Maaika Samsom '24 Recruiting Profile

I started field hockey when I was 10 years old. Since the day I stepped out onto the field, I knew that it would be a big part of my life and an important part of who I am. Through my beginning years of field hockey I learned the importance of hard work and that not everything is handed to you. I worked diligently throughout my days on my middle school team and learned how to be a positive leader. Entering high school, I learned the importance of the balance between athletics and academics. I have endlessly worked on my academics with honors classes, AP classes, and keeping my GPA high. I also furthered my knowledge and experience as a leader. I am an original member of the Student Athletic Leadership Team, through which I have been selected to attend a statewide leadership conference two years in a row. My passion for field hockey has grown exponentially in the past couple years. During off season I have continuously worked on my skill. I also was part of an indoor league where I got to meet so many amazing women (some retired D1 players), I learned from them that the most important part of playing a sport is your love for it. I am always encouraging to any and all players of the sport because respect and kindness are important parts of being on a team. My coaches, friends, and family know me as someone who puts in as much as effort as they can to achieve a goal.