What are the benefits of attending UConn’s field hockey camp. How can players improve their skills through specialized training. What unique opportunities does the camp offer for aspiring athletes. Who are the expert coaches leading the camp sessions. How does the camp prepare players for high school and college competition.
Overview of UConn Field Hockey Camp
The University of Connecticut Field Hockey Camp offers an unparalleled opportunity for young athletes to hone their skills under the guidance of elite coaches and players. This intensive camp experience is designed to challenge and inspire field hockey enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to advanced players.
Hosted on UConn’s state-of-the-art facilities, the camp provides a comprehensive training program that covers all aspects of the game. Players benefit from personalized instruction, tactical drills, and competitive scrimmages that simulate real-game scenarios.
Key Features of the Camp
- Expert coaching from UConn’s championship-winning staff
- Access to top-tier athletic facilities
- Specialized training for different positions and skill levels
- Focus on both individual technique and team strategy
- Opportunities to network with college coaches and players
Expert Coaching Staff and Their Credentials
One of the most compelling aspects of the UConn Field Hockey Camp is the caliber of its coaching staff. Led by the university’s head coach and assisted by current and former players, the camp boasts a wealth of experience and expertise.
The coaches bring a diverse range of perspectives, having competed at collegiate, national, and international levels. Their combined knowledge creates a rich learning environment that exposes campers to various playing styles and strategies.
Coaching Highlights
- NCAA championship-winning coaches
- Former Olympians and national team members
- Experienced collegiate players
- Specialized goalie coaches
How does the expertise of the coaching staff benefit campers? By learning from coaches who have excelled at the highest levels of the sport, players gain invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed. The coaches share not only technical skills but also mental strategies and tips for achieving peak performance.
Comprehensive Skill Development Program
The UConn Field Hockey Camp employs a holistic approach to skill development, ensuring that players improve in all areas of the game. From fundamental techniques to advanced tactical concepts, the camp curriculum covers a wide range of topics.
Core Skills Covered
- Stick skills and ball control
- Passing and receiving techniques
- Shooting and scoring strategies
- Defensive positioning and tackling
- Goalkeeping fundamentals
- Strategic play and game awareness
How are these skills taught effectively? The camp utilizes a combination of drills, small-sided games, and full-field scrimmages to reinforce learning. Coaches provide immediate feedback, allowing players to make real-time adjustments and improvements.
Position-Specific Training Opportunities
Recognizing that different positions require specialized skills, the UConn Field Hockey Camp offers position-specific training sessions. These focused clinics allow players to delve deep into the nuances of their preferred roles on the field.
Position-Specific Sessions
- Forward line tactics and finishing drills
- Midfield distribution and transition play
- Defensive organization and marking strategies
- Goalkeeper shot-stopping and communication skills
Why is position-specific training crucial? By honing in on the unique demands of each position, players can develop a more profound understanding of their role within the team structure. This specialized knowledge translates directly to improved performance in competitive play.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Equipment
The UConn Field Hockey Camp takes place on the university’s cutting-edge athletic facilities, providing players with an optimal training environment. The camp utilizes the same high-quality fields and equipment used by the UConn varsity team, giving campers a taste of collegiate-level play.
Facility Highlights
- NCAA regulation-size artificial turf fields
- Advanced video analysis equipment
- Modern strength and conditioning center
- Well-equipped medical facilities for athlete safety
How do these facilities enhance the camp experience? Training on top-tier surfaces allows players to focus on skill development without worrying about field conditions. The professional-grade equipment ensures that campers can practice and play at the highest level possible.
Tactical Understanding and Game Strategy
Beyond individual skills, the UConn Field Hockey Camp places a strong emphasis on developing players’ tactical understanding of the game. Through classroom sessions, video analysis, and on-field implementation, campers learn to think critically about field hockey strategy.
Strategic Elements Covered
- Offensive and defensive formations
- Set-piece plays and variations
- Reading the game and decision-making
- Team communication and leadership
Why is tactical knowledge important for young players? A strong grasp of strategy allows athletes to make better decisions on the field, anticipate opponents’ movements, and contribute more effectively to their team’s success. This higher-level understanding of the game can set players apart as they advance in their careers.
Competitive Scrimmages and Tournament Play
To put newly acquired skills into practice, the UConn Field Hockey Camp incorporates regular scrimmages and a culminating tournament. These competitive elements provide players with valuable game experience and the opportunity to showcase their improvements.
Benefits of Competitive Play
- Application of learned skills in game situations
- Development of on-field decision-making
- Experience with different playing styles and opponents
- Opportunity for coaches to assess player progress
How does competitive play enhance the learning process? By facing off against their peers in structured games, campers can test their skills in a supportive yet challenging environment. The pressure of competition helps players develop mental toughness and learn to perform under stress.
Preparing for High School and College Recruitment
For many attendees, the UConn Field Hockey Camp serves as a stepping stone towards high school varsity teams or collegiate play. The camp provides valuable insights into the recruitment process and helps players understand what it takes to compete at higher levels.
