Kate Pittendrigh

My hockey background

I started playing hockey when I was 8 years old. I have always played for HIC Hockey Club in Amstelveen, The Netherlands. Since I was 14 years old, I have consistently played in the top team of my category and I have shown a strong development over these years and have become one of the key players in the team. I have competed at top national levels as Topklasse girls under 16, and Super girls under 18. 

During my time in the girls under 16 category, I was one of the few players who got invited to train with the first girls under 18 team and play matches with them as a substitute.  These experiences to play with a stronger team at a higher level helped me grow as a hockey player.  

On the hockey field I am a determined hockey player who always wants to improve. One of my strengths is my consistent play and being a reliable defender that my team can count on. I read the game and am able to position myself to intercept and break an attack. Besides my defending qualities, I also add value to my team in the offense thanks to my speed whether I have the ball or not. I facilitate a speedy counter attack by quick passing or my ability to outrun my opponents. My athletic ability allows me to run from circle to circle and create attacking opportunities. I am fortunate to have always been fit to play and to keep on developing without any significant injuries. 

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Why I want to play college field hockey in the USA

I am very excited about the prospect of playing hockey in USA because I believe it is the perfect combination of high-level sports and academics. Compared to Holland, hockey and studying in the USA are far more connected and are equally important– something which very much appeals to me. It is a great motivation for me to be able to play hockey in a professional sports environment and culture. I am convinced that it will allow me to grow and develop much further as a hockey athlete as well as a person. 

Furthermore, I am an adventurous person who is open for new environments and experiences. I believe that playing college hockey in the USA would be a chance of a lifetime to continue developing athletically, academically and personally while pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and experiencing something completely new. All of this together makes me very excited about the opportunity to play college hockey in the USA.