FHL Flier 1-2018 - Field Hockey Life1st quarter 2018 Club Newsletter Sunnie Fireman is the first FHL...

It has been a fun indoor season. We selected approximately 60 athletes in the U14, U16 and U19 age groups to represent the club at the national level. We are thrilled to announce that we will be taking two U14 teams to the National Indoor Tournament this year at the USA training center in Lancaster, PA. In addition, we qualified the U19 Red team, who will also attend the National Indoor Tournament in Richmond, VA. Regardless of which teams will end their season on the national stage, we are more than thrilled with the improvements from all our players. We will continue to work hard and evaluate all areas of our game so we continue to help you reach your dreams and goals.

FHL CLUB 1st quarter 2018 Club Newsletter

FHL staff is tapping into their resources to bring you the BEST OF THE BEST right here in Ohio. Each month until July, we will host an elite clinic that will feature either a USA National Team player (or former player) or highly regarded college coach. We kick off our series this February 24th with OSU GK coach, Kate Lipton heading our first GK Clinic.

LOVE

LEARN

LIVE

2018 Disney Showcase This January, FHL athletes and their parents traveled to sunny Orlando, Florida to compete in the Disney Showcase at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports. These players not only competed their hearts out, we had a little fun off the field too (although, we might need a redo of the parental scavenger hunt… just saying).

Competition opened on Friday, January 19th with a great win over Marojoka. The second game that day was a nail biter versus Aim. Our Midwest rival won that competition off a corner with no time left on the clock. However, FHL regrouped and made some tactical changes for the next day. “It was vital that we used the midfield to transfer the ball and played more in space, especially because we faced the impressive X-Cailbur club out of Pennsylvania the next day,” said Coach Puzo.

With a little regrouping, FHL came out firing, battling for every possession and moving the ball as a unit. They prevailed and won against X-Calibur, thanks to some great saves in the cage and nice finishing up top. They carried on and played great hockey the remaining trip, only losing one tight game in shootouts and putting on a great performance for the win against A & C from Toronto.

Update: NITQs and NIT

Upcoming: Spring Elite Clinic Series

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1st quarter 2018 Club Newsletter

FHL will seek out the best hockey in the world this summer as they travel to London, England for the

World Cup!

CONGRATS TO OUR WINTER SELECT &

LEAGUE ATHLETES FOR AN INCREDIBLE SEASON!

FHL family of 50 plus individuals, including players, parents, siblings and coaches, are all headed to London this July to watch the 2018 Hockey World Cup, play against top teams in Europe and explore the enchanting city of London.

FHL will field two teams. The first team is comprised of college players (mostly FHL alumni) and the other squad is full of current FHL U16 and U19 athletes.

We have a 6 day schedule full of adventures that will leave lasting imprints on our lives.

Are you interested in attending? Let us know now or wait for the 2020 international destination.

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LEARN

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FHL U14 Select

FHL U16 Select (above) and FHL U19 Select (below)

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Upcoming Opportunities:

MARCH MADNESS TRAINING:

*Intense skill training 2x week.

Dates: Sundays 3/4, 3/11 & 3/18 from 4:30-6:30PM and Wed 3/7, 3/14 & 3/21 from 6-8PM

Location: C’bus only

Age Groups: U14, U16 and U19

Registration: HERE

SPRING ELITE ACADEMIES:

Dates: Early April – Mid June

* Times vary depend on location. Check website for details.

Age Groups: U14, U16 & U19

Locations: Columbus and Cinci

Registration: Opens mid February

SPRING YOUTH LEAGUE:

Dates: Early April – Early June

* Times vary depend on location. Check website for details

Age Groups: U8, U10 and U12

Locations: Columbus and Cinci

Registration: Opens mid February

ELITE CLINIC SERIES

First 3 Dates:

February Goalkeeping Clinic: Feb 24th ** REGISTRATION OPEN

March Recruiting Clinic – March 25th

April Defensive Clinic – TBA

Age Groups: All age groups

Registration: HERE

SUMMER BEACH BASH:

Dates: July 20-22, 2018

Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Age Groups: 2 x U14 Teams

Registration: Opens in April

2018 Youth Spring League, Elite Academies

& Tournaments FHL is pleased to announce that the organization of our Spring Programs is underway.

This April, we will launch a YOUTH LEAGUE for girls and boys ages 7-11 years old. Athletes will get instruction plus have the opportunity to play in a fun 5v5 league. Why 5v5 you ask? We have modeled our league off the European model which highlights the benefits of more touches on the ball for young players equates to faster learning. League practices will begin in early April with games starting in May. Head to our website for more details.

