Checking in With the Freshmen: 2023 Michigan Field Hockey
10/11/2023 4:41:00 PM | Field Hockey, Features
The 2023 Michigan field hockey program welcomed a class of seven this fall and now over halfway through the season, they are settling in both on and off the field. Learn more about the Freshman class, their favorite moments of the year, and their excitement for field hockey.
#3 Abby Burnett | B | Zionsville, Pa.
Q. What is your earliest memory of playing field hockey?
A. My earliest memory of playing field hockey is when I first started playing in first grade at my local youth program. I started playing because my mom played field hockey in college. We would practice on the high school turf and be coached by the high school players. I remember wanting to grow up to be just like them. For the longest time, I thought I wanted to stick with soccer, but as I grew older, got a lot closer with my field hockey teammates, and got better at field hockey, I realized that it was the sport for me.
Q. What stood out about Michigan to lead you to come to Ann Arbor?
A. I have been a Michigan girl my entire life. Both of my parents went to Michigan for graduate school and passed their love for the school and sports down to me. I fully fell in love with Michigan when I went on my official visit. Stepping on that football field and looking around and seeing all of the people passionate about the school and the game was a special moment for me. I also knew right away that the girls on this team would be my new best friends and family. I felt a part of the family from the moment I walked in. The team culture here at Michigan tops every other school.
Q. What excites you most about being a part of the field hockey program at Michigan?
A. What excites me most about being on the field hockey team at Michigan is the lasting connections I will make here. Alumni weekend a few weekends ago showed me that these coaches and teammates are going to be a part of my life for the rest of it.
Q. How would you describe your game?
A. I would describe my game as fast and composed. I love to take the ball up the right side with speed and earn corners. Other times when on defense I have to stay composed when under pressure to make good passes and tackles.
Q. What has been your favorite memory from the season so far?
A. My favorite memory so far was starting in the first game at (North Carolina). The stands were as packed as ever and I was so nervous because I was playing in my first college game ever versus the number one team in the country. Once I started playing, all the nerves went away. Although that game did not go as planned, it was such a special moment to step on the field with all of the rest of the girls. Every little girl who grows up playing field hockey dreams of playing on the big stage in college, and that is what happened for me that night.
Q. When you're not playing field hockey, what do you enjoy doing most?
A. Well, a lot of times, I am playing field hockey, but back home when I am not playing I love to binge watch Netflix with my little sister and play with my dog. Here at Michigan when I am not playing, I am either doing homework or hanging out with people in the dorms!
#8 Kelsey Reviello | M | Colonial Beach, Va.
Q. What is your earliest memory of playing field hockey?
A. My earliest memory of playing field hockey has to be from my first season on a local rec team. I remember us not being that great, but I had a blast. I started playing field hockey when I was 10 years old and immediately fell in love with the fast pace and freedom the game allowed you to play with.
Q. What stood out about Michigan to lead you to come to Ann Arbor?
A. The team chemistry sealed the deal for me. I experienced one dance party in the locker room and knew it was the home for me. I simply had a gut feeling after being around the team and coaching staff and just knew I had to be a part of it.
Q. What excites you most about being a part of the field hockey program at Michigan?
A. Competing each day to not only make each other better but also to go out and compete against the top teams in the nation is surreal. What makes being a part of this field hockey program here at Michigan so special is simply the family you become a part of, it's genuinely unmatched.
Q. How would you describe your game?
A. I would say I have a very competitive and fast playing style. I love when the game is intense and you have to battle for each ball. I genuinely enjoy a "dog fight," and especially with this team, we train for it every day.
Q. What has been your favorite memory from the season so far?
A. I'm not sure I have one specific memory that stands out to me, but I am beyond grateful to step onto the field with my sisters each day. It's such a surreal feeling to line up, surrounded by girls you trust and love, against the opposing team. Whenever someone scores or after a big win, those hugs and high-fives will be ingrained in my life for a long time to come.
Q. When you're not playing field hockey, what do you enjoy doing most?
A. On the chance I'm not playing field hockey, I'm usually coaching it. I love coaching and seeing the players' faces light up with joy as their confidence grows in the sport.
#9 Esmée de Willigen | F | Rotterdamn, Netherlands
Q. What is your earliest memory of playing field hockey?
A. I started playing field hockey when I was 6 years old. It started as playing fun field hockey games with friends and we had a lot of fun. I had tried a lot of different sports before starting field hockey, but after a few weeks I already knew that field hockey was the one I was going to stick with.
Q. What stood out about Michigan to lead you to come to Ann Arbor?
A. All the great opportunities to better yourself as an athlete and student, as well as the incredible facilities.
Q. What excites you most about being a part of the field hockey program at Michigan?
A. Being part of a big family and working hard to get better together.
Q. How would you describe your game?
A. I love putting pressure on my direct opponent. I also like to use my speed to go forward and always look for my teammates to pass to.
Q. What has been your favorite memory from the season so far?
A. Playing Friday night games at home with a big crowd.
Q. When you're not playing field hockey, what do you enjoy doing most?
A. I like to spend time with my friends and family. I also love to travel.
#11 Payton Maloney | M | Saline, Mich.