Recruitment Preparation Elements
- Information sessions on NCAA regulations and eligibility
- Guidance on creating player profiles and highlight reels
- Tips for communicating with college coaches
- Exposure to collegiate-level training intensity
How does the camp assist with recruitment prospects? By exposing players to high-level coaching and competition, the camp helps athletes gauge their current abilities and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, the networking opportunities with college coaches can be invaluable for players looking to pursue field hockey at the next level.
Building Camaraderie and Team Spirit
While individual skill development is a primary focus, the UConn Field Hockey Camp also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. Through group activities, team-building exercises, and shared experiences, campers forge lasting friendships and learn the value of collaboration on and off the field.
Team-Building Activities
- Group challenges and problem-solving tasks
- Team-based competitions and games
- Shared meals and social events
- Mentoring sessions with current UConn players
Why is team bonding important in a camp setting? Field hockey is inherently a team sport, and learning to work effectively with others is crucial for success. The relationships formed at camp can provide a support network for players as they continue their field hockey journeys.
Nutritional Guidance and Athlete Wellness
Recognizing that peak performance extends beyond physical skills, the UConn Field Hockey Camp incorporates education on nutrition and overall wellness. Campers learn about proper fueling for athletes, recovery techniques, and strategies for maintaining long-term health.
Wellness Topics Covered
- Sports nutrition basics and meal planning
- Hydration strategies for optimal performance
- Injury prevention and recovery methods
- Stress management and mental health for athletes
How does wellness education benefit young athletes? By instilling good habits early, players are better equipped to maintain their health and performance throughout their careers. This holistic approach to athlete development sets the UConn camp apart from others that focus solely on on-field skills.
Technology Integration in Training
The UConn Field Hockey Camp leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance the learning experience for campers. From video analysis software to performance tracking devices, technology plays a crucial role in providing detailed feedback and measuring progress.
Technological Tools Used
- High-speed cameras for technique analysis
- GPS tracking for performance metrics
- Interactive whiteboards for strategy sessions
- Mobile apps for skill development and tracking
How does technology enhance the camp experience? By providing objective data and visual feedback, technology allows players to gain a deeper understanding of their performance. Coaches can use this information to tailor instruction and help players make rapid improvements.
Camp Schedules and Options
The UConn Field Hockey Camp offers various scheduling options to accommodate different needs and preferences. From intensive overnight camps to focused day clinics, there’s a format suitable for every aspiring field hockey player.
Available Camp Formats
- Multi-day overnight camps
- Extended day camps (9am-9pm)
- Single-day skill clinics
- Position-specific intensive sessions
How do different camp formats benefit various types of players? The range of options allows athletes to choose a camp experience that fits their schedule, goals, and level of commitment. Whether looking for a total immersion experience or targeted skill work, there’s a camp format to suit every player’s needs.
Success Stories and Alumni Achievements
The impact of the UConn Field Hockey Camp extends far beyond the duration of the camp itself. Many former campers have gone on to achieve great success in their field hockey careers, from high school championships to collegiate scholarships and even international competition.
Notable Alumni Accomplishments
- NCAA Division I scholarship recipients
- High school state champions
- National team selections
- Professional league players
How do alumni successes inspire current campers? Hearing about the achievements of those who have come before them can motivate young players to set high goals and work diligently towards them. The camp’s track record of producing successful athletes serves as a testament to the quality of instruction and the opportunities it provides.
Registration Process and Camp Preparation
Securing a spot at the UConn Field Hockey Camp requires early planning and preparation. The registration process is straightforward, but spots fill up quickly due to high demand. Prospective campers should be aware of important dates, required documentation, and recommended preparation steps.
Registration Steps
- Visit the official UConn Field Hockey Camp website
- Choose preferred camp dates and format
- Complete online registration form
- Submit medical clearance and waiver forms
- Pay camp fees (installment options may be available)
What should players do to prepare for camp? In addition to registering early, campers are encouraged to maintain their fitness levels, practice basic skills, and arrive with an open mind ready to learn. Proper preparation ensures that players can make the most of their camp experience from day one.
Connecticut Field Hockey Camps | FH Camps CT
Related Information
Our Connecticut field hockey camps are the place to be this summer if you want to take your field hockey game to the next level. A team of the sport’s elite athletes will guide you through drills, stations, and games to ensure you leave our CT field hockey camps a better player than when you arrived. Sign up for our Connecticut boys or girls field hockey camps today and get ready for an experience that is both fun and beneficial.
About Our Connecticut Field Hockey Camps
When it comes to field hockey camps in Connecticut, nothing compares to the ones put on by Revolution Field Hockey Camps. Our Connecticut field hockey camps are available in a wide variety of options to make sure there is something that works for everyone, including four-day overnight options, day camp and extended-day field hockey clinics, and half-day camp for younger players. In addition to our standard Connecticut field hockey camps, we also put on special leadership camps that put an emphasis on leadership skills for team captains, and we have a unique field hockey clinic that is only for the students who are graduating soon.
Why Choose Our Field Hockey Camps in CT
If you love field hockey and you are serious about your game, then there is no better opportunity out there than our Connecticut field hockey camps. Not only will you receive personalized and group training, you will receive it from the top players in the sport. Our lineup of coaches includes proven high school and college coaches, former professional players, and even Olympians. Our field hockey clinics have helped more than 10,000 players improve their game since 2002, and we know the perfect strategies to help you make the most of your four days at our field hockey lessons in CT.
