An interview with Field Hockey specialist Marle van Dessel.
On December 8th, the third annual Slamstox Field Hockey Showcase will once again be organized! Additionally, this year, for the first time, an additional college field hockey training will take place on December 7th. We asked our field hockey manager Marle van Dessel a variety of questions about the showcase, so you know exactly what to expect.
What does the field hockey showcase entail?
Our showcase is actually a big “tryout day.” American coaches come to the Netherlands to scout for their college teams. They call it recruiting. We believe it’s important that it’s not just an event where you can showcase yourself, but also a place where you can learn a lot. Experienced coaches come to teach you new skills, and there are former college field hockey players who can tell you everything about their experiences there. It’s also a super fun opportunity to meet other girls with the same dreams and ambitions. Read about Eva Kluskens’ experience at our 2021 Showcase here, and below, you can check out the aftermovie from last year.
What will the showcase look like?
Upon arrival, you will be informed about which team you are in and receive your own Slamstox jersey with a number. The day begins with a welcoming speech, followed by a warm-up session with your team under guidance. Then, it’s time to play hockey! First, you’ll have a nice training session to get warmed up, followed by a full-field game lasting 70 minutes. After the game, you’ll have time for a quick shower and a meal. Following that, there will be speed dates with the American coaches for the players with whom the coaches want to have a conversation.
What does the college field hockey training look like?
The college field hockey training is designed to provide you with a better understanding of how hockey is played in the USA. Several experienced (American) coaches come to provide training. This allows you to learn a lot and also get a better sense of the American training style.
The setup seems a bit different than in previous years. Can you tell me more about this?
Certainly! To maximize your exposure to the coaches, we have chosen to split the Showcase into two groups this year, with a morning group and an afternoon group. This way, all participants will play on a single field, and the coaches won’t have to divide their attention. There will be fewer breaks in the day, which means the day will be shorter while maintaining the same amount of actual playing time! Additionally, this allows for a full 70-minute game to be played.
Do players need to participate in both events (FH training & the showcase)?
No, not at all. The college field hockey training is entirely optional, and it’s an extra opportunity to get familiar with the American style of play. It’s primarily intended to give you a better understanding of what to expect when you’re in the USA. It can also be a great moment, if you’re not already in the process, to decide whether this is something that suits you and if you’d like to pursue it in the future. The showcase on December 8th is the moment to showcase your skills when all the coaches will be present.
Which coaches will be coming to the showcase?
We will announce soon which coaches will be present! In past years, coaches from universities such as these have visited our showcase:
- University of New Hampshire
- Limestone University
- Bryant University
- University of Connecticut
- Harvard University
- Duke University
- Temple University
- James Madison University
- Ohio University
- University of California Berkeley
- Delaware University
- Northwestern University
- Monmouth University
- Providence College
- Cornell University
- Syracuse University
- Fairfield University
Last year, coaches from 20(!) universities were present!
What happens if players don’t make contact with coaches during the showcase?
During the showcase, it is indeed possible to get in touch with coaches. At the end, the coaches will indicate which players they would like to have initial conversations with, and those players will have a “speed date.” This is a brief conversation where you can learn more about the coach and the university. If you don’t have a “speed date,” that’s perfectly fine! The showcase is just one part of your recruiting process. A significant portion of it happens outside the showcase. Your Slamstox advisor will ensure that you also connect with universities that are a good fit for you before and after the showcase, through online communication.
Where can I find more information?
You can find more (practical) information about the showcase and the college field hockey training here. Feel free to also ask your questions to our field hockey manager Marle at marle@slamstox.com.
Have you become enthusiastic and would you like to sign up for the training and/or the showcase? You can! Click on the button below and register now!
