Mariah Barnett '14 Recruiting Profile

My name is Mariah Barnett. I am currently a senior at Bellows Falls Union High School, where I have played varsity field hockey all four years. I started playing field hockey when I was eight and have been unequivocally in love with the game since. My freshman year was a rough one, despite low numbers, we were diligent and hardworking. The hard working mentality paid off this year when my team stepped onto the field at the state game! I am very proud of the progress we made as a team!  I recently tried out for the twin states team, and made it which I am also very excited for!  I also am doing futures for the second year, which is an awesome program that has developed my skill exponentially! I coach youth field hockey through a program that my varsity coach has established and recently coached/ hosted a three day long camp for grades fourth through seventh.

These various aspects contribute greatly to my aspiration to play on the next level; the collegiate level. My experiences of having to run longer, practice harder, and stay on the field practicing shots after practice to compensate for lack of numbers has given me a great foundation to build upon. Also, coaching was very beneficial to me as a player because it provided me with another perspective which I could later apply to games.  I was fortunate enough to have a team that was very close, which is something I really hope to find in the next team I play on.

As for academic goals, I have not yet determined with absolute certainty what I plan to major in. As of right now, I am highly considering physical therapy. Being a physical therapist would be a fantastic way to incorporate my academic interests with my athletic passions. The idea of living in an unfamiliar place with all new people is a bit overwhelming, but to have that constant, playing field hockey, that I am zealous and passionate about, makes the adjustment not all that overwhelming but instead,  exhilarating. I’m really looking forward to playing field hockey at the collegiate level.