No matter which of our field hockey clinics in CT you choose, you will be playing the sport on the nicest facilities available. Each one has a fresh turf field and quality equipment to make sure you can learn in the best environment. Our Connecticut field hockey camp is also partnered with several organizations within the sport, including the NFHCA, the USFHA, and more
What to Expect at Our Field Hockey Clinics in CT
As a camper at our field hockey lessons in Connecticut, you can expect to learn all types of field hockey skills from the most elite athletes in the sport. You will complete a variety of drills in both an individual and group setting, and you will participate in fun teambuilding activities. When you leave our field hockey clinic in CT, you will undoubtedly be a stronger player with a newfound love for the game. You can also look forward to some take-home goodies, including a water bottle, lanyard, ball, and reversible jersey, and you may even receive one of our coveted camp awards.
What You Will Learn at Our Field Hockey Lessons in Connecticut
Our field hockey lessons in CT are designed to help you develop every skill you need to master the game. We do this by having you participate in various development stations, games, and drills. With both team and individual sessions, you will learn the art of ball control, the skill of effectively passing and receiving, how to shoot with gumption, how to provide quality defense, and so much more. There is not a necessary field hockey skill that we do not cover.
There is no doubt that our Connecticut field hockey camps are the place you need to be this summer if you have a passion for the game and you want to improve your skill level. Just make sure you sign up today because these sessions do fill up fast.
2021 Quinnipiac Field Hockey Clinics
***REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR ALL OUR CLINICS!
Experience top-level hockey in a state-of-the-art field hockey stadium and water-based AstroTurf Field on the picturesque campus of Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut!
The Quinnipiac University Field Hockey Clinics are designed to develop field hockey athletes by teaching elevated passing, tracking and shooting skills, goalkeeping, team marking and possession hockey. Establishing the best base for each athlete and enhancing their field hockey game is our priority. Team tactics, small games and separate goalkeeping clinics within each scheduled clinic allow team members to sharpen their tactical skills, focus their hockey IQ and work together in attack and defense transition.
Each clinic is different and is mirrored after a REAL Quinnipiac Bobcat Division I practice plan. Clinics are held on a monthly basis, year-round!
The clinics are coached by Quinnipiac Head Coach, Becca Main and her coaching staff, with many of her Division I athletes joining the clinics to assist. Personal attention is given to each athlete, including goalkeepers. Athletes are initially organized in groups by sport level and age and will be encouraged by an environment focused on enhancing their total field hockey game. Our Clinics are open to any and all entrants, limited only by specific number, age or grade level.
The clinics are fun, exciting and create player synergy, while also emphasizing top-level field hockey. All clinics will take place in the Quinnipiac University Field Hockey Stadium; our facility is an AstroTurf water-based field with a state-of-the-art hockey complex complete with locker rooms, team rooms, indoor press box and restrooms. Please join us for elite level hockey!
****Our clinics are capped to give individual attention to participants – so register today!
Connecticut Elite Hockey
CT Elite Hockey Showcases at UConn
CANCELLED FOR SUMMER 2020
CT ELITE HOCKEY SHOWCASES @ UCONN
CORONA VIRUS UPDATE:
UConn will not be opening its campus for summer camps this year and as a result, the CT Elite Hockey Showcases will not occur.
Registrants that have paid will be refunded 100% of their fee.
SUMMER 2020
Prep Division Showcase – July 29, 30 and 31, 2020
This camp is for 06, 07 and 08s Cost: $595 for overnight campers; $475 for day campers.
The College ID Showcase – Mid to late August weekends for 05-02 teams.
The College ID Showcase will be a tournament showcase rather than a camp format. Team fees will be compatible with area tournament rates.
Location for both showcases: Mark Freitas Ice Forum, UConn Campus, 509 Stadium Rd., Storrs, CT
About the CT Elite Hockey Showcases @ UConn
The Showcases are broken into two age groups:
- The Prep Showcase for 06s-08s will be run by UConn hockey coaches and players and will feature coaches from prominent New England prep school hockey programs. The goal of the Prep Showcase is to expose hockey players to a prep hockey experience while developing skills and good hockey acumen. At the three-day, two-night Prep Showcase, hockey players will bunk with teammates in college dorms, eat as a team in campus dining halls, and explore the campus with collegeiate hockey players. Players will also follow a prep school development regimins: strength training, developmental practices and competitive games with discussions in classrooms on recruiting, becoming a better teammate and what coaches look for.
- The College ID Showcase for 02s-05s will be a team tournament format, also run by UConn hockey coaches and players with DI, DIII area coaches attending. As elite teams across the area get ready for their upcoming season, the UConn hockey coaches and players will host a tournament that will focus on team building and bonding, coach and team development.
Refer to tabs for more information on each showcase or feel free to email ctelitehockey@gmail. com with any questions.
New Location in Connecticut Added by Nike Field Hockey Camps
The University of Saint Joseph, about one mile from downtown West Hartford, is home to the newest Nike Field Hockey Camp.
