Thien Thanh Barends '25 Recruiting Profile

I was adopted by my parents when I was 10 years old. Before that, I lived in Vietnam in an orphanage. In the orphanage, I learned how to be part of a team and help others. I started playing field hockey 6 years ago. I really like playing the sport and want to play in college.  I joined a travel team 4 years ago and I am working hard to improve my field hockey skills. So that I can better understand the rules of the game, I started training to become a field hockey referee. I am a team player and often help the younger girls to develop their skills. I am a strong student even though I just learned English 7 years ago. I work hard inside and outside of the classroom and on the field. I am proud to play on my Varsity field hockey team. I have served as a ball runner at the USFHA Championship games in Newark, DE and I participated in the USAFH Nexus program. I also volunteered to assist with my high school's summer field hockey camp and a local community field hockey camp. I prefer to play midfield, but I am able to play all positions on the field, except goalie.  I play wherever my coach and my team need me.