Abby Hine '11 moves the ball upfield against Bates. Photo by John Narewski
How was your last game? Was it weird to know it was your final game as a Camel?
Well, I just never thought I was going to have a last game. Our team was ready to go all the way. Unfortunately, due to some horrific reffing and unfortunate mistakes, we didn’t come out on top. Even though our season is over, I know the sport of field hockey will never leave me entirely. I hope to coach after college and always have the game as a part of my life.
How do you feel now that your Conn career is over?
It’s definitely hard knowing my field hockey career is over. I put everything I possibly could into that sport and it is heart-breaking to know that I can’t ever play in another college game. I really define myself as an athlete and would definitely turn to field hockey as my outlet in life. Thankfully, however, I’m captain of the ice hockey team as well and I’m looking forward to a great season.
What will you miss most?
I’ll miss the camaraderie of the team most. I loved just coming down to practice everyday and having my teammates to laugh with and enjoy each other’s company. We pushed each other every day on the field but we also became like family.
Have you had time to reflect on your career much? What are some of your favorite memories?
I haven’t really had much time to reflect, however I have memories that I know I will have for a lifetime. I have to say my best memory is probably the goal against Trinity in which I broke the school record. It was an incredible mixture of excitement, joy, accomplishment, as well as relief. I was so proud to be a part of such an incredible team and to have my teammates to help me achieve this goal.
Can you tell the story of your record-breaking goal against Trinity?
It was about three and a half minutes into the game and it was taken on a penalty corner, which was inserted from the end line and passed out to the end of the circle where it was stopped and then it was a direct shot right into the pocket of the net. I felt extremely proud of myself and my team and I was definitely relieved in a way, because it had been a goal of mine for the season and I wanted to accomplish it and get it done. It was exhilarating.
In terms of the scoring record, were you conscious of it?
I mostly just tried to focus on my play without paying much attention to breaking the record. Although, the thought was definitely on my mind as soon as I realized my dream could be a reality, and so I fought and fought until I beat it.
How did it feel to break the record?
I was in shock that I actually did it. I am definitely proud of how hard I’ve worked and how much I put into my four years as an athlete at Conn. It was definitely bittersweet to know my career was coming to an end, but I am very happy it ended the way it did. I am so proud of our team and all the accomplishments we’ve made this year as a group.
Was it a goal of yours coming into Conn as a freshman? Did you expect to have as much success here as you have?
It wasn’t a goal of mine coming into Conn because I really had no idea I would even come close to achieving something like this. I didn’t really realize that I had the opportunity until late in my junior year. Once I heard I was in the running, I became determined to achieve this goal I set for myself. I never expected to have this kind of success, and I’ve learned a lot about myself as a person. I will never underestimate myself or leave myself short-handed because I now know how hard work can pay off. It’s a great feeling.
What allowed you to have such a successful career?
My teammates, coaches and family. They make me work harder and push me to have the drive that I have. A lot of people say I push myself harder than anyone they’ve ever seen, and I think its because I never want to let anyone down. I want to do it for the people who I know believe in me.
Will you continue to play field hockey after you graduate? What are your direct plans after you graduate?
I will definitely play after I graduate. I know there are leagues around for “oldies” and I can’t wait to play some pick-up. I am hoping to coach in prep school. I don’t think I could find anything more rewarding than to give back to kids what has been offered to me as an athlete. I really feel like this is just a start to a new beginning for me. Field hockey is always going to be a huge part of my life.
You mentioned you want to coach in the future. What would you do as a coach—is there anything you wish your coaches had done that you will incorporate into your coaching?
I think I would have my own kind of style, it wouldn’t be exactly the same as the way they coached me but they have taught me a lot about what it means to be a good athlete. I want my coach to be some kind of a role model for the players and I want to be there as a good coach on the field but also as a support system for the athletes.
What is the most effective way to get a team pumped up before a game?
Both coaches and teammates can get the team pumped up. I think there’s a lot of techniques and they really have to be individual to each team and pertaining to that team’s needs. I get pumped by my teammates; I think we motivate each other in the locker room. We usually do some kind of psych-up, we’ll create skits or raps or anything you could imagine. We’ve shot darts at pictures of the other teams’ faces. We do a bunch of different psych ups and it’s the morale of the team that really gets me ready to face a game. •
Additional reporting by Meredith Boyle, News Editor
