Emma Shuman '23 Recruiting Profile

I began playing field hockey in third grade at summer camp. When I began playing on my middle school team in seventh grade I quickly learned that one season would not be enough for me, so I started playing club field hockey too. Playing this sport has given me so much. For one, it has brought out my confidence. As a beginner, I really started to become more of a leader and more outgoing. I realized that I had some talent and found myself standing out to my coaches and teammates.  Feeling that newborn confidence there was no longer any reason to hold back. I challenged myself to act instead of react and began attacking the ball without reservation.  Not only have I gained more confidence, I have also become stronger and have learned how to best communicate with my teammates and coaches, both on and off the field. Over these past few years the game has allowed me to grow and I continue to find opportunities to get better. I hope to continue playing in college.

As a high school freshman I was asked to step into a starting varsity position on a defending state championship team. This experience taught me that if I worked hard enough I could reach my goals as well as help my team reach its goals. However, I found that was not enough. I certainly would never want to let myself down by accepting less than my best, but my commitment to my team is also that strong and I want to give them my best too. I quickly learned that I needed to make strong connections with my teammates, show up to practice prepared and ready, and not allow one bad play to determine any upcoming plays in my game. I have learned to keep my head up and remain focused. Along with being prepared to play I have kept my grades up and always give my best effort. Choosing to take three AP classes and three honors classes my junior year was difficult at times, but I managed my time wisely and have stayed on top of my work.

Besides my love for field hockey, I really enjoy skiing.  During the Winter trimester of my freshman year I earned the opportunity to go to school at Carrabassett Valley Academy, a US Ski & Snowboard High Performance Center, in Carrabassett Valley, Maine. At CVA I competed on the U14 Freeride team. We travelled to Vermont for competitions every weekend and went on trips out west to Utah, Wyoming, and Montana. Because of this amazing opportunity as a Freshman in high school, I learned important life skills that are sure to be helpful in the future, including college. I lived  with a roommate and traveled with my teammates, experiencing the conflicts that come with personality and interest differences. I learned how to  manage my time and stay up to date on academics, even while traveling and training all day. All these experiences have taught me how to exercise independence while away from home.