Charlotte Biron

My hockey background

I started playing hockey when I was four years old at HIC, the club where I still play today. From the beginning, I have always played in the first team, and I am glad to continue developing my game at the same club. When I joined the U-14s, the competition became tougher, and the higher we played, the more I enjoyed the game. I loved facing strong teams and clubs, and those challenges made me want to keep improving. In my first year with the U-16s, we reached a level we had never played at before, Super-B, and it turned out to be the most fun season. I really enjoyed the difficulties we faced and how they brought me and my teammates closer together. Now I’m playing in the U-18s and we’ve reached Super-A again by becoming champions in the pre-competition.

Last year, when I played my second year in the U-16s, I was asked to train with Ladies 1 as well. I was the youngest there and only one other girl from the U-18s was invited to train with them as well. Because of this, I was very nervous, but it turned out that I loved how the game was even quicker and I became better because of it. I also made my debut in the “Overgangsklasse,” and after that season, our Ladies 1 team was promoted. This year, I’ve made my debut in the “Promotieklasse” as well. On top of that, I’ve played in several Gold Cup matches, and we’ve won all of them. The Gold Cup is one of the biggest tournaments in the Netherlands, bringing together teams from the “Overgangsklasse,” “Promotieklasse,” and “Hoofdklasse.”

Furthermore, I have played multiple tournaments with my own team. 2 years ago, we played the biggest international tournament of the Netherlands against different countries, but also multiple teams from the Netherlands. In this tournament, we reached the final and we won with shoot-outs and therefore we were the international champions.

I have always loved playing on the mid-field and especially mid-mid. I love being able to move the game from one side of the pitch to the other and looking for the best pass. Last season I also played as central-defender which gave me more experience and an even better chance to see all that was happening on the field and see where the space was. With the Ladies 1 I mostly play as an attacker. All of these experiences have made me a more versatile player and gave me more insight into the game, however, mid-mid is still my favorite position and this is also the position I play in my own team.

One of my key strengths is coaching and guiding my teammates on the pitch. I take responsibility for helping to organize the team, making sure everyone is in the right position and working together effectively. Another strength is my ability to read the game and recognize open spaces. This vision allows me to make smart decisions with the ball, whether that means moving into space myself, creating opportunities for others, or setting up plays that put my teammates in a better position. By combining communication with awareness, I contribute not only to my own performance but also to the overall success of the team. When I was fourteen, I got the chance to become the team captain and again when I was sixteen. This experience enhanced my leadership skills and taught me the importance of effective communication and teamwork.

Why I want to play college field-hockey in the USA

I am really excited about the possibility of going to the United States to continue both my studies and my hockey career. What I find so unique about this opportunity is the way academics and sports are combined at such a high level. In the USA, I would not only be able to pursue my education but also challenge myself on the hockey field against strong competition. The chance to grow as both a student and an athlete at the same time is something that motivates me greatly and makes this opportunity very appealing.

Furthermore, I find the culture of sports in the USA very special. The way you are treated as a team creates the opportunity to improve tremendously and grow as a team. Training in new ways and having a full-focus on hockey during your studies will help me improve even more.

Another aspect that excites me is the opportunity to study abroad. I know that moving to a new country and living on my own will be a new challenge, but it’s one that will help me become more independent and confident. I’m also looking forward to meeting new people from different backgrounds, experiencing new perspectives, and learning more about life at a U.S. university. I believe that studying and living in another culture will be an experience that helps me grow both personally and academically.

Overall, I believe that the opportunity to go to the US will be an unforgettable experience that will broaden my horizon in many different ways. Creating such a strong bond with your team will ensure lasting friendships and bonds for life.