The second main attraction this spring is the ELITE ACADEMIES for U14, U16 and U19 players. At our academies, you will be coached by some of the area’s best professionals in the game. Come out, learn advanced skills, sharpen your basics and begin to understand how to outlet and press effectively. All athletes in the academies will have the option to tryout for the spring elite teams or participate in a less serious travel squad. There is an option for all levels.

In collaboration with some of the region’s best clubs, we are happy to announce that we have launched the Midwest Spring TOURNAMENTS. Check our website for more details.

Scholarships are awarded to need-based athletes

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CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER!

Sarah Charley All-American and All-Ohio Team

Isabelle Perese All -Ohio Team

Kiersten Thomassey All-Ohio Team

FHL Director, Keli Smith Puzo, will be inducted into the National Field Hockey Hall of Fame.

USA Field Hockey has announced their 2018 Hall of Fame class and our very own, Keli Smith Puzo, is one of three inductees. Congratulations to Keli on her accomplishments with Team USA that span over 10 years and ultimately led to this wonderful honor. Enjoy the celebration in March.


Sunnie Fireman is the first FHL current player to be highlighted in 2018. A veteran with the club, Sunnie is a native of Columbus and plays for New Albany High School.

A current midfield on both her club and high school team, Sunnie can be recognized on the field for her impressive athleticism and good skills in tight spaces.

Off the field, you can find her with friends, family or cuddling with an adorable puppy.

We are excited to highlight Sunnie this quarter.

Current Player Spotlight:

Sunnie Fireman

Sunnie and this cute pup stop and smile for the camera.

FHL: How did you get involved in field hockey? SF: My sisters had both played in middle and high school while I "played" soccer. I decided it was time for me to end my sad soccer career and try something different. FHL: What is one of your most memorable experiences with the sport and what aspects of the experience made it special? SF: The most memorable experiences was definitely attending the ESPN Disney tournament when I was in middle school. It was so memorable because I was with my two best friends and we had an all-around rough trip, starting at the airport when I lost my phone and ending in sunburns and concussions. FHL: You are a fierce competitor. Is there anything you focus on before a game or competition that gets you excited to play? SF: I try not to overthink the game too much; I usually don't play well if I do. I like to focus on one thing I want to do really really well during the game and if I can achieve that I can be good with that. FHL: What is your ideal pregame meal? SF: Definitely a smoothie bowl. They are perfect to eat before games because they fill you up and give you energy, but don't make you feel grossly full. FHL: In your spare time, you can be found where? Doing what?


SF: I can either be found in my bed taking a nap, cooking or making myself food (always), working out, or finding puppies to play with. FHL: What was your favorite present given to you during the holiday season and what was your favorite gift to give? SF: My favorite gift I received during the holidays was any of the many sweatshirts I received. I only wear sweatshirts and probably have enough to wear a different one everyday for a month. I also got to see my best friend from out of town, so that was the best gift. For the gift I gave, I'm not the best gift giver, but, my sisters and I got my grandma a speaker she has been wanting and she was really happy about it, so that was my favorite to give. FHL: On a free Saturday morning, you can be found doing what? SF: I can usually be found making myself a smoothie bowl or cooking in general. I also like to go to the gym with my dad and spend time relaxing. FHL As you look to enter your final year of high school, what are some future goals with both academics and athletics? SF: Academically, I would like to keep my grades up and finish the year with a strong GPA. For athletics, I hope to continue training through the winter and spring so that I don’t get too out of shape.


Alumni Spotlight:

Michelle Shampton

FHL alumni, Michelle Shampton and her signature SMILE!

get the opportunity to play a sport that has brought me some of my closest friends and unforgettable experiences. I have grown mentally, physically, and emotionally more in my three years at Ball State than I have my entire life. Not just because of field hockey but also because of the experience college has given me to grow into a better individual on my own. It is definitely an experience that everyone deserves and should have because you learn so much about yourself and others.

FHL: When you are not practicing, working out, studying or socializing with friends, what is Michelle Shampton doing? * Notice, we said, “not socializing” J

MS: When I’m not practicing, working out, studying or socializing with friends, I am taking my time to relax. I think it is important to give your mind and your body some time to rest. I’m like the energizer bunny; I never know when to stop. My mind is always “go go go” so knowing when to give your body and mind the time to rest and recover is important. So whether that’s napping, watching Netflix, or getting my nails done, I’ve learned to give myself some “me” time.

FHL: Now lets talk about hockey! What was the hardest aspect of transitioning from playing in high school or club to competing in college?

MS: I think the hardest transition is the speed of the game. It was a harder transition getting used to how fast everyone plays and everyone being able to play at that level. It’s important to be able to adapt and I think that FHL helped me with that transition. I got the absolute honor to play with some of the best players I’ve ever played with and learn from fantastic coaches who taught me how to be a better player. I have you guys to thank!

FHL: Based on that experience, is there any advice you would give to current high school players to help them best prepare for the college transition?