Karen and her staff are an excellent addition and we are thrilled to be offering a new camp program in Connecticut.
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (PRWEB)
March 09, 2020
Set to direct the Nike Field Hockey Camp at the University of St. Joseph, an all skills program, is the Bluejays’ Head Field Hockey Coach, Karen Nell.
This camp will be the first field hockey camp for the Bluejays as they recently instated field hockey for the upcoming 20-21 season. While this will be Nell’s first camp at the university, Nell has a long history with the sport after serving 13 years as Head Coach of the New Fairfield High School team and attended Boston College as a player. This summer new summer camp will be a high point for the field hockey team as they start their inaugural season in the fall.
“Karen and her staff are an excellent addition and we are thrilled to be offering a new camp program in Connecticut,” exclaimed Liz Tellez, Sports Manager of Nike Field Hockey Camps. “This is a great opportunity to grow the game and introduce a new sport to more players in the Hartford area.”
The All Skills field hockey camp in West Hartford will be open to girls of all ability levels. Over the course of three days, players will be able to train under Nell and her expert staff by undergoing drills that will help them learn the necessary tools to succeed in the sport. The camp program is designed to be an all-encompassing experience where campers can participate in position-specific training, gameplay, and mental toughness training.
Players, coaches, and parents interested in the program can visit Nike Field Hockey Camps or call 1-800-645-3226.
About US Sports Camps
US Sports Camps (USSC), headquartered in San Rafael, California, is America’s largest sports camp network and the licensed operator of Nike Sports Camps. The company has offered summer camps since 1975 with the same mission that defines it today: to shape a lifelong enjoyment of athletics through high-quality sports education and skill enhancement.
Share article on social media or email:
Chrissy Needham – Field Hockey Coach
Chrissy Needham is entering her third season as assistant field hockey coach. Needham came to UMass after spending the previous six years at Greenwich High School (Connecticut), the final two as head coach.
[quote]I am thrilled for Chrissy to be joining the UMass Field Hockey Family,[quote] said Head Coach Justine Sowry. [quote]With the coaching staff now complete, I will rely on Chrissy[apos]s maturity and experience to help make decisions that will impact the team and program. [quote]
In 2009, Needham, who is a USFHA Level II Certified Coach, coached the U-16 Region 2 team at the USFHA National Futures Championship. She also coached at the Connecticut Elite Field Hockey Camp, the Nike Field Hockey Camp, and the last two years at the Hockey Edge 100 Camp.
Needham is a United States Field Hockey Association (USFHA) Region 3 Coach and a head coach and founder of the FC United Field Hockey Club. She has also coached at the Connecticut Elite Field Hockey Camps since 1997 as well as the Circle to Circle Field Hockey Camp in 2006.
While head coach at Greenwich, Needham guided her teams to back-to-back Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) Class L and Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference (FCIAC) championships with a combined 42-3 record. She was named the CIAC Coach of the Year in 2005, followed by the FCIAC Coach of the Year in 2006.
Needham enjoyed a successful collegiate career at Connecticut, where she earned her Bachelor[apos]s in Mathematics in 2000. A four-time varsity letterwinner for the Huskies, Needham was also a four-time NFHCA All-Academic honoree, Big East Academic All-Star and UConn Scholar-Athlete. She earned her Masters in Education in 2001.
[quote]Her background as a successful collegiate player at UConn coupled with her leadership at a winning high school program, Chrissy will play an integral role in bringing UMass Field Hockey back to its winning ways,[quote] Sowry said.
Danielle McDonnell – Head Field Hockey Coach – Field Hockey Coaches
Danielle (Dani) McDonnell enters her 16th season as Head Coach of the WestConn field hockey program.
Last fall, WestConn had a program-best 15-5 overall and 10-2 Little East Conference records and advanced to the Little East Conference semifinals.
In 2018, WestConn went 11-8 overall and were 9-3 in the highly-competitive Little East Conference, both previous program highs.
From 1999-2004, McDonnell helped lead Fairfield to the Patriot League Conference Tournament in three of her past five seasons at the Connecticut school, including a conference championship and a NCAA Division I Tournament bid in 2001. While at Fairfield, she was Assistant Director of the Nike Field Hockey Camp which is held each summer at the university. She coached nine Regional All-Americans and 12 Academic All-Americans while at the Division I school.
McDonnell has coached in the Region 3 Futures Program and co-founded Connecticut Revolution, a club team in southwestern Connecticut for U14, U16 and U19 aged players in 2006. She is also the Director of “Prepare for Preseason Camp” held at WestConn in August for local junior and high school players. In 2017, She was inducted into the Connecticut Field Hockey Hall of Fame.
The Pennsylvania native earned a field hockey scholarship to St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA and was a four-year starter at center midfield. McDonnell was a co-captain and an All Atlantic-10 and Mid-East Regional All-American selection her junior and senior seasons. She was recognized as the 1993 A-10 Defensive Player of the Year.
Her senior year, she led her school to an Atlantic 10 Championship, in which she set a conference tourney record with five assists in one game.
