Hannah Daniels Staking Her Claim as One of The Fittest Freshman at Houghton College
Name: Hannah Daniels
Age: 18
College: Houghton College
Sport: Field Hockey
Years Playing: 7
Favorite Position: Defense
Hobbies: Volunteering in Kids’ Church, Singing
1. Where are you going to college? And Why?
I am going to Houghton College. I chose Houghton because first, I felt God was calling me to go to a Christian school so that I could learn more about Him and how to better serve Him. Also, I had been contacted by the head field hockey coach who asked if I would like to participate in her summer camp, so I decided I’d give it a shot. Then, when I came and visited, everyone was exceptionally kind to me, especially the team, so I knew Houghton was the right choice for me.
2. What are you most excited for?
I am most excited for the next three years of field hockey I have here! Our team made E8’s this year, so I can’t wait to see if we can go even further in playoffs next season!
3. What was the recruitment process like?
The recruitment process was interesting, but fairly straightforward. I started looking at D1, D2, and D3 colleges to continue with field hockey, but I quickly decided that D3 was the right fit for me, because I wanted to focus on academics first, while still being able to play hockey. So, I started emailing D3 college coaches around my freshman to sophomore year, and from there invited them to attend showcases in which I’d be playing. After these showcases, I got emailed from some other colleges, and as I went into my junior year, I started visiting the colleges and attending their field hockey camps. Once I hit that point, I had my top 5 schools to choose from, and I committed to Houghton at the beginning of my senior year in high school.
4. Do you have any advice for our athletes who want to pursue their sport in college?
To any athletes wanting to pursue their sport in college, I would say go for it! Don’t let yourself get nervous or intimidated, stay strong and confident. It’s not going to be easy, and some days will be tough, but it will be worth it in the end! However, you have to put the time in and work hard every day, especially before you get there. Once you arrive, you are going to have a whole team of players there to support you, and you all are working together to play the sport you love, so work hard before you get there, and you can enjoy it more! In the end, the most important thing to remember is that God is there for you—ask Him for strength! You can do it!
5. How did PTS help raise your level of play?
PTS brought my level of play up to the collegiate level by my physical conditioning. I did fitness training with PTS every weekday for 4-5 weeks, and it was the best decision I ever made. It made me one of the most conditioned people on my team, and allowed me to play 70 minutes of field hockey in the running-intensive center defensive midfield position effectively. Before I only played center back, so I was fit for my position, but not for a midfield position. PTS changed this, and for that I am extremely grateful.
6. How could we have helped you with the recruitment process?
Unfortunately, I started PTS after I had already committed to Houghton College, so there was nothing left for me to do in terms of recruitment. However, your training was vital for me going into the season, as that fitness gave me the ability to play my position well, and be effective on the field. I ended up receiving a starting center defensive mid position, and I attribute that to the fitness training I received from PTS.
7. What’s the best advice anyone has given you?
The best advice anyone has ever given me was to love the LORD with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Knowing I have Jesus on my side makes the path that I need to follow straight in my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
8. Do you have a saying or motto that you live by?
I love Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It just reminds me that whatever I do is for God, and He is always there for me.
9. Who is your favorite player?
My favorite player is my youngest brother, Caleb Daniels. He is 11 right now and plays soccer. I just love that little dude. He puts his all into everything he does, and he loves soccer (and sports in general) with all his heart. It’s inspiring to see this young of a person always striving to get better, and again just loving what he does! I’ve seen him practicing soccer out in the yard after just returning from an intense practice. I’ve also seen him practice his mile, even in the cold, to improve his time. He does PTS training constantly, plays soccer all year round, and to me is the epitome of an athlete because he does it all with a love for God and joy in his heart.
10. What are your favorite cleats? Color?
In soccer your most important piece of equipment is your cleats, but in field hockey your most important piece of equipment is your stick. My favorite is the Adidas Adibow LX24 Carbon field hockey stick, and it is black and orange.