MS: My best advice for high school players to help them with the college transition would be to play club and prioritize what is important. Without club, I would not have been as prepared as I was

We are thrilled to bring you an interview with former FHL player and Ball State standout, Michelle Shmapton.

FHL: In one word, what best describes your college experience so far?

MS: My college experience so far has definitely been a rollercoaster. I have been through so many ups and downs but I wouldn’t change this experience for the world. I am extremely lucky


coming into college. Even if you can’t go to every tournament, getting the experience to play and be coached by people who want to make you better will help you become better. Without club, I wouldn’t be the player I am today. The practices not only taught me more about the game, but also helped me get into shape. Taking the time and initiative to help yourself grow as a player helps more than you may think. Also, prioritizing what is important like family and friends can help you in the long run if think you might miss home while at college, especially if you are going far away. Your family and friends are a great support system and people who are there for you through everything. Without my family’s support, I would not have had the opportunity to go to as many tournaments or practices.

FHL: What gets you out of bed during preseason? Where do you find your drive to keep fighting?

MS: What gets me out of bed during preseason is knowing that every day is a chance to prove myself and get better as a person and player. I am very self-motivated but to help this process, I listen to motivational videos every morning while I am getting ready. Sometimes it is hard to wake up early but if you have a positive mindset and think of preseason as the time to prove yourself and get better, then waking up gets easier.

FHL: What position do you play for Ball State and what do you like best about that role?

MS: I play forward for Ball State and I like this role because it gets me the opportunity to create plays in the circle. Being a competitive person, I have a strong drive to win and I think this shows while I’m playing, especially when I’m near the goal. I love getting the opportunity to work with my teammates to help create plays and score together. One of my favorite things about getting the opportunity to play in the circle is generating corners. I love analyzing how defenders choose to defend me and seeing which lanes they give me to hit their foot. I get a rush knowing I have the opportunity to give my team the chance to score in number-up situations.

FHL: Who inspires you and why?

MS: My parents are my biggest inspiration. I am the person I am today because of my parents. They have taught me the meaning of hard work and picking yourself up, even when you feel like you have lost. They taught me to lead by example through a positive attitude and hard work ethic. I have learned how to remain positive in every circumstance because of them. I learned how to be competitive and passionate about things that excite me. I also learned that anything is possible if I work hard enough and believe in myself. My parents have given me my confidence and through their hard work, have given me the opportunity to travel, play club, and play in college. I owe everything to their support and belief in my dream. Without them, I wouldn’t be here and that is something I can never thank them enough for.

FHL: Do you have any superstitions before, during or after a game?

MS: I used to be an extremely superstitious person. I would have to wear a blue headband for every game and place it in a specific position on my head. I had to wear my lucky spandex. I used to take 2 tums before every game and practice as well. I also had to make sure I had a banana before every game. I’ve tried to stir away from superstitions because if I happen to forget to do something, I don’t want that to affect my play. However, I still have a few superstitions. I have to put my right shoe on first before practice and every game. I have to look at my socks to make sure


that I am putting the sock that “looks” like it should go on each foot, on that foot. I also have a lucky necklace that I wear every single day. However, my biggest superstition that has stuck since high school, would be tucking my jersey into my skirt. I always have to play with my jersey tucked in. So actually, looking back, I have quite a few superstitions but they are things that I know I will always have with me every game day.

FHL: What is your major and what are your post college aspirations?

MS: I am double majoring in Telecommunications and Journalism. I also have a minor in political science. My post college aspirations would be a job in broadcast journalism. I want to work for a news station and be in front of the camera. That has been my dream for a long time. MY end goal, however, is to work for a television network and host a talk show of some sort J

FHL: What is one of your fondest AND funniest memories of playing for FHL?

MS: My fondest memories of FHL are all the tournaments we went to, especially Festival. The laughs I shared with Brie, Madelyn, Jill, Morgan, Avery, Abby, and more, still have my stomach sore. While I played for FHL, I met people who would soon become my best friends for a lifetime. One of my fondest memories would be our trip to Belgium and Holland. The funniest part of that trip would be when we played against a team of girls who played with their hair down while wearing hats with spinners on them. I remember thinking “this is go time” like we were going into World War 3. Then, we see these girls step out with their hair down wearing spinner hats like this was a super chill get together. We were all like, “what?” The funniest part of that game was when Jill Shive was doing what she does best, breaking ankles with her skills, and this girl had no idea what to do so she stood there and Jill slammed right into her and the girl face planted into the ground and just laid there, astonished. I feel like we took it a lot more seriously than they did, which made it that much better. But aside from that, my best memories are still with FHL, there are too many to even count.

FHL Flier 1-2018 - Field Hockey Life1st quarter 2018 Club Newsletter Sunnie Fireman is the first FHL...

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