Committing to play Division I field hockey at Davidson College at just 16 years old felt like a dream come true. I was thrilled about the challenge and eager to make my mark. But dreams aren’t always easy to realize, and my first two years were filled with ups and downs. While I made incredible friendships and had unforgettable experiences, I also faced persistent injuries, conflicts with my head coach, and struggles with team chemistry that weighed heavily on my journey.

Overcoming Adversity in Undergrad

At a crossroads, I considered walking away from it all. Instead, I chose to persevere, taking a bold step to graduate early and embrace new challenges. This decision wasn’t simple — it meant balancing a demanding course load amid our season, summer classes, and a rigorous internship. Yet, I was determined to make the most of my time at Davidson and prove my resilience.

As a graduating junior, I returned to campus with a renewed sense of purpose. Though not a senior by title, I stepped into a leadership role. I mentored our new goaltender, worked to address lingering team conflicts, and focused on fostering a supportive environment. Through open communication, team meetings, and shared experiences both on and off the field, we rebuilt camaraderie and morale.

By the time I left Davidson, I knew I had made a lasting impact — not just through my contributions as a player but as a teammate and leader. I took pride in how we had transformed our team culture and approached every challenge with unity and determination.

Contributing to Team Success in a New Way

When I transitioned to Duke to pursue my master’s degree at Fuqua, I was unsure how to stay connected to the sport that had been such a significant part of my life. I reached out to the head coach of Duke’s field hockey team, asking if I could contribute in any way. Her response was enthusiastic — she needed someone with a background in data analytics to support the team.

This new role was undefined, an opportunity I saw as both exciting and intimidating. Stepping into it, I was determined to bring the same commitment and energy I had shown as a player. I dove into analyzing game data, identifying patterns, and crafting insights to help the coaching staff make informed decisions.

My work extended beyond numbers; I aimed to translate data into actionable strategies that would enhance the team’s performance. Whether it was optimizing training plans or pinpointing critical game scenarios, I provided insights that shaped how we approached the sport. As the team began to see tangible improvements, their excitement about analytics grew, and we fostered a culture of continuous learning.

Beyond analytics, I found joy in working closely with the players, sharing my experiences as a former athlete, and supporting their growth both on and off the field. Building trust and fostering collaboration were just as important as providing data-driven insights, and I saw firsthand how a strong team culture could drive success.

Lessons Learned

My journey from player to analyst has taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and leadership. Transitioning to a new role allowed me to remain connected to field hockey while exploring my passion for data analytics. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of stepping into the unknown, embracing challenges, and blending my skills with purpose. As I look toward my future career, I carry these lessons with me, eager to continue making an impact wherever my path leads.