Maria Ippolito '23 Recruiting Profile

I started playing field hockey in second grade.  My mom, who was an All-American Scholar, brought out her old sticks for me and my brother to play with.  My brother was better than I was, and even though it was just something fun for us to do, I desperately wanted to beat him.  That year, I made my mom enroll me in our town's recreation league, where she was my very first coach.  The seed of determination and competitiveness was planted the first time I held a stick and it is what drives me today.  

After every game, I analyze all aspects of my performance, and I am never satisfied with how I played- I am constantly looking for ways to improve.  I have known that I wanted to play in college since I was in elementary school and I have made it my biggest goal.  

As my stepfather was Active Duty Navy and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, my family lived in Virginia Beach for several years.  Playing for my middle school and the Saints Hockey Club, as well as the USA Field Hockey Futures Program strengthened my love for the game.  It has continued to grow with every new achievement.

After I moved back to New Jersey, I began playing for Jersey Intensity, where I am coached by some of the best coaches I have ever had.  In addition to athletics, I am an accomplished violinist in Advanced Orchestra.  I am an active member of my church, as well as the Public Awareness Chairman for Operation Smile.   I maintain a 4.0 GPA and am always challenging myself in the classroom, just as much as I am on the field.    I love this sport with my whole heart and I will do whatever it takes to play at the most competitive level I can.