In addition, she was named team MVP and the team finished 16th in the nation in NCAA Division I. She was honored in 2001 by the A-10 for her contribution to its success for the 25th Anniversary of the Conference.
McDonnell hails from Perkasie, PA and went to Pennridge High School, where she was a four year varsity starter at center midfield and mentioned as a High School All-American. She was a co-captain along with being named All-Colonial Division First-Team and All-Intelligencer Field Hockey Team her junior and senior seasons. She was also a three year starter in Soccer at midfield and forward, where she was an All-Colonial Division First-Team and All-Intelligencer Soccer Team selection her junior and senior seasons as well.
McDonnell is a 1996 graduate of St. Joseph’s University with a B.S. in Marketing and received her M.B.A. in Marketing from Fairfield University in 2004.
Dani and her husband Joe reside in Naugatuck, CT. They have a son, David.
Wendy Andreatta – Field Hockey Coach
Over her 14 years guiding the University of Rochester field hockey team, Wendy Andreatta has taken the program to new heights.
Under her tutelage, the Yellowjackets are 190-82 (.699) and have had 10+ wins in every season. She has coached ten players to All-America honors, including 1st Team selections in Michelle Relin (’16), Tara Lamberti (’16), Sayaka Abe (’17) and Nancy Bansbach (’18). She also has aided in the development of 35 players to a total of 64 All-Liberty League awards.
The 2019 season saw the Yellowjackets finish 14-9, but posted back-to-back shutouts in the Liberty League Tournament, claiming the teams second ever conference tournament crown. In the teams fifth straight NCAA appearance, Rochester was edged 2-1 at home against Denison. UR defeated nationally ranked Vassar twice on the season and posted a school record 13 goals in a win over Wells on October. Rochester had five All-Conference selections in the Liberty League and three players were named All-Region.
In 2018, Andreatta and Rochester embarked on a record-setting campaign, one which saw UR earn a school record 19 wins, ending the season 19-3. The ‘Jackets reached the national quarterfinals (Elite 8) for the third time in four seasons and held 20 of 22 opponents to one goal or less, ranking near the top of Division III in a number of statistical categories including shutouts, goals against average, save percentage, penalty corners and defensive saves.
That followed a 2017 campaign which was a banner year for the Yellowjackets as UR captured its first ever Liberty League title, completing a perfect run through conference play. In the regular season UR was 7-0 in the Liberty League and then defeated William Smith and then Skidmore to claim the conference’s automatic berth into the NCAA tournament, UR’s third straight postseason appearance.
Andreatta and her staff were selected as Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year, and also were recognized by the NFHCA as North Atlantic Regional Coaching Staff of the Year.
In both 2015 and 2016, UR reached the NCAA Division III Tournament both seasons and accumulated 18 victories in each year, matching the school record set initially in 2012. The 2015 squad reached the NCAA national quarterfinals while the 2016 Yellowjackets reached the second round.
Achieving success in the classroom as well, Rochester field hockey has been named to the NFHCA All-Academic Squad in each year of the award’s existence. One of the top honors for a Rochester senior student-athlete to achieve, the Lysle “Spike” Garnish Award, has been presented to ten different field hockey team members during Andreatta’s tenure.
Andreatta also was awarded the Meliora Award from the University, an award which goes to a staff member for outstanding service and contribution to the college and who embodies the school’s motto of “Meliora” (Ever Better).
The 2012 season saw Andreatta’s team burst onto the national scene. She was named Dita/NFHCA North Atlantic Regional Coach of the Year in addition to her and the UR staff being named Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year after Rochester was 18-6 and earned the programs first ever NCAA Tournament appearance, making it all the way to the national quarterfinals, upsetting #12 Rowan and #4 Salisbury in the process. After the team’s 8-0 start, Rochester broke into the national rankings for just the second time ever in the program’s 38-year history.
In August 2007, Andreatta took over the program after ten years spent coaching at Division I institutions. After graduating from the University of Connecticut, Andreatta, formerly ‘Brady’, assisted UConn for one season before a three-year stint as a graduate assistant coach at Syracuse University. After graduating with an MA in Journalism, Andreatta spent three years as the top assistant at Hofstra University, earning an MA in English, followed by two seasons with the Lions at Columbia University as the top assistant under Olympian, Katie (Kauffman) Beach.
Active in USA Field Hockey, Andreatta had been a head coach in the Futures program for fifteen years before assuming USA Field Hockey’s Regional Development Manager for New York in 2011. In this role, Andreatta runs the USA Field Hockey Futures program in New York, managing all of the training sites, organizing the annual Regional Futures Tournament and assisting with the development of youth field hockey throughout the state.
Andreatta continues to coach within the USA Field Hockey Futures program and has coached teams at the National Futures Championships in both Virginia Beach and at Spooky Nook over the years, as well as the Junior Olympics and other events. Andreatta has also served as a selector for USA Field Hockey events, both at the regional and national level, and holds a Level II coaching accreditation through USA Field Hockey. Andreatta has directed the University of Rochester field hockey camp for the past ten years and has coached at camps and clinics throughout the country.
