Spotlight sport

Field hockey goalie doesn't shy from contact

By The Columbus Dispatch  • 

Our weekly chat with an Ohio State athlete:

Question: As a field hockey goalkeeper, you are uniquely qualified to answer this: On a scale of 1 to 10, how hard is a field hockey ball?

Answer: A field hockey ball is solid plastic — that’s why goalies wear so much padding (it’s not just for fashion). At this level, players can hit the ball up to 70 mph. And if you get that thing ripped at you, you’re definitely going to want some pads to soak up the impact.

Q: You at least get a lot more padding than the other players. Does that help?

A: Our pads seem over-the-top compared with other sports. But we do more than stand in the goal and get hit by the ball. I mean, we do that, but we’re allowed to leave the cage to slide-tackle people and dive to save the ball. Which is my favorite part.

Q: Did you play any other sports growing up?

A: I also swam for years, and I played soccer, basketball and volleyball. Field hockey was not my favorite sport growing up. My mom had to force me to play, because I didn’t like to do anything I wasn’t good at. It was about seventh grade that I started to peak, and now my mom antagonizes me saying that if it wasn’t for her, I would never have stuck with it. Which is probably true, but I won’t admit it.

Q: What’s the best aspect of field hockey?

A: There is so much skill involved in this game, and it takes a lot of thinking and communication. Field hockey is one of those sports where you can always improve.

Q: The rules of the game seem very confusing, such as having to turn the stick upside down to take a left-handed shot. Is it confusing on the field?

A: Newcomers are always confused by the rules, especially about why we can use only one side of the stick. Another rule that confuses people is obstruction. Basically when two players are fighting for the ball, one can’t use her body to keep the other player from getting the ball. The reason being, players have to use skills to beat one another, not physical force.

Q: How difficult are penalty strokes, when it’s just you vs. the shooter?

A: Penalty strokes are the worst. They are most definitely not in the goalie’s favor. I’m not saying we don’t ever stop them; it’s just something we don’t look forward to. You have to just react to what ever comes off their stick.

Q: So you went to high school at Coffman, then went to Indiana University in Pennsylvania for two years. How did you like that scene?

A: IUP was a great school, but the level of play didn’t suit me. Ohio State is incredible. It’s very fun to be a part of. Ohio State is hosting the Big Ten tournament this year, so that will be a lot of fun.

Q: Who is the best player you’ve ever seen?

A: Of course she plays goalie: Amy Tran, who played on the U.S. national team and in 2006 at the Women’s World Cup. She was named goalkeeper of the tournament.