Three talented New Zealand hockey players have stamped themselves in history in the US as members of the first ever field hockey team at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina.
Nicole Wong, Xanthe Rademeyer and Tyla Goodsell-Matthews entered the US collegiate system in August 2016, ready to take on the challenge of developing Belmont’s new field hockey team in their inaugural season.
Despite never having a hockey team in the history of their collegiate sports, Belmont’s college culture was completely behind the new development and supported the girls in their first game.
The Kiwi talents are yet to post a win at this very early stage of their season, but are working well as a team and developing new friendships with their teammates.
“Unfortunately (we) came away with a 0-1 loss, but we fought hard to the end!” Nicole said, following their first game.
From New Zealand to the US
Before the season started, the girls journeyed to the US to begin their adventure and were greeted by incredible facilities, brand new uniforms and equipment and a group of enthusiastic girls to share the experience with.
Nicole, Xanthe and Tyla are Sophomores at Belmont after transferring their credits from their University studies in New Zealand. The girls will represent New Zealand as a group and proudly don the numbers 8, 9 and 10 respectively.
Upon their arrival on campus in North Carolina, Tyla was honoured with the captaincy at Belmont, yet another achievement to add to her athletic resume.
“Thinking about it after the first game, it is kind of a surreal feeling; being the captain for the first BAC Hockey team. Coach said that the captaincy may change throughout the season but I will be working my butt off to keep it!” the driven young athlete said.
Tyla, a mature young athlete with a positive outlook on life, can’t express enough how grateful she is for the US college opportunity.
“This is literally a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We are making history here. I get to be a part of the first ever field hockey team at Belmont Abbey. My teammates and I are laying the foundations and expectations both on and off the field for all the future players. I am so grateful and privileged to be here in the US.”
Tyla notes that this opportunity is something she couldn’t obtain at home. The chance to make her college sport dream a reality is like nothing she could’ve imagined.
“In NZ, there is nothing like the college experience here in the US. The idea that I would be able to come over here and live and breathe hockey seven days a week whilst being able to study biology, was a dream come true. The thought of coming over here and having the resources and people around me that supported my goals and aspirations on and off the field, it was a no-brainer!” Tyla said.
Introduction to college life
Since the three young talents started their journey at Belmont Abbey, they have developed new friendships and gained fantastic memories while also developing their hockey skills and working towards a Bachelor Degree.
Tyla is majoring in Biology and hopes to continue on to medical school upon completion of her Bachelor degree.
Although living on campus with hundreds of other student-athletes is an adjustment, Tyla is enjoying every minute of her new experience.
“So far, I have loved campus life. The campus size here is perfect. Our classrooms, dining halls and other resident halls are all in close proximity.
“In the quad there are always events on; social volleyball games or people just chilling out, so there is always something to do. Sometimes it is hard to find time to socialise, with our hockey schedule and studying, but there is always someone outside who is wanting to hang out. The American’s are always keen to hear about where we are from, or take us out to eateries we haven’t been to,” Tyla said.
The athletes have caught up with the NSR team via skype since, and the gang were thrilled to see the NZ girls, along with Hockey QLD talent, Savanna Gabriele, thriving in the US.
Student-athlete lifestyle
The girls admitted that their busy schedules between sport and study were chaotic but also acknowledged that the support they have as both a student and an athlete makes it manageable.
Although most student athletes experience nerves and harbour some anxiety before shifting their lives internationally for four years, the New Zealand talents have begun to forge incredible bonds and build valuable futures for themselves.
Tyla, for one, could not speak highly enough of the new family she has gained at her home for the foreseeable future; Belmont Abbey College.
“That moment you realise the love you have for your team and realise that you are truly a part of something special… it was then that I knew I had 15 new friends that I will have for the rest of my life.
“It literally just hit me. One day they were a group of Americans and then all of a sudden they became my best friends,” Tyla said.
Tyla has plenty to look forward to in her future at Belmont Abbey, and will certainly add more achievements into the history books as the first ever Belmont Abbey field hockey team in the near future.
“I am excited to create connections with lots of different people and really get to know all about the American culture. I am also looking forward to the hockey. Although our first two results haven’t gone the way we wanted, I am excited for our games ahead. I believe our team has the passion and work ethic to be able to get the results we want. I cannot wait for our first win in history and for the first goal for the Belmont Abbey Field Hockey Team to be scored!” Tyla said enthusiastically.