Starting from Scratch : The Field Hockey Club

“It’s awesome to look around the room and know that people are there because of something that you did,” says Nicole Davies, founder of the Field Hockey Club at AU.
Nicole is only a sophomore, but along with Rebecca Prowler, has accomplished more than many seniors can say they have. As founders and presidents, the two girls put together the club as a way for students to enjoy their favorite activity without the stress of a Division I sport.
“It was a slow process, and we were creamed the first time. But we have improved so much,” says Nicole.
The club was founded in the fall of 2007, but it was just this past year that it has become officially recognized by AU. Since then, they have competed in their first season, ending on a good note as they won their last game against George Washington University.
And the coach, Heidi Hershberger, has without a doubt contributed to the improvement. Named Patriot League Woman of the Year at AU during her hockey days, Hershberger has a lot of insight to bring that neither Nicole or Rebecca could offer. As a volunteer helping with practices and games, the arrival of Hershberger has helped make the club a little more legitimate, says Nicole.
But the road to become recognized as a club sport by AU was not an easy one. The girls needed to obtain eleven members, enough players to compete in a game of field hockey. From there dues needed to be collected and papers needed to be signed. Lastly, a website and a constitution had to be created.
“There were many times I really did not think this was going to happen. To come to a meeting and only see one other person there really made you re-think things,” says Nicole.
But with enough effort, promoting events through Facebook and hanging up countless flyers, the club was able to get some sort of recognition. And with that came a tremendous relief to Rebecca and Nicole, who now can receive the appropriate funding needed to support their club.
“We can have jerseys now and not be so ghetto fabulous with our numbers taped on to t-shirts,” says Nicole.
The girls have definitely come a long way, but there still is a lot left to be accomplished. Although there are 33 players, there is always going to be issues of them not coming to practice or wishing to go abroad. But, Nicole and Rebecca are working at it. And, they have even created an E-board this past year to make things a little sturdier.
Welcoming players that have played their whole life, or are sincere beginners, the Field Hockey Club is work in progress. Things take time, but in the midst of working at it, there is still the love of the game.

Reference: Nicole Davies
Cell: 978- 821-0773