Q. What is your earliest memory of playing field hockey?
A. I started playing field hockey in fifth grade. I started because my sister started playing, and the more I played the more I loved the sport.
Q. What stood out about Michigan to lead you to come to Ann Arbor?
A. What stood out about Michigan to me is the team. I loved how close the team is, how welcoming everyone is and how the entire program is like a family.
Q. What excites you most about being a part of the field hockey program at Michigan?
A. The thing that excites me the most about being in the field hockey program at Michigan is playing with high-level players that I can play against and learn from and having amazing coaches that are invested in each player.
Q. How would you describe your game?
A. I would describe my game as working as hard as I can and always working to find the open player. I use my field vision to find the best pass and make a good decision with the ball.
Q. What has been your favorite memory from the season so far?
A. My favorite memory is when we played against UNC. Even though we lost, we played a really good game and the energy at the game was so amazing. I loved when we scored how excited everyone on the team got and how supportive everyone was of everyone during the game.
Q. When you're not playing field hockey, what do you enjoy doing most?
A. When I'm not playing field hockey I enjoy hanging out with my teammates the most.
#14 Natalie Millman | M | Ann Arbor, Mich.
Q. What is your earliest memory of playing field hockey?
A. I started playing when I was 9 years old and instantly fell in love with the speed and intensity of the game.
Q. What stood out about Michigan to lead you to come to Ann Arbor?
A. There is no school with a better balance of athletics, academics and school spirit. Also, I grew up in Ann Arbor as a Michigan fan so it was always my dream to play here.
Q. What excites you most about being a part of the field hockey program at Michigan?
A. The field hockey team has the best culture, and I am so excited to chase after championships with my best friends.
Q. How would you describe your game?
A. My play is very fast and aggressive. I am a big team player and love making plays in front of the net.
Q. What has been your favorite memory from the season so far?
A. So far, my favorite memory has been beating Old Dominion in overtime. Our team worked really hard that game and it felt so nice we pulled out a win in my first collegiate overtime.
Q. When you're not playing field hockey, what do you enjoy doing most?
A. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family at the lake or skiing. In general I just love being outside.
#18 Hala Silverstein | GK | Glenwood, Md.
Q. What is your earliest memory of playing field hockey?
A. I started playing field hockey as a field player in third grade. For the longest time, I considered soccer my favorite sport and field hockey was something I did for fun. Eventually, I decided to switch to goalie when I signed up for club past the deadline and the only remaining spot was for goalkeeper. Immediately, I fell in love with the position and haven't looked back since.
Q. What stood out about Michigan to lead you to come to Ann Arbor?
A. The environment at Michigan is like no other. On my visit, I knew that I would fit in after watching a practice. The girls were competitive and hard-working on and off the field but still acted like a family. I knew that was exactly the culture I was looking for in a program. Also, the education and opportunities at Michigan are endless. Through (the Ross School of Business), I've been able to meet so many people and learn about so many career paths.
Q. What excites you most about being a part of the field hockey program at Michigan?
A. What most excites me about being a part of the field hockey program here is the endless potential that both our team and each individual member has. I already feel like my personal level of field hockey has been elevated in the time I've been on the team, and I can't wait to see what I, as well as my teammates, end up accomplishing.
Q. How would you describe your game?
A. I rely on my quickness and sharp decision-making in my game. I'm definitely not your typical goalie because of my height, but I've learned to make up for it by being extra aggressive and fast on my feet.
Q. What has been your favorite memory from the season so far?
A. This season, I've made a lot of strong relationships with the people around me. My favorite memory has to be the trip up north where we spent the weekend outdoors. I learned that I'm not a great kayaker at all, but I had a great time with my teammates and coaches!
Q. When you're not playing field hockey, what do you enjoy doing most?
A. When I'm not playing field hockey, I love traveling, especially to the beach. During summer, I try to get to the beach as much as possible. Last summer, I also went to several different countries in Europe. I love learning about new cultures and places.
#24 Juliette Manzur | F | Mareil-Marly, France
Q. What is your earliest memory of playing field hockey?
A. I was 8 years old. It was my first training and I didn't want to try the sport because I already played tennis. I laughed so hard during that training with people I just met. I really can't explain it, but when I started playing, even though I wasn't doing it right yet, everything disappeared. It was me, the field, the new friends and the ball. It became my passion before I could realize.
Q. What stood out about Michigan to lead you to come to Ann Arbor?
A. Michigan is undoubtedly one of the best universities with D-I field hockey. I wanted a challenge. I loved the coaches and the level of the field hockey team, and I couldn't wait for the level of my studies to push me higher.
Q. What excites you most about being a part of the field hockey program at Michigan?
A. Be one of the teams that wins everything. I want us to win the Big Ten and the NCAA. I've never thought a team could mean so much, and I'm really excited to see us make the best memories possible.
Q. How would you describe your game?
A. Adaptable, with good vision which makes it easier to be dangerous offensively and defensively. I need to improve much more and there is still a road ahead of me, but I think that would be what I am trying to have as my game.
Q. What has been your favorite memory from the season so far?
A. In the game against Saint Joseph's, our team played as a unit and we thrived. The game was fluid and fun to be part of. The feeling of accomplishment as a team after all the hard work we put in during the week is one of the best feelings, which makes it my favorite memory.
