Veronica Barney '24 Recruiting Profile

I got asked in the hallway, at school, by my former field hockey if I was interested in playing field hockey for my senior year. He had a fear that there might not be enough girls to make a team, and he knew I was a fast track athlete. He promised me that playing for him would keep me in shape for the upcoming track season. I told him sure without thinking much of it, without know the community and family this sport would give me. I went to all the preseason workouts and scrimmages eager to learn more about field hockey. Tryouts come and we don't have anyone who would play goalkeeper. Without hesitating I said I would play goalkeeper. 

I had a thrill learning the position, learning how to control the defense, and getting more comfortable and confident in goal. No one could tell I never played field hockey before. My past in volleyball and in track allowed me to build up advanced skills, and helped me to see the field from different perspectives. During the season, other school's coaches and referees would come up to me, congratulating me on how well I played. They would normally ask where I transferred  from from because they had never seen me before. My coach or I would respond with this is my first year. I continued to play as hard as I could every game I had. I ended up with over 200 career/season saves. On top of that I found a family and a community that I want to continue to be a part of. I want to continue to grow my abilities in field hockey as a goalkeeper at the next level and be the best athlete I can be. I know I haven't been playing for long but I still have a lot of skills, along with a unique perspective of this sport. I have always had commitment and a hunger to become a better athlete and person.