Catie O'Rourke '23 Recruiting Profile

My field hockey journey started in 5th grade when my family traveled to New Haven to support my fathers old football team U.Penn.  Walking towards the Yale Bowl we passed a small field were the Women’s field hockey team was playing. My Mother and I watched them play and I was hooked from that moment. 

I like to be challenged, academically and athletically. I was a honor roll student and member of Junior Honor Society in middle school. On paper my gpa was impressive but I was not academically challenged. I enrolled in Hackley in 9th grade where I was assigned 3-4 hours of homework per night, which taught me to manage my time and develop into a more balanced student athlete.

I have had a great experience playing Field Hockey at Hackley. As the only Freshman selected to Varsity I was a starter from day one.  I think of my team as a second family. I learned very quickly thanks to  the generous attention of Coach Leffler and her staff. I am very open to her instruction because the time and attention she spends on me will only serve to make me a better player. 2020 was a great disappointment because our league couldn’t compete on the field. However, I did play on a Club Team that continued to practice during the pandemic.

Thanks to teamwork and effort, in 2021 our school Team was again undefeated in our league. I was named the League's Outstanding Offensive Player and led the Team in goals and assists. I continue to play with my Club Team during the off season to refine my skills. I have attached a video containing highlights from some of the 2021 Hackley games to this profile.

Outside of school and field hockey I have a very active role with family, friends and community.  I am acutely aware the need to reach out and support others, which I practice each Sunday morning for a special needs soccer program.  

I am looking for an opportunity to grow with a competitive Team in a competitive academic environment. While not certain what subject I will ultimately major in, I am leaning towards Psychology. Thank you for taking the time to read this statement.