Leigh’s Leah Froemming: Navigating the field hockey journey with tenacity and passion
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Leah Froemming, a 17-year-old field hockey enthusiast, has been conquering the field for 8 years and plays field hockey at Leigh High School. With years of experience and a commitment to play at Johns Hopkins, she shares her journey, challenges, and the love she holds for her sport.
Aiming for Success
Leah’s dream of playing college field hockey has evolved into a commitment to contribute to Johns Hopkins’ legacy as conference and national championship contenders. Her passion for the sport is noticeable, driving her toward new heights in every game.
Navigating Challenges
Field hockey’s relative obscurity on the West Coast posed a significant challenge for Leah. Limited opportunities, reduced exposure, and the need to travel extensively to the East Coast for recruitment activities meant she had to be proactive. Leah’s resilience has shined through as she maintained contact with college coaches, ensuring she remained on their radar with a variety of videos showcasing her skills.
The Goldfish Mentality
Leah’s parents introduced her to a valuable mantra from Ted Lasso: “be a goldfish.” This phrase helps her overcome self-doubt during games, allowing her to stay present, focused, and aggressive on the field.
She Cherishing Community
Beyond the competitive nature of field hockey, Leah cherishes the close-knit community it fosters. Whether playing against club teammates during the high school season or bonding with California players during East Coast travels, the camaraderie is a constant joy for Leah.
Rituals and Preferences
Leah follows specific pregame rituals, emphasizing the importance of a plain bagel with cream cheese or oatmeal with berries. Even her choice of undersocks, featuring sharks or manatees for aggression and avocados or shamrocks for luck, reflects her meticulous approach to preparation.
Life Beyond the Field
Outside of field hockey, Leah enjoys running, hiking, and supporting her favorite ice hockey teams, the Sharks and the Seattle Kraken. Exploring local county parks and trying new ice cream shops are among her favorite activities.
Lessons from Team Membership
Being part of a team has taught Leah the balance of competitiveness without cutthroat rivalry. She values the ability to push and challenge teammates while maintaining a supportive environment. Learning to listen to criticism with an open mind and embracing diversity within the team are other invaluable lessons.
Wisdom from Coaches
Leah received pivotal advice from her coaches, emphasizing the importance of relaxing and playing instinctively. This guidance has allowed her to play with confidence and aggression, freeing her from overthinking every move.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Leah confronted imposter syndrome during selection camps and big tournaments. By recognizing her capabilities, seeking inspiration from confident teammates, and focusing on positive aspects of her performance, Leah conquered self-doubt and played with newfound decisiveness and confidence.
Leah Froemming’s journey in field hockey is a testament to determination, resilience, and a love for the sport that transcends challenges. As she steps into the next chapter at Johns Hopkins, her story inspires both on and off the field.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.
