On Friday, Jan. 27, 2011, Plymouth Whitemarsh seniors Molllie Getzfread and Meghan McCullough were recognized at a special news conference for signing letters of intent to play field hockey at the collegiate level.
Mollie Getzfread – Indiana University (Field Hockey)
Major: Biology
Final list of colleges: Indiana, St. Joe’s, UMass
Reasons for choosing Indiana: “I love the coach, and I was in love the campus. The team was a big part of my decision. Everyone was such good friends, and they were so close. It was like a family.
“I wanted to play hockey where I would be challenged. I want to work for it, and this summer I’m going to have to put a lot into it. I wanted to go a school that was big into athletics.”
What was the progression that led you to playing field hockey at the collegiate level? “When I started playing hockey after my freshman year, I realized I wanted to continue and see how far I could go.
“In the beginning, (the recruiting process) was confusing because I didn’t know anyone else who went to college to play sports, but Pap helped me a lot. I was kind of a procrastinator, but it all came together my junior year.”
Coach Marianne Paparone says: “Mollie started since ninth grade, and that year I really didn’t know a lot about those kids coming in, and she was such a pleasant surprise. I put her in at left back, which is arguably the hardest position on the field, and she just had a phenomenal season as a freshman. She’s not intimidated, she’s hard working, she’s athletic, and she just improved every year since then. I think that put the spark into her in terms of what she could be. She’s a three-sport kid, and after that season, she devoted the majority of her time to field hockey.
“Her assets are certainly her speed, her competitiveness, and her skill level has improved each year. She’s very even keel, and she goes hard the whole game. On defense, she’s relentless and covers sideline to sideline and end line to end line. I think it will be really interesting to see how much better she gets playing with college players, playing against college players and playing with college coaching.”
About Mollie:
Favorite movie: Bridesmaids
Favorite music: Anything that’s pump-up music (‘The World’s Greatest’ by R.Kelly)
Favorite food: Any junk food, but I’m a sucker for ice cream.
Meghan McCullough – Quinnipiac University (Field Hockey)
Major: Physical Therapy
Final list of colleges: Quinnipiac, Temple, Drexel, Monmouth
Reasons for choosing: “I knew I wanted to go to a Division 1 field hockey program, and I was looking at all different schools. I knew from the very beginning I wanted a school with physical therapy, and I wanted a school where I could interact with my professors. It felt like home to me. I didn’t want to be in a big city where I wouldn’t really know everyone.”
What was the progression that led you to playing field hockey at the collegiate level? “I played multiple sports, but I narrowed it down to my main sports of field hockey and lacrosse. Once I narrowed it down, I kind of figured out going into high school that I wanted to continue playing field hockey at the next level.
“The recruiting process was stressful. It was a hard decision because it’s your future, and you don’t want to make the wrong decision. I’m very happy where I am now. I feel like I’ve made the perfect choice.”
Coach Marianna Paparone said: “She came in as a ninth grader and didn’t start, but she filled in wherever I needed her. She played some attack, she played some mid, she played left, played right, and she showed she was very adaptable from the start. She’s always had a passion for the game and has put a tremendous amount of time outside of the season, probably more than anybody I have ever coached. I think those experiences have improved her skill level and also really improved her confidence. It shows who she can compete against by playing with and against some very strong players. I think getting coaching from a lot of different coaches has helped her.
“In terms of her assets, her understanding of the game is excellent. Her passing is excellent. She can see the play develop two or three passes ahead. She’s extremely competitive. I always tell her that her own worst enemy is herself because she doesn’t expect to ever get beat, and that’s not realistic in hockey, but it helps her get better. Her skill level is really strong. Especially for a kid her size, she has a really strong drive, and she’s tough one v. one, and that’s what is great about field hockey, it has nothing to do with size.
About Meg:
Favorite movie: Coach Carter
Favorite music: Taylor Swift & Drake
Favorite food: Wawa Mac ‘N Cheese
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