Hope Kaczynski '23 Recruiting Profile

     I discovered my passion for goal keeping when I was in  seventh grade.    The first day of practice my coach was desperate for someone to step up to  the goal and  enticed us by saying the goalie would also be the captain.   That was all I needed to hear.   As the season progressed  I came to the realization that I was born to tend goal.  Being a twin and the youngest of three girls I learned to “protect my territory“ at a very young age.   It seems to come naturally to me and  when I’m in the goal  in the  heat of  a game I am in my glory. It is the place where I feel most at home.   Tending  goal brings out my alter ego.   Putting  on my pads, girdle and  helmet makes me feel  invincible.   My parents liken it to  Clark  Kent emerging from the phone booth as  Superman .  
     Freshman year in high school I was selected as  the starting  varsity  goalie.  I was honored but also a bit intimidated by my new position.   It turned out to be a fantastic year with our team winning the  county championship  and I made  new friendships I know will last a lifetime.  
      Sophomore year was a little less glamorous and I learned to face some defeats.  It was not only a rebuilding year for our team after graduating some powerhouse seniors , it was also a year interrupted by covid.   Surprisingly  I feel that I became a better goalie this year. I faced  constant pressure in the goal and gained so much experience.   I  received   All County honorable  mention and  All Valley Division  honorable  mention.   Although covid put a damper on travel and showcases, I do feel fortunate to  have been able to continue my training  with my  club team uninterrupted.         
     I am  a hundred percent committed to playing field hockey at the college level  and aspire to be an integral  part  of my college team.   I want to continue to  improve and develop my skills  at the collegiate level  and look forward to experiencing unbreakable bonds  with my fellow teammates.  
    I  plan on perusing a degree in education at my chosen college.  I would  love to someday be  a  field  hockey coach  at  the high school level.