With an interest in developing and promoting youth field hockey opportunities in Western New York, Andreatta launched Finger Lakes Field Hockey – a Rochester-based travel field hockey club that participates in local, regional and national recruiting events and tournaments throughout the year.
Andreatta’s reach goes beyond the playing field. She recently served on the NCAA Division III Field Hockey Committee, and as a Level One USA Field Hockey Accreditation Program Instructor. On the River Campus, Andreatta completed a three-year term as Corresponding Secretary for the Phi Beta Kappa chapter at the University of Rochester.
Andreatta graduated magna cum laude with honors from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor of arts degree in English and Anthropology. She won a Big East Conference Post Graduate Scholarship and the UConn Club’s Senior Scholar-Athlete Award. Additionally, she was named to the GTE/CoSIDA Academic All-America University Division At-Large Team.
While coaching at Syracuse, Andreatta earned a Master of Arts degree in Journalism from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications in 2000. Andreatta earned a second Master of Arts in English from Hofstra University in 2003. She was named All-America as a senior at Connecticut to cap off a career where she was a Big East Rookie of the Year as a freshman and the Most Outstanding Performer at the Big East Championships as a senior. Andreatta still holds single-season and Big East Tournament scoring records.
She and her husband, David, reside in Fairport, New York, with their two sons.
YEAR BY YEAR COACHING RECORD | ||||||
OVERALL | CONFERENCE | |||||
YEAR | SCHOOL | WIN | LOSS | WIN | LOSS | POSTSEASON |
2007 | University of Rochester | 10 | 8 | 3 | 4 | None |
2008 | University of Rochester | 12 | 8 | 2 | 5 | None |
2009 | University of Rochester | 11 | 7 | 3 | 4 | None |
2010 | University of Rochester | 10 | 9 | 3 | 4 | None |
2011 | University of Rochester | 13 | 6 | 2 | 4 | None |
2012 | University of Rochester | 18 | 6 | 4 | 2 | NCAA Elite 8 |
2013 | University of Rochester | 14 | 6 | 4 | 2 | Liberty League Semifinals |
2014 | University of Rochester | 15 | 5 | 5 | 1 | Liberty League Semifinals |
2015 | University of Rochester | 18 | 6 | 4 | 2 | NCAA Elite 8 |
2016 | University of Rochester | 18 | 5 | 4 | 2 | NCAA Sweet 16 |
2017 | University of Rochester | 18 | 4 | 7 | 0 | NCAA Elite 8 * |
2018 | University of Rochester | 19 | 3 | 6 | 1 | NCAA Elite 8 |
2019 | University of Rochester | 14 | 9 | 5 | 2 | NCAA 1st Round * |
ROCHESTER TOTALS | 190 | 82 | 52 | 33 | 6 NCAA Appearances | |
GRAND TOTAL | 190 | 82 | 52 | 33 | ||
PERCENT | .699 | .612 | * – Indicates Liberty League Title |
(updated 7/2021)
90,000 “Getting into the national team is the next step after securing in the NHL” | Articles
Another Russian hockey player made his debut in the NHL this year. Forward Maxim Letunov played three regular season matches for San Jose Sharks. In the second of them – against the Edmonton Oilers (6: 3) – he scored a goal for the first time.
23-year-old Letunov became the first Russian in history to make his way to the NHL from the student league. He left for the United States in 2011 at the age of 15 and began playing in the NCAA – National Collegiate Sports Association hockey league.At 17, he made it to the US Junior Hockey League, USHL. And since 2018 he has been playing for the Sharks farm club San Jose Barracuda in the American Hockey League (AHL) – the second most important championship in North America after the NHL.
In an interview with Izvestia, Maxim Letunov spoke about his path in overseas hockey, communication with the legends of San Jose and the differences between the Russian and American education systems.
– How do you spend your time in quarantine ?
– I’m in Connecticut – it’s an hour and a half from New York.It rains constantly – there is almost no sun. Therefore, we calmly observe quarantine with our parents. We go to the grocery store only once a week. And so, we try to sit at home more. It’s hard, of course, but we are trying to entertain ourselves with various board games, watching TV series. Plus I do exercises with weights.
– Why did you stay in Connecticut and not California – San Jose?
– I studied here at the university, there is housing. A month ago I decided to leave here, because in San Jose and in California in general, there are more cases of infection with this virus.My parents and I decided to temporarily move to Connecticut.
– Are there no problems with the products ?
– There is no shortage of groceries in stores in Connecticut. Limited choice of brands of rice and pasta. But you can still buy them whenever you want. When quarantine just started in March, I was in San Jose. And there people began to quickly buy up everything. And at first, some of the counters were empty. But now everything has returned to normal.
– What series are you watching ?
– At the moment, Money Heist, or “House of Cards” (in Russia it is known as “Paper House”.- “Izvestia”). About bank robberies. One of the most important serials now.
– Igor Kravchuk said that in Montreal, during quarantine Netflix and mobile communications were made free. Is New York and Connecticut the same ?
– I can’t say for sure about Netflix. But I know that many telephone operators have made free internet on mobile devices. To make it easier for people to call up and limit face-to-face meetings – accordingly, leave the house less.
