Bayla Furmanek '21 Recruiting Profile

My name is Bayla Furmanek and I am a 2021 varsity goalkeeper at State College Area High School in State College PA.  I started playing field hockey my freshman year of high school when my coach asked me to give it a try.  I had no idea what I was getting myself into but I fell in love with the game almost immediately.  Before I started field hockey, I was a competitive dancer for 8 years. I learned a tremendous amount from dance and I believe it has helped me in field hockey.  Dance taught me balance, perseverance, and how to be a valuable teammate.  I did get a late start to field hockey and because of this it pushed me to improve at a faster pace because I was and still am committed to be the best player I can be.  I also play lacrosse as a Spring sport and I picked it up for the first time my sophomore year of high school.  I consider myself to be a high level athlete displaying discipline, focus, drive, grit and leadership.   I had to work vigorously to become the starter on my school team,  and I continue to work hard in order to fulfill my dream of playing at the highest collegiate level possible. 

What I  have learned from sports has carried over to the classroom as well.  Sports have taught me the importance to define both achievable and challenging goals for myself and to create a plan of rigor and hard work to achieve those goals.  I believe that I am a motivated student both inside and outside of the classroom.  I have taken on leadership roles in a number of groups and organizations that I am involved with,  i.e.  international baccalaureate program at my school,  junior class president,  leadership council,  a student athlete leadership group (PULSE), and a leadership/mentor group for young women (EmpowHER).

I am a team player and consider myself to be a high level teammate because I hope to lift as I climb.  As a player,  I promise to put my maximum effort into my academic and athletic aspirations, in order to reach my goals.  I am dedicated to the sport of field hockey, and I am willing to put in the work to compete at the highest level possible.