Expert recruiting tips from Northwestern’s associate head field hockey coach Georgia Holland: The LineUP
With the constant changes in college sports, prospective student-athletes likely have many questions about navigating the recruiting process.
The LineUP, a female-led family business, recently hosted its annual field hockey ID Clinic at The Proving Grounds in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Their second summer Mega Event will be held on July 19 at Fore Kicks III Indoor and Outdoor Sports Complex in Taunton, Massachusetts.
This clinic offers athletes a fantastic opportunity to gain exposure to college field hockey coaches, learn more about the recruiting process, connect with new friends, and enjoy playing the game alongside athletes from across the country.
Female Athlete News recently partnered with The LineUP, and as part of this series, FAN interviewed seven Division I coaches.
This interview was sponsored by TheLineUP.
College: Northwestern University
Associate Head Coach: Georgia Holland
Division: I
Conference: BIG10
2024 Record: 23-1 overall, 8-0 conference
2024 Notable:
Northwestern, the No. 2 seed, captured the 2024 NCAA Division I field hockey title with a dominant 5-0 victory over No. 3 Saint Joseph's. Their offensive attack was truly impressive and set them apart in the championship game.
“We're blessed to have amazing facilities and amazing resources at Northwestern, but we do tell recruits to not get caught up in the glitz and the glam,” Holland said. “It's really cool to have a nice locker room, but if that's not translating to your happiness or the type of system you want to play in or the people you want to be around, it's not going to be a good experience. The resources will help you grow your game, but really focusing on the people aspect of it is important to us and finding the right culture fit.
“The championship was amazing, but I think the overall vibe was everybody was a part of it. We had a roster of like 26, 27, and obviously not everyone is playing, but really a sense of gratitude for everyone on the team and knowing that even if you aren't finding minutes on the field, that you had a role in that championship year.”
What do you like about attending The LineUp:
Northwestern has put a lot of effort into building a strong team culture, fostering an environment where excellence is not just encouraged but expected, Holland said, adding The LineUp allows her to get to know the athletes on a personal level.
She emphasized how quickly a player's four years in college fly by. She said that’s why it’s important for athletes to build relationships with their teammates.
The field hockey team spends a significant amount of time together — whether it's on road trips, during study hall, or over weekends. Because of this, it's crucial for athletes to clearly communicate their goals and aspirations.
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