The University of Delaware field hockey team recently hosted a community clinic at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, drawing nearly 70 players from middle through high school. The clinic, which took place on August 3, provided an opportunity for young athletes to receive coaching from Blue Hens field hockey student-athletes, alumnae, and coaching staff.
This community event is part of the University of Delaware’s 302 Tour, where Blue Hens athletes travel throughout the state to interact and connect with Delawareans. Head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof expressed his gratitude for the volunteers who made the clinic possible, stating, „It was a great day for our University of Delaware community. The clinic was a lot of fun for the participants, and I would like to thank my Blue Hens student-athletes, proud alumni, and coaches for volunteering their time to offer this positive experience.“
The field hockey clinic at Champions Stadium focused on personalized coaching, allowing participants to develop their skills in dribbling, passing, shooting, and tournament play. Beyond technical and tactical challenges, players also learned about teamwork and sportsmanship, essential aspects of the game.
UD standout and former Cape all-state player Noelle Sabbagh shared her enthusiasm for the event, stating, „Today was a blast. There were lots of fun, lots of learning, and lots of good hockey played. The players from UD jumped at the opportunity to connect with our small but growing community and help grow the game we love.“
Young athletes like rising third-grader Evan Chubb also had a memorable experience at the clinic. Chubb mentioned, „I had a great time playing with all of the girls. I learned how to improve my aerials and pops. My favorite part of the day was when the coaches from UD jumped on our team during scrimmages and played alongside us.“
Overall, the clinic was a success in fostering a sense of community and providing valuable coaching and mentorship to aspiring field hockey players. For those interested in learning more about Blue Hens field hockey, additional information can be found on their website at bluehens.com/sports/field-hockey.