Survilla Speaks on Summer Field Hockey Experience

Senior tri-captain Amie Survilla took some time to discuss summer practice and the upcoming season. Follow Duke field hockey on the team blog.

With the 2009 season right around the corner, Duke University field hockey (DUFH) is in full preparation mode. It has been a busy past couple of months for everyone, and it is hard to believe that it is already August. DUFH certainly did conquer the world this summer - everywhere from Asia, Europe, to Africa. However, as amazing as all of our summers were, we are all ready to work hard and get the season started.

While most Duke students are spending their last few days at home, we have been hard at work training in the oh so warm North Carolina heat. It's truly a treat being down here in the month of August, and acquiring our attractive shin guard tans (look for us around campus, you can't miss us).

Preseason began on Thursday, and everyone was excited to be back. However, we had one major obstacle to conquer first...the infamous run test. We all reported to the field at 9 a.m., where we saw the coaches setting up cones. After we were informed what the run test was going to be (10 120s and 2 300s) everyone seemed to be relieved and confident that they could complete the test. Howser came to warm us up beforehand, and then we were on our way. We had many people there that came to support us, and they all definitely helped to make it easier for us. After a few sprints and several dramatic finishes later the run test was over before we knew it, and the worst part of preseason was behind us. Everyone did great, and it was evident that everyone followed the training plan throughout the summer. I could not have been more proud of the team!

When we had our very first practice of the season it was so easy to jump back into our regular routine, and even though the team has not been together since the spring, it seemed like we were never apart. The only difference was we had seven new bright and shining faces joining us! As usual, in the beginning of practice we take our practice lap while singing our favorite Miley Cyrus or country songs...(okay so maybe only some girls on the team enjoy Miley or country). However, while we are running and probably imaging we're on Broadway, we have to avoid the water canons that are watering our field at the same time...this is a lot to think about in the beginning of practice! (Kidding...) Finally, after we finish our warm up lap and leg swings, Miller takes us through an intense stretching session.

Practices up until Sunday have been fairly simple; we have been working on basic skills, such as passing, shooting, 1v1s, and ball control. However, today we finally started scrimmaging, working on our defensive press and offensive patterns. It was exciting to see our team finally coming together on the field. Off the field, the team has been spending a lot of time together and trying to get to know the freshmen. After only a few days with the team, I can tell they are going to fit in quite well!

With four days of preseason down (yes, I've been counting) and only 5 more to go until our first scrimmage vs. James Madison, we still have a lot to work on to ensure that we are unstoppable this season. We have been working so hard these last few days, and have the aches and pains to prove it! Despite all of the soreness, we are improving everyday. It's definitely exciting to see what lies in store for us this season. We have a great bunch of hard-working players who are all willing to go above and beyond to reach one common goal - a National Championship, and will accept nothing less.

Field Hockey has another two weeks of practice before they open up at home against Louisville on Aug. 29 as part of the Champion's Challenege.

Survilla Speaks on Summer Field Hockey Experience

Players Mentioned

Amie Survilla

Duke information

Survilla Speaks on Summer Field Hockey Experience

Related News

Players Mentioned

Amie Survilla

Related Videos

Duke information