At Ohio University, we believe that it is very important to make sure our student-athletes have all the resources they need to be successful on and off the field. Every day these ultimate competitors give the game everything they must succeed. We need yOUr help to set these student athletes up for success.
Last season Ohio Field Hockey just barely missed out on a MAC tournament spot by one game. However, the team saw success including an impressive win against Power-5 opponent California. In 2022, three Bobcats finished with All-MAC season honors. Freshman Anouk Plaehn was named to the All-MAC Freshman Team for her efforts on the year. The defender finished with 3 goals and 2 assists on the year for a total of 16 points.
Senior Katelyn Whittle was named to the Second Team All-MAC last season after a very commanding season for the forward. Whittle finished the season tied for first in goals scored with 7 on the year while also tallying 2 assists for a total of 16 points on the year. Freshman Mijntje Ligtenberg was named MAC Co-Freshman of the Year as well as First Team All-MAC. The forward finished with 7 goals and 8 assists as well as 22 points. The Bobcats were one of the youngest teams in NCAA Division 1 field hockey last season but are looking forward to continued growth and success on the field.
The Bobcats’ success continued for the team off the field throughout the entire year. The team finished with 11 players on the Academic All-MAC team. In the classroom, the team dedicated a lot of time and hard work to their studies. This showed with the team ending the year with an impressive 3.56 team cumulative GPA.
Katelyn Whittle, Forward from Glenwood, Maryland
The Field Hockey team also started their own Morgan’s Message chapter. Ohio’s Morgan’s Message Chapter was started by Senior Katelyn Whittle this past year. Morgan’s Message is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating the stigma behind athlete’s mental health. Morgan’s Message was an instant success within the Athens community as many understand the importance of student-athletes advocating for their mental health. These student-athletes put their lives on the line every single day as competitors while remaining successful in the classroom. Morgan’s Message strives to empower those who are suffering in silence as well as provide support for student-athletes around the United States.
Meela Kopp, Defender from Louisville, Kentucky
"Our program wouldn’t be where it is today without the help from the crowdfunding campaign each year. Each donation enables us to not only get better equipment and gear and travel to play stronger opponents but also get one step closer to winning a MAC championship and creating long-lasting memories as student-athletes.
We are extremely thankful for everyone’s support throughout the years. We wouldn’t be where we are today without your help. Each donation, regardless of the amount, has had a direct impact on the growth and success of our program.
Every year our goal as a team is to make and win the MAC tournament and we would love to get there with your help. We would be extremely grateful for any donation, no matter the amount.”
Noah Desmaretz, Midfield from Antwerp, Belgium
"We are able to budget for numerous expenses throughout the year thanks to sponsorships and donations, including having a video umpire system that helps get our game to to the next level.
Every gift we receive is much appreciated. We all want to extend our sincere gratitude to our donors! Our team has benefited much from your support, which has made it possible for us to travel to Maine this year by plane.
At this time, I would like to ask for your generosity and support of this very worthwhile program. Your kind donation will be utilized to mitigate the rising costs for our players, With the money from this year, we expect to be able to pay the cost of future trips, material and field."
Ali Johnstone, Head Coach
“The recent crowdfunding campaigns have made a gigantic impact on our program. This year we were able to take our team to a new region, Maine, to play incredible opponents. This trip will be extremely competitive and prepare us for MAC tournament play and tournament style. It is also an amazing opportunity to see a different landscape of the country and share in new team experiences.
Crowdfunding has also allowed us to help the athletes through a better form of nutrition options for training and competition. These athletes pour their hearts into their craft and crowdfunding has helped us fuel them properly and keep their equipment up to date. We cannot give enough thanks to those who have contributed in the past and who continue to give. There are no words for your generosity. No matter the donation, the impact is felt.
Our goal is to win the MAC every year. We cannot do it without the support of our donors and the love of the family and friends who follow our team.”
Your generous gift to this campaign and OHIO Field Hockey will help student-athletes succeed on and off the field.
Your actions now will make OHIO Field Hockey's $15,000 goal quickly attainable. Here are three things alumni, families, and fans can do to support a bright future for Field Hockey student-athletes:
To support all of OHIO's student-athletes, give to the Ohio Bobcat Club, write Ohio Bobcat Club on your check, or ask our staff about Ohio Bobcat Club membership and benefits.