Nazzera White '27 Recruiting Profile

My name is Nazzera, pronounced Na-zer-ruh, but I go by Nazz. I play field hockey and lacrosse, and my journey with field hockey began when I was seven years old. I picked up a field hockey stick for the first time and started playing recreationally with my sister. Field hockey quickly became a part of my life, from attending my sister’s games to playing my own. Over the years, my passion for the sport has only grown, and I’ve realized that I want to continue playing in college.

Having older siblings who have attended college, I’ve learned the importance of balancing academics and athletics. Their advice to focus on getting good grades has stuck with me, and I hold myself to high standards in everything I do. In school, I aim for 95s and above. In sports, I give nothing less than 110%. I rarely miss practices unless absolutely necessary, and I’m always eager to help my teammates and classmates when they’re struggling.

For example, when teammates don’t understand a drill, I speak up to ask the coach for clarification, knowing it helps everyone, especially those who might feel too shy to ask themselves. Similarly, in class, I break down concepts in ways my peers can understand. Supporting others has always been a priority for me, and this value stems from my upbringing.

My dad is handicapped, though his disability isn’t always visible at first glance. Growing up with him taught me to be kind, speak up for others, and address things that might go unsaid. His experiences have shown me the challenges faced by people with disabilities. For instance, I’ve witnessed strangers staring at us in handicapped parking spots or even calling the police because “he doesn’t look handicapped.” These moments were eye-opening and shaped my understanding of inequality.

From a young age, I was also introduced to American Sign Language (ASL). Thanks to my preschool and kindergarten teachers, I watched Signing Time with Alex and Leah weekly and practiced ASL through YouTube tutorials. ASL became my second language, and it further opened my eyes to the struggles of the Deaf community, who are often treated unfairly or ignored altogether. Witnessing these injustices—both with my dad and within the broader community—has inspired me to advocate for change.

Field hockey may have taught me discipline and teamwork, but my life experiences have taught me compassion, resilience, and the importance of standing up for others. These lessons have shaped who I am today and will continue to guide me as I pursue my goals in sports, academics, and beyond.