The Idols That Came Before
Like any sport, field hockey has role models – remarkable athletes that inspire the rising generation. Lauren Crandall, Rachel Dawson, Melissa Gonzalez, Jackie Briggs. These are some of the names of those who were competing for Team USA the last few times USA Field Hockey appeared at the Olympics.
Now, the squad heading to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is unique in that they will all be first-time Olympians. This team is the next generation of USA Field Hockey, and they will inspire the future stars of our sport. But sometimes it important to look back at the idols that came before.
U.S. Women’s National Team athlete Leah Crouse, who grew up in Virginia, Beach, Va., remembers watching her first Olympic Games when she was just 8-years old.
“My first memory of the Olympics is watching the Beijing 2008 games with my family,” said Crouse. “I remember being amazed by the Opening Ceremony and the drum performance. With the whole world watching and competing, I remember realizing how special an event like this is. It started the dream in me to one day be an Olympian myself.”
The dream slowly built for Crouse, who was named to the Olympic roster this past June and will fulfill her dream this weekend. A big part of constructing that dream was watching USA play at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and being inspired by the incredible athletes of the time.
“Since the build-up to the Rio Games, I have had a poster on my childhood bedroom door of U.S. Field Hockey Olympians Katelyn Ginolfi, Michelle Vitesse, Melissa Gonzalez, Lauren Crandall, and Jackie Briggs. The poster says, “Chasing the Dream”, and at the time I remember the dream of being an Olympian was there, but it felt so far away. I still can’t believe how close that dream is now. I also looked up to Olympian Stephanie Fee as she grew up in my area, went to my high school, and also Duke.”
USA Field Hockey spoke with one of these very legends – three-time Olympian and former USWNT captain Lauren Crandall – to hear her perspective on being an inspiration to players like Crouse.
“For me, part of the Olympic Dream was to inspire the next generation of athletes,” said Crandall. “Especially as I got into my later years of my international career, I started wanting more than just competing on the field. With our training center in Lancaster, Pa. it allowed us to meet a lot of fans and be more immersed in the field hockey community, and that inevitably led to our 2016 teams vision of inspiring the next generation of field hockey Olympians and building a solid pathway for them on and off the field.
“There still is work to be done on that side of things, but these athletes headed to the Paris 2024 Games are the generation we were hoping for and now they get to inspire this next generation of athletes.”
“The grit and determination these women played with is something I still strive to emulate today,” added Crouse. “When watching them in Rio, I remember not being able to sit still because I was so excited to watch. Stephanie Fee taught me that my dreams were capable of being achieved and for that I am incredibly grateful!”
For USWNT athlete Phia Gladiuex, an Oley, Pa. native, her first recollection of the Olympic Games comes from a specific athlete.
“My first memory of the Olympic Games is watching Gabby Douglas' documentary on her journey growing up and competing at the Olympic Games at such a young age. They showed her struggles, and her success, the blood, sweat, and tears. I resonated with that documentary, and it truly inspired me.”
In addition to Douglas, Gladiuex followed along with a few other USA athletes, in addition to having a special connection with one in particular.
“I grew up watching Gabby Douglas, Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, and obviously the U.S. Women’s Field Hockey team. I mostly looked up to Katie O'Donnell. I had the honor of getting private lessons from her, and she is someone that has always inspired me.”
“Her work ethic was so admirable. She loved the game so much and you could tell every time she stepped on that field that she would do anything to win. I feel like we have very similar playing styles, and I was always told that, so I just loved being able to watch her compete and try to do the things that she did.”
USA Field Hockey caught up with two-time Olympian Katie O’Donnell, who shared her sentiments on inspiring the next generation.
“Firstly, it makes me feel old! All joking aside it’s a privilege and an honor to be anyone’s role model, but to be an Olympian’s role model is extra special,” said O’Donnell. “I never did anything out of the norm, just shared my hockey knowledge in a positive and encouraging way. I hope this new group of Olympians will do the same for future generations!”
As Crouse, Gladieux, and the rest of the team prepare mentally for the big day, their idols shared some advice about being at the Olympic Games.
“My advice to the athletes is to let yourself feel your emotions - let yourself be in awe with all the Games can offer,” said Crandall. “But don't let it be too big for you or too distracting. Stay focused on why you are there and embrace the time with your teammates as you all experience your first Olympic Games together.”
“Step on that field and give it everything,” said O’Donnell. “This may be the biggest world stage of your career but you trained for this magnitude, don’t let the moment be bigger than the lion inside you!”
#Paris2024 | #MTUSA