles of all my closest friends!
JP: I’ll definitely miss my friends in Boulder and living so close to everyone, and I will also miss the amazing skiing Colorado has to offer!
HC: I am going to miss Boulder and all of my college friends.
This might be a scary question, but where do you see yourself a year from now? Five years from now?
EC: I hope in a year I will be traveling and in five years I will either be working or in grad school!
JP: I hope in a year I’ll have a job that requires me to travel around the world, and in 5 years hopefully solidifying my career and reaching my ultimate goals!
HC: In one year, I see myself working, getting clinical experience, and backpacking. In five years, I see myself finishing up PA school and beginning my career!
And, lastly, how can people support CU’s field hockey team??
EC: We currently are doing a fundraiser where you can check out our team page and donate to our cause! http://www.colorado.edu/crowdfunding/?cfpage=project&project_id=13241
JP: Follow us on social media, donate to our crowdfunding campaign, and come out to our home games!
HC: Follow us on social media and share our posts!