Which player was popular as the Wizard of field hockey?

Walking onto D1 field hockey...your advice?

• So I will be attending either UVa or Boston U in the fall. And I love playing field hockey, and know I will regret not trying if I don't. But I need you to tell me if I will make a complete fool of myself if I do try out. Here's some background. Field hockey isn't a high school sport around here, and club teams are about 1.5-2 hours away. So it was never an option for me. I started playing in a newer recreational league 4 years ago, and quickly moved up, and became one of the best players in the league. Because it was a new league, they didn't have the money to rent large field space, so we played 6 v 6 for 3 years, and last year got bigger fields and played 9 v 9. I'm not trying to "toot my own horn", I'm just trying to give you the facts. I am a good player with pretty good stick skills. I play middie/forward, and my defense is really great, but I'm good on fast breaks, so I was usually put on middie and rotated to forward when I got tired. I have great "poke check"/stick tackles, and hits. I also take the corners, usually. I was one of the only girls in the league to be invited to play in the adult indoor league, and I do. I have been one of the top goal scorers in the first weeks so far. I'm coachable (I picked up lacrosse as a sophomore, and have improved exponentially. The coaches have told me in both post- season meetings that I am extremely coachable) and am willing to work hard. I'm very competitive and athletic as well. So I want to know, what is your experience with field hockey walk-ons, what advice do you have, and most of all, will I look like a complete idiot if I do get a try out? Thank you so much.

• Answer:

  There's going to be a lot of girls who are very talented and while you may think you're good at what you do, you are always going to find that one girl who is top notch, and at a D1 school, this is pretty much all of the girls trying out. From what it sounds like, you're pretty good. However, these girls have been playing for years and what makes me a little wary is that you didn't play in high school. The level of play at your league will also play a part in how you will stand amongst these other girls. Just remember, that girls who play in high school usually don't follow through in college unless they're exceptionally good and at a D1 school this would practically be all of the best players and captains from high school all in one place. I don't want to discourage you from trying out because you sound okay from what I hear. However, I can't tell what level of play you're at. Since you said you play with an adult league, I trust your judgment that you're one of the better players. I'd say to try out because even if you don't make it, at least you tried. The one piece of advice I'd give to you would be to get in shape! It's imperative that you are physically fit but seeing that you play mid, I'm assuming you have stamina. The most intimidating part of the entire experience is these girls' level of physical fitness. It's no longer the baby-leagues--these girls are extremely serious about field hockey. Try to meet a few of the girls in your range and stick with them. Just don't forget to show YOUR skills as well. You'll find that there will be a few girls who don't quite belong so just remember you're not the worst. Just please, please, PLEASE make sure you are fit before trying out. That's really the only embarrassing part of the entire thing. Other than that, girls are surprisingly nice, however, just make certain that you focus on what you came to do which is to make the team! Good luck! Sorry if you're not a girl, I just realized. That's how it was for me though. If you're a guy, it should be roughly the same, maybe a little more intense though.