– As a child, you played for the teams of the Rus and CSKA schools. With whom in the ranks of the army did you intersect from the now famous players?
– Of the guys born in 1996, he played with Vanya Nikolishin (the son of the famous hockey player Andrei Nikolishin, last season he played in the KHL for Severstal and VHL for the Almetyevsk Neftyanik. – Izvestia), Andrei Svetlakov, Andrei Kuzmenko. Denis Smirnov was with us, who is a year younger, and then he also left for the US student league. He’s graduating from university this year.I will also remember Stas Kondratyev and Alexei Sleptsov, both now playing in the VHL. In general, a lot of people perform from that composition in the tower.
– Do you keep in touch with any of them?
– Only with Kondratyev. After his departure from Russia, he did not communicate with the rest.
– In 2014, the St. Louis Blues simultaneously picked you and Ivan Barbashev in the second round of the draft, who eventually made it to the main team and won the Stanley Cup with it a year ago. Have you ever talked to him?
– Yes, we crossed paths during the draft ceremony that took place in Philadelphia.As soon as we were chosen, we met in the under-tribune room and talked. And just a couple of weeks later we had a beginners’ camp, where we lived together with Barbashev and found out what’s what in the team. But since then they have not kept much in touch. In the camp, Ivan made a good impression on me – a great kid. But in the future, it was not possible to communicate. In any case, I am glad that he has achieved such success – congratulations to him on last year’s Stanley Cup.
– How is the combination of study and hockey at a serious level organized in American college sports?
– When I went to university and chose between the junior league of Canada (CHL) and the American student competitions, I realized that I still need to develop physically.The university in the USA gave me more opportunities for this. In the States, there are fewer matches per season – only 40. And there is a lot of training in the hall before the games. But the whole schedule is designed so that you can study, train, and play hockey. The question of choosing between professional sports and study arises after you have been selected for the draft.
– Could you give up your studies after the draft?
– Yes, any drafted hockey player there has a choice – to immediately start making their way in professional sports or continue their studies and play for the university team.I decided that only after three years of study I would stop going to university. And now I continue distance learning. Moreover, there, without completing your studies, you can resume your education at any time after completing your sports career. Even at 40.
– How much did you manage to unlearn ?
– Three years. And after that I passed several more classes remotely. The class is half a year. In Russia, this is called a semester. I still have eight classes left before graduation.
– What did you mean by training in the gym before the games for the university? Something like physical education lessons in Russian schools?
– During the season we went to the gym three times a week if there were no games in the middle. That is, if the matches are on Friday or Saturday, then the hall was on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Monday and Tuesday – emphasis on strength exercises, squats. In general, mass gain and physics. On Wednesday – an easier regime. In general, the University of Connecticut is famous for the fact that people there are good physically prepared.When you graduate, you can safely play in the NHL. And you don’t need to develop as physically as people from CHL.
– And who from your university immediately rose to the NHL?
– One of the guys my year of birth is Tage Thompson, who plays for the Buffalo Sabers. We came with him at the same time. He studied for two years and decided to leave. I stayed for another year. A couple more guys played in the CHL last season. I also know that many players have been drafted from our university in recent seasons.Let’s see which path they choose. I think they will remain in training for one or two years.
– Are there many long bus rides in student competitions, like in the AHL?
– There are no long journeys. By bus, the farthest journey is four to five hours to the University of Maine. And that is very rare – maybe once or twice a year. There is only a four-team winter tournament, which we had for two years in Arizona. And I had to fly there. Otherwise, everything is close.Therefore, the university focuses on strength training, since you do not get tired during the games.
– Coaches of junior and youth national teams of Russia at least once came to you with offers to come to a training camp or exhibition tournaments?
– This was not the case. I think because I left early. And at the age of 15 he disappeared from the radar. Plus I went to university, and the student league is not as famous in Russia as CHL. The CHL has many long-distance matches. Accordingly, national team coaches and scouts have more opportunities to watch hockey players.Although, in my opinion, it is worth paying attention to hockey players from universities. After all, from there, many guys reached the NHL, bypassing even the AHL.
– In 2013, when there was still a draft in the KHL, you were chosen by Salavat Yulaev. At least once you were seen from Ufa ?
– Salavat did not get in touch. I knew I was drafted. And I know that my rights were exchanged for Traktor, and now they are owned by Yaroslavl Lokomotiv.
– Did Traktor and Lokomotiv contact you?
– Lokomotiv came out to me after the last season.They told about their vision of the situation, but I will not disclose the details.
– Is there a possibility of your move to the KHL if the Sharks don’t leave you in the main team and get stuck in the farm club for too long?
– I don’t think about it yet. Now I have a contract with the Sharks. I hope that if the NHL season resumes in the summer, I will be brought back to the main team and given a few more matches. After that, we will talk with the club about extending the agreement.I will understand where they see me and make a decision based on this.
– Why exactly did you become the first Russian to go through the entire vertical from college sports to the NHL?
– I think the most important thing was patience. It’s a long way to go. I played two years at USHL, then three years at university, and another year at the AHL. And only this season he played three games in the NHL. All this happened thanks to perseverance and confidence that he chose the right path.
