Lacking sparkling beaches and Atlantic City casinos, Ohio's Peggy Pruitt Field does not remind most of the state of New Jersey. But that did not stop four Ohio field hockey freshmen from heading to Athens.
With the exception of Ohio native Celine McNamara, each member of the Bobcat field hockey team's freshman class hails from the Garden State and played for the same club team.
It's kind of like a home away from home
so to speak said Ohio coach Shelly Morris. When they come out here they feel a comfort level since we have so many Jersey girls.
In all, the Bobcats feature eight New Jersey natives on the 2003 roster. Half of those players -
Morris said of the Spirit USA program. They've traditionally been a strong group.
Spirit USA, coached by Nancy McHale, is a team selected from participants in the United States Futures Program, which is a specialized monthly training program for the best young players in the country.
Cellini and Casserly met each other in eighth grade. Cellini said the distance between New Jersey and Ohio has been relieved with the presence of old friends.
It makes the transition a lot easier from coming all the way out to Ohio
Cellini said. You're not just stepping into a group of total strangers.
Morris said the signing of each player did not hinge on the signing of another player, but it became a benefit for both.
They all came on their own
but it was just kind of nice once each one of them committed
they started talking to each other
Morris said.
We hadn't talked about it beforehand
Arnold said. But when we figured out we were going to the same school we were really excited about it.
Casserly said the thought of leaving New Jersey for Ohio became easier when she found out she had company.
It comforted me to know that I had people that I already knew coming into the situation
she said. I really knew Amanda and Elizabeth
so that made it much easier to adjust.
Arnold and Casserly committed to Ohio first. It was not until later that Cellini decided to become a Bobcat.
She was the last one
