Name: Philippa Schipper
Born: Dec. 16, 2006
Sport: Field Hockey
School: The Ohio State University
Placed: Fall 2024
Philippa Schipper is a central defender with tactical insight, technical class and natural leadership. She played for many years in the first youth team of HC Rotterdam, one of the biggest and strongest field hockey clubs in the Netherlands. In 2023 she and her team became national U16 champions, where she played a key role in the final as a center defender.
Playing at the highest youth level in the Netherlands, Philippa knew how to distinguish herself not only by her game insight, but also by her coaching of the lines in front of her. Her composure on the ball and ability to read the game made her a stable factor on the team.
Ambitions across the border
Philippa combined her top sports career with a VWO education and successfully completed it in June 2024. Early on, she knew she wanted to combine her studies with field hockey at the highest level in the United States. Through Slamstox, she made contact with several universities. In the end, she chose Ohio State University, a well-known name within NCAA Division 1 field hockey.
Making the choice was not easy: several universities showed interest and Philippa had to think carefully about what best suited her ambitions. She chose a university where she was challenged both academically and athletically.
The start of an American adventure
In the summer of 2024, Philippa boarded a plane to Columbus, Ohio. Although it took some getting used to the American system at first, she quickly found her place on the team. With her strong work ethic and proactive communication with the coach, she was able to quickly adapt to the intense rhythm of college field hockey.
She started with a good scholarship, close to a full athletic scholarship, and soon decided she would not go for one year – but still wanted to stay longer.
“Philippa had her act together from the beginning. She communicated clearly, thought strategically and impressed coaches with her professional attitude. It’s great that she now gets to play at such a high level at Ohio State.”
Philippa’s story has only just begun. With her head and heart fully in the game, a rock-solid background in Dutch top field hockey and now experience on the American college circuit, she is ready to grow as a player as well as a student.
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