Nicole Garibaldi '21 Recruiting Profile

Hello! My name is Nicole Garibaldi and I am an uncommitted Junior at Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale, NJ.  I started field hockey much later then most kids (in 7th grade) after I moved to Allendale from Hoboken. I never thought I would end up where I am today since I was playing soccer at that time.  Once I picked up a stick, I was hooked on the sport!  I felt a passion for this sport that I never felt with soccer.  I had my work cut out for me since the running and stick skill requirements were so different from what I was use to.  Everyone around me had been playing since 1st, 2nd, 3rd and even 4th grade and here I was, the new kid who had no idea what they were doing.  I was never one of those kids who enjoyed running. I could barely make it one lap around the track without stopping and even then I would be out of breath.  I couldn’t dribble, I couldn’t pass, I couldn’t even jab but I never gave up and I was determined to outwork the next person.

Freshman preseason was a real wake up call for me. I knew I had to put in the time and effort to not only make the team, but also compete for playing time. I worked extremely hard in the off season.  I set my basement up to run on the treadmill on the cold days,  lift weights and practice my stick skills. When the weather was better, I ran and worked out at the school or in my backyard.  I truly believe in the grit and grind it takes to achieve my goals  not only in field hockey but all aspects of my life.   I was  traveling an hour each way on Saturdays to practice and take classes at Total Dutch in Somerset, NJ.  Each time I went, I could see the improvements in my skills.  I also participated in a winter league, took private lessons, started to run  even more  ( Sophomore preseason I was able to shave off over 1 minute on my mile and 2 minutes on my two mile time) and I did whatever was necessary to develop my game- not only for me but for my team. 

When Sophomore year came, I made Varsity and played a lot of minutes ( I played outside defense on both sides and sweeper). We were very successful that year as a team; winning the county tournament,  the league and making it to the Semi’s in the States (we finished the season 21-2).   The success I experienced on the field was also indicative of the high level of performance I had in the classroom.  I have been on the Honor Roll  every semesters since Freshman year and was named to the Ambassador’s program for my Junior year.  Additionally, I played on the U-16 Total Dutch Club Team that summer and  also  was part of the USA Futures Training Program.

This year, our team went 18-3 and we were once again League Champions. I was the starting Sweeper and  was named to the All League Team (Honorable Mention).  I learned some very valuable lessons.  As an example, I have learned how important it is to be a leader instead of a boss and how dedication to the sport, a good attitude both on and off the field and encouragement can all go a long way in the success of both the team and my  teammates.  I believe in putting team before myself.

It is my goal to play at a school where I can bring my passion of the sport, willingness to learn and  my drive so I can help bring the team to victory. 

Thank you so very much for taking the time to read my profile. I would love to speak with you very soon and learn more about your program and school in the near future.