This past weekend, our Club Field Hockey team competed at the College Club Field Hockey National Tournament at Virginia Beach. With a total of 72 teams, our team had the opportunity to compete and spectate with schools from all over the nation. The competition was fierce, providing our team with unique game opportunities. We had the ability to play four full games in one day, matching up with teams of various skill levels. 

Beginning our weekend at 5 am on Friday morning, my teammates and I loaded onto a bus to make the journey down to Virginia Beach. While the bus ride was long, we held our heads high, knowing that the National Tournament was what our team had been anticipating all year. 

Arriving at our hotel in Virginia at 4 pm, we took a quick dip in the hotel pool and got some dinner. The team called it an early night to prepare for our long day ahead. Kicking off our first game Saturday at 7 am, our team suited up to play the University of Delaware. In a tough fight, we lost the game 2-0. However, our strong defensive line, including freshman goalie Emily Fuller, did a remarkable job at blocking the many shots taken by Delaware’s attacking line. Defensive junior Abby Szumita, president of the club, did an outstanding job holding off the Hens for a majority of the game. Szumita is sure to perform with high intensity in each game. This tournament, especially, she was incredibly focused. Playing with energy and motivating the rest of our team to do so, our president motivated us to do well throughout the entire tournament. 

Later in the day, our team matched up with South Carolina. With a 1 pm kick-off against the Gamecocks, our team was prepared to hustle and put energy into this competition. Immediately, sophomore attacker Grace Baker drove the ball up the field. Being tackled by the Gamecocks’ goalie within the first minute of the game, Baker secured a stroke. Scoring the penalty for the Rams, our team was up 1-0 within the first two minutes. The game was fast-paced and intense.

 Dominating the entirety of the game, sophomore attacker Fran Caley drove the ball into the circle, giving the perfect opportunity for freshman attacker Toni Freitas to score. Caley and Freitas are a dynamic duo, consistently working the ball into our offensive circle. Going into the final quarter of the game up by 2, I scored off a great assist from senior Emily Smith. The victory was exciting. It is a great experience being matched against teams from all across the country and being able to take part in such an intense competition.

Between games, our team was able to watch different universities compete. As a club sport athlete, it is incredible to have the opportunity to travel and play against teams from all over the nation. Knowing that every team worked hard and traveled far to compete makes it incredibly motivating to be in such a passionate, competitive environment.

Beyond the games, the weekend was a great opportunity for team bonding. With a roster of 25, we are a close-knit group, encouraging each other to give it our all in field hockey. Off the field, we also share genuine friendship and enjoy each other’s company. With early morning bus rides on Friday and Sunday, the team grew even closer. Being surrounded by like-minded girls who share a passion for the sport and have fun together truly captures the spirit of team sports. In total, we played 4 full games on Saturday, placing third in our division. It is uplifting to be able to have such incredible travel opportunities. 

Going into college, I was hoping to have the opportunity simply to play the sport that I love. Joining the Club Field Hockey team has completely exceeded my expectations. With travel opportunities such as this one, it is incredible to be able to continue to play field hockey at a competitive, collegiate level while balancing academics and social life. Club sports have provided me with many friendships, opportunities for growth, leadership roles, and the ability to get involved within the URI community.