Ilse Tromp burst onto the scene last season as a standout first-year player for Northwestern’s field hockey team. Her impact was felt immediately, as she quickly became one of the most vital pieces of the team’s run to the national championship. Tromp’s ability to score off of penalty corners gave the ‚Cats an extra charge that propelled them down the stretch and ultimately led to their success. As she enters her sophomore season, all eyes are on Tromp to see how she will continue to contribute to the team’s success.
Tromp, a midfielder/defender from Rotterdam, Netherlands, had an impressive freshman campaign, playing in 23 games and scoring 11 goals. She also recorded 2 assists and 1 save, showcasing her versatility and importance to the team. Her ability to find the back of the net, especially off of penalty corners, was a key factor in Northwestern’s success last season.
In 2023, Tromp made her biggest impact later in the season when teammate Maja Zivojnovic went down with an injury. With an increased role, Tromp stepped up and delivered, scoring nine goals in the remaining 11 games of the season. Her knack for scoring off of penalty corners was crucial, as she converted 10 of her 11 goals from these opportunities. Tromp’s drag flick made her an elite option in these situations, and her ability to come through in clutch moments was evident throughout the season.
One of Tromp’s standout performances came in the Big Ten Championship game against No. 4 Rutgers, where she scored the tying goal in the fourth quarter to help secure the conference title for the Wildcats. She continued her scoring prowess in the NCAA Tournament, finding the back of the net in three of the four games, including two goals in the Quarterfinal against Louisville and the opening goal in the Final Four matchup against Duke.
Tromp’s durability and ability to play the entire game were also key factors in Northwestern’s success. She logged 1,245 minutes on the field, the second most on the team, and helped anchor the defense to 13 shutouts on the year. Her presence on both ends of the field was invaluable to the team’s overall performance.
As Tromp enters her sophomore season, expectations are high for the talented midfielder/defender. With an offseason of development at the collegiate level under her belt, Tromp is poised to put up even greater numbers in the upcoming season. The loss of Alia Marshall should solidify Tromp’s role in the lineup on the defensive side, but the return of Maja Zivojnovic from injury may impact her opportunities on penalty corners. However, Tromp remains a reliable option to be called upon at any given time, and it would not be surprising to see her provide another double-digit goal-scoring season while playing a significant role for the Wildcats.