Wolverine Spotlight Q&A: Isabella Palde
9/27/2023 2:21:00 PM | Field Hockey
By Mya Fromwiller
Graduate student Isabella Palde joined the Wolverines this fall after spending the four previous seasons at Cornell, where she was an All-Ivy League performer and appeared in 48 games for the Big Red. This season, she has started all nine games as a forward for Michigan and owns a pair of goals.
A native of Schwenksville, Pa., Palde recently sat down to talk about her transition to Michigan, her evolution as a field hockey player and her connection with the Wolverines' other, albeit younger, newcomers.
Q: What drew you to the University of Michigan?
A: One of the main things that drew me here aside from the field hockey aspect was the Master of Management program. I was searching for a graduate program that fit my career goals and would also provide me with the flexibility to continue playing sports. Since I knew I wanted to use my extra year of eligibility, I was looking for a one-year business program that would complement my biology degree.
For the field hockey aspect, Michigan has a highly decorated field hockey team, and I only ever heard great things about the program. I knew a couple of girls who graduated from my area that loved it here. And then, the coaches were all awesome and just talking with them through the recruiting process was something that really made me want to come here.
Q: How would you describe the culture of Michigan, both as a student and as an athlete?
A: The culture of the field hockey team is awesome. Coming in not only as a new player but as a graduate student is a different experience than most freshmen. So, I was nervous about how I would fit into the team dynamic, but everyone has been super inclusive and supportive. Even though I am older and only have one year here, it hasn't made a difference at all in the way that people treat me. They have welcomed me with such open arms, and I have really felt a part of the team.
With school (and everything outside of athletics) the culture has been great. I really enjoy being a graduate student, and I've met so many people from so many different majors in the Master of Management program.
Q: Describe your journey in becoming a collegiate field hockey player. What made you decide to play at this level?
A: I started a little bit later than the other girls in my area. I started in fifth grade, and although that doesn't sound late, in Pennsylvania (where I'm from) people start even earlier. I started at the same time as my sister, and I just fell in love with the sport immediately. As I got older and got better, I realized this was something I wanted to pursue outside of high school. At the club I played for, WC Eagles, most people ended up playing in college. It was very competitive, which is what motivated me to want to play at the collegiate level.
Q: What advice do you have for young athletes that want to play at the collegiate level?
A: Definitely start getting yourself out there as soon as possible, whether that be by reaching out to coaches to come watch you play or going to camps and clinics. I was the first in my family to go through the recruiting process, so I didn't know how to navigate it best. I started the process a little bit later and didn't put myself out there until I was a sophomore in high school. I know the rules have changed, but I committed later than most of the other girls in my area. The one thing I regret is not starting sooner. The sooner the better, and even though the coaches may not be able to talk to you directly, you can show your interest by going to camps and clinics.
Q: I know you talked about your love for the team environment here at Michigan, but how would you describe your role on this team? Is it different than roles you've played on other teams? How do you feel like you fit into the team here?
A: At my undergraduate program, it was a little different since I was there for four years. I got to know the coaching staff for four years and they saw me progress from a freshman to a senior. And as I got older, I grew into a leadership role -- I wasn't a captain, but I felt like I had a lot of leadership within the team. Here, I would say I have somewhat of a leadership role because of my age and experience, but it definitely is different considering I'm new. I don't want to overstep or try to interfere with the leadership culture that already exists. As soon as I got here, I realized there was already a sense of leadership, and they're awesome.
One thing that has been similar is my relationship with the underclassmen. At Michigan, coming in, I was immediately grouped with the freshmen since we're all new. We had to do all of the orientation stuff together and it was always me and the freshmen. I really liked that, and I feel like I'm very close with them because of it. On my old team, I made it my goal to be close to the freshmen and integrate them into the team, but I was able to do that since I was a returning upperclassman. It's different now since I'm new here and don't know all the ins and outs of being a Michigan student-athlete. However, since I do have experience playing at this level and am older, I'm still able to help them if they do have any questions, even if it's not related to field hockey.
Q: Do you have any special pregame rituals or songs that you like to listen to?
A: I don't have any songs in particular that I like to listen to, but certain songs remind me of certain seasons. This season, we have a team song that we listen to before we go out for each game. Before any game, we always play the same couple of songs and then will add in some new ones as well. It's a team ritual that involves a lot of dancing, which is really fun. As for personal pregame rituals, I don't really have any. The only thing is that I pick a scrunchie in the beginning of the season to wear for each game, it's a superstitious thing.
Q: Have you discovered any favorite spots on campus or in Ann Arbor yet?
A: Since I'm a grad student in Ross, all my classes are there, so unfortunately, I haven't really seen many of the other buildings. I definitely want to start exploring more around campus. Ross is awesome though, it's a beautiful building and a great spot to do work. One place I do go to frequently with my teammates is Stray Hen. I like to go there to do work, or just to get food after class or before games. It's definitely the spot for our team.