– Are you often recognized in San Jose?
– They don’t recognize me.I’m not that famous. But when I was in the NHL and played these three games for the Sharks, we went out with Timo Mayer. And in the shopping center he was very often recognized. Few people, but those who understand hockey immediately paid attention to it. Although San Jose is not comparable to Toronto or Montreal, where you are recognized everywhere. In San Jose, this is easier – if a person does not like attention, then it will not be.
– The San Jose Sharks fought St. Louis last season to qualify for the Stanley Cup final. Why are “sharks” the last in conference now?
– I think there were a lot of injuries this season.We didn’t always play with the full lineup, and it’s hard. But nothing, we will learn from our mistakes, and next season everything will turn out differently.
– Who is the most memorable hockey player in your three NHL games?
– Connor McDavid. When you watch it on TV, it all looks good and fast. But if you play against him on ice, the speed increases. And at that speed, his technique and stick control excel.
– There are many real legends in San Jose: Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, Logan Couture, Marc-Edouard Vlasik, Eric Carlsson.Who made the greatest impression on ?
– Everyone made an impression. But I will note the moment before my first game in the NHL – it was a trip to Calgary. We arrived the day before the match. That evening, Thornton and Burns invited me and several other young players to dinner. We talked calmly and learned a lot. They told us not to worry and play our game. Thus, they gave confidence before the debut.
– Is there a desire to attract the attention of the leadership of the Russian national team?
– I think everyone wants it.This is one of the next steps after becoming a member of the Sharks. I hope they already paid attention to me. And then you have to work to deserve the challenge.
READ ALSO
Dax develops school hockey in the state
German Düsseldorf is far from the NHL in every sense of the word.
And, nevertheless, after 10 years in the NHL (mostly in the Los Angeles Kings), Craig Johnson in 2005 found himself in Dusseldorf. In 2004, he ended up in Germany during a lockout, where he played for Hamburg.Then he thought that he would spend a year there, but an abdominal injury and subsequent complications after surgery left Johnson without hockey for another year and without a contract in the NHL.
When he recovered, all the NHL teams had already completed their rosters. So Johnson stayed in Düsseldorf for two years, where he played for DEG MetroStars in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (Germany’s leading professional league).
Having scored 30 goals there and scored 51 points in 75 games, he again found himself at a crossroads.This time, he decided to return to southern California, where he has already taken root, playing for 8 seasons for the Kings and partly for Anaheim. While Johnson was pondering his future life, he began coaching his son Eric for the Anaheim Junior Ducks, which was formed in 1994, shortly after the NHL settled in the region.
At the time, Johnson did not yet know that his decision would open the way for the school hockey team, which will go down in history a few years later.
This is the team of the Santa Margarita Catholic High School. This team, like the entire high school league, rose quickly and earned rave reviews throughout the hockey world.
It all started with skates and the “Junior Ducks” team.
“My son was born in 2001. He was on the boys’ team. I coached it, we did the exercises that I learned over the years,” Johnson says. “I liked it, I enjoyed it. That year when I was coaching the team, Pierre Paget was the team manager in Salzburg and he offered me a contract in Austria.”
It was in the 2008/9 season and Johnson decided to try his hand at professional hockey once again by signing papers with EC Red Bull Salzburg, then the reigning champion of Austria’s leading professional league, the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga. He played 23 regular season games and 15 cup matches there. There, he began to waste time in vain and began to study coaching.
He immersed himself in his studies, learning from the team and Paget, who for 8 seasons worked with Minnesota, Quebec, Calgary and with the team then known as Mighty Ducks.
When he returned to southern California, local hockey changed there.
SCHOOL LEAGUE
YEAR | Number of teams | ||
2008 | 1 | ||
2009 | 0 | 11 | |
2012 | 14 | ||
2013 | 28 |
other sports such as American football, baseball and basketball developed at the school level.
While Johnson was in Austria, the only member of this league was the JSerra Catholic High School team. At first she played with other club teams, then in 2009 another school team joined her – Santa Margarita.
It so happens that the Santa Margarita team was founded by Mitch O’Brien, Johnson’s colleague in the Junior Ducks. When it came time to find a coach, Johnson became a priority.
“We had to convince the guys to leave the clubs and play at school.An important element here was the figure of Craig Johnson, “says O’Brien, hockey director and junior team coach.” They got Craig. We acted under the slogan “We educate athletes at school.”
Johnson was not hired by O’Brien (the school made that decision), but he was the man who founded the team at Santa Margarita, where his son Connor, a former goalkeeper in the Junior Ducks, attended.
O’Brian often recalls how he expelled the boy Nicholas Kerdyles from the junior team.In 2012, Anaheim picked Kerdyles in the second round of the draft. He is now a star on the University of Wisconsin team.
Over the past 20 years, ice hockey has grown significantly in the western United States, especially in California. Here is the USA Hockey data for the number of registered players in the Pacific Division (California, Alaska, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii)
RISE IN THE WEST
Over the past 20 years, hockey has grown significantly in the western United States especially in California.Here is the USA Hockey data for the number of registered players in the Pacific Division (California, Alaska, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii)