Lisa van der Knaap

My hockey background

I started playing field hockey at the age of 6 at OMHC in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. I played in a selection team at the age of 11 and we got first in our pool. After that season (2018), I moved to Denmark with my family because of my father’s job. I played in a mixed team that played against older boys. This has taught me to stand my ground and to not get pushed around. After a year, when I was 12 years old, I started playing in the women’s team. This helped me grow as a person and developed my skills as a player. Furthermore, I also played competitive soccer for two years before I moved to Canada in 2022.  

In Canada, I started playing field hockey again in my high school team and joined a club soon after. Since then I have played for team Ontario twice and got to play with the best players in my province to compete at Nationals in the summer. After my first year of being in Canada, I was chosen to join the NextGen program which focuses on preparing and developing players for playing in the National teams. I was able to train with the National women’s indoor team while they were preparing for the Pan Am Cup. This program then led me to be chosen for the U18 Canadian Indoor Team as we went to Philadelphia to play in the Big Apple tournament. Furthermore, I also joined the Ontario Premier League which organizes competitive games for men and women that are 18+. I got the chance to play with a lot of players that play competitively in university in Canada and the US.

I have always been really good at passing and reading the game. I also often like to communicate with my team on the field to motivate and help each other out when needed. Because of these strengths, I have mostly played midfield but I have been playing centre back this past year (e.g. during Nationals). I was chosen to play centre back because of my leadership skills, strength, speed, how I can read the game, and the passes that I can give. This resulted in a strong defensive line. I really enjoyed playing this position as I had a clear view of the field which made it easier for me to make the right decisions. 

Why field hockey in the US?

Playing field hockey in the US is an amazing opportunity that I have been wanting to pursue for quite some time. I love the combination of university and playing field hockey with a team that is competitive but also has a great team spirit. This motivates me to push myself to a higher level academically and physically. I have been to multiple field hockey tournaments in the US which have made me even more excited about playing and studying in the US. I love the idea of further improving my skills as a player and as an individual. Furthermore, I love a new adventure and challenge as I have already experienced this while moving countries. This has pushed me to be the best version of myself.

I am looking for a team that is competitive and supports each other off and on the field. The idea of being in a team that has fun and works hard together to achieve our goals is something that really motivates me!