Rising Star in Field Hockey: Olivia Goncalves’ Journey from Garden City
Focus Keyword: Olivia Goncalves Field Hockey
At just 13 years old, Olivia Goncalves is making waves in the world of field hockey. A middle schooler from Garden City, New York, Olivia discovered her passion for the sport in third grade and quickly recognized her talent. Now, as an eighth grader, she aims to elevate her skills to an elite level, aspiring to compete at top collegiate programs such as Duke and Wake Forest.
The Quest for Advancement in Field Hockey
Despite being surrounded by strong sports programs in suburban Long Island—particularly in soccer and lacrosse—Olivia found herself surprised by the lack of field hockey development opportunities in her area.
“I really wanted to play at an elite level,” Olivia remarked. She realized that to hone her skills, she needed to look beyond her local options.
Finding the Right Fit: AGH Club
To meet her goals, Olivia joined the AGH Club in Greenwich, Connecticut, a well-regarded program known for its rigorous training and competitive environment. Though it meant traveling nearly 60 miles multiple times a week, she embraced the challenge.
- Dual Commitment: Olivia balances her commitment to AGH with her role on the Garden City middle school team, often practicing with both teams on the same day.
- Learning Curve: “At the start, I wasn’t used to long-distance car rides … the first two weeks were rough,” she shared, acknowledging the initial difficulty. However, the intensity of the AGH training pushed her to improve significantly.
Juggling Academics and Athletics
Balancing academics and a sports schedule can be daunting, but Olivia has managed to excel in both.
- Honor Student: She finds creative ways to keep up with her studies during her commutes. "I would always be doing my homework in the car or finding little opportunities," she explained.
Strategies for Success:
- Time management between practices and classes
- Utilizing travel time for homework
Committed to Growing the Game
Reflecting on her experiences, Olivia feels a strong commitment to making field hockey more accessible to young players in her community. Her dedication extends beyond her personal goals; she’s focused on inspiring the next generation.
Initiatives to Inspire Young Players
In May, Olivia initiated a project as part of her Girl Scout Silver Star, designed to introduce elementary school girls to field hockey.
- Community Engagement: Olivia held clinics, allowing young girls to learn the basics of field hockey.
- Peer Involvement: Her teammates also volunteered, showing solidarity and support for her mission.
Highlights of the Project:
- Training Video: A video created for local elementary students.
- Equipment Donations: Olivia has been donating sticks to aspiring players, ensuring they have the resources to begin their journey.
Promoting Resources for Field Hockey
Understanding the challenges in finding local field hockey resources, Olivia took the initiative to develop a website that lists clubs on Long Island and local colleges offering youth camps. This platform serves as a guide for young athletes and their families.
Future Aspirations: Expanding Clinics
As the season progresses, Olivia is already planning a spring clinic aimed at encouraging more girls to engage with field hockey.
“I want to try and get more girls involved,” she noted, eager to witness the development of participants from her previous clinics.
Goals for the Future:
- Continue expanding her outreach within the community.
- Monitor the progress of previous clinic participants.
Conclusion
Olivia Goncalves exemplifies dedication and passion not only for field hockey but also for fostering community involvement and support. Her journey reflects the potential of young athletes who aspire to elevate their sports while giving back to their communities.
For more information on field hockey clubs and related camps, explore resources like the U.S. Field Hockey Association and connect with local chapters to get involved.
