On Friday, March 18, 2016, Hatboro-Horsham seniors Andrea Baldus and Kelsey Hopkins were recognized for committing to continue their field hockey careers at the collegiate level. Check back for photos of the event.
“When you have players that are going on to school, we talk about their accolades, but they not only have that, but they have great families,” coach Laura Swezey said. “They’re wonderful athletes, but I watch players interact, and they treat people the way they’d want to be treated. They always helped underclassmen. Both families have been very supportive not only of them but of the coaches. I’m excited for their coaches to get two kids, not only with skill but with character.”
Kelsey Hopkins – Sacred Heart University (Field Hockey)
Major: Health or Medical Sciences
Final list of colleges: Sacred Heart, Villanova, Bucknell, Providence
Reasons for choosing Sacred Heart: “I really liked the coach and I really liked the campus too. Just the girls on the team and once I got to know everyone – everyone at the school was so nice and so welcoming and friendly. I could just see myself there, unlike the other schools.”
What was the progression that led you to playing field hockey at the collegiate level? “I’ve known I wanted to play in college ever since middle school. I always played club, and it was kind of put in your head from a young age that you wanted to do something with it. I put so much time and money into it that I knew I wanted to get something out of it.”
Coach Laura Swezey says: “I have known Kelsey since she was little and coached her with Mystics and then in high school. She’s a very hard worker, and she was one of our captains. She was our center mid, and her skill distributing the ball was wonderful. From eighth grade on, she had this wonderful right pull, and I would tell other players, ‘You have to watch Kelsey’s pull.’ When you gave her advice, she would try it. She was always willing to learn. She’s an all-around athlete.”
About Kelsey:
Favorite food: Chocolate
Favorite movie: Bridesmaids
Favorite music: Beyoncé
Andrea Baldus – DeSales University (Field Hockey)
Major: Exercise Science
Final list of colleges: DeSales, Immaculata
Reasons for choosing DeSales: “When I went for my overnight to DeSales, I just felt like I fit in, and all the girls on the team were welcoming. I just really loved the campus. I just felt like it was the right fit for me.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in field hockey at the collegiate level? “It was this year during the season – after I broke my nose, I realized how much I missed it not playing, and I felt like playing college would be really fun. I just decided that’s what I wanted to do.”
Coach Laura Swezey says: “Andrea played more softball growing up. She played hockey freshman, junior and seniors years, and when I talked to her coach at DeSales, I said, ‘You’ve got a diamond in the rough.” She broke her nose after the fourth game, and I was so bummed because she was ramping up. She put the softball glove down and said, ‘Hey, I really enjoy field hockey.’ Her best days are ahead of her.”
About Andrea:
Favorite food: Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak
Favorite movie: The Last Song
Favorite music: Country & Hip Hop
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