Phoebe Seifert '18 Recruiting Profile

This past season, I have spent my time on the Fitch Field Hockey team by the sideline.  My untimely ACL injury has proved to be a set back, in both the aspects of being a player and being a captain.  As a player, it was a setback for obvious reasons.  As a captain, it was a little more complex.  I had a preconceived idea of how a captain was supposed to look like; I thought that a captain was a huge impact player on the field, lead by example, and demonstrated dedication through the effort they put forth in practice. 

I was unable to do this, and therefore had to adapt in how I lead.  I brought drill diagrams to practice, took notes during games, and lead cheers on the sideline with the JV team. I taught players how to execute strokes, tomahawks, and lifts. I went to every practice and every game, finding time to work on my individual stick skills and pass with other players as I began to recover. This season, while absent of athletic activity, has taught me the most I have ever learned in my four years of field hockey. Being a captain has as much to do with playing on the field as it does with not playing at all. Being a leader has as much to do with helping other people as it does listening and accepting help from others. Being a player has as much to do with being competitive as it does internally reflecting on yourself and working to be better than you were yesterday. 

As my recovery progresses, I grow more and more eager to step back on the field. Being held back from playing this year has made me realize I cannot go into college without playing field hockey (and lacrosse).  I am ready to be dedicated. Dedicated to my school, to my team, and mostly importantly, to my teammates. While I wish I had been able to play this year, I know that I have learned invaluable lessons that have prepared me for the rest of my life. My skills and my athletic ability is only improving, and I am excited to continue to learn in grow in college, both athletically and academically.