Kids’ Barbour now available in the U.S. here (My favorites are the classic waxed jacket and the quilted one! For adults, my favorites are the classic waxed and warmer quilted Beadnell jackets available at Nordstrom and Tuckernuck.) / Kids’ Field Hockey Stick (Thank you, Barbie! This is mine.) / Sneakers / Current Boden Play Dress / Current Boden Jumpsuit / Current No-Slip Slippers / Lucy’s Patagonia Jacket / Emma’s Mask
Well, this is the cutest thing ever.
One of my best Chicago mom friends, Barbie, is a former Division 1 University of Connecticut field hockey player, and she’s coaching Emma. It’s everything you think it would be and more. 🥰
The short story is that Barbie’s daughter, who used to be in Emma’s Montessori class, celebrated a birthday over the summer. And to be as pandemic-friendly as possible, Barbie had it outdoors in a park, masks and all, and she gave the kids field hockey sticks and taught them how to play.
Emma fell in love, and then Barbie and I decided to start a little “team.” In exchange for coaching, I’m taking photos of her kids. (We’d totally both do it sans the exchange, but I don’t know; makes us feel good to be giving each other something, haha.)
Emma has really taken to it. Field hockey is kind of all she talks about, which has been very surprising because up until this point, she’s had a true distain for sports. But she loves it. It’s awesome to see her so passionate about a physical activity, and it’s extra special because I played for four years in high school and finally made the varsity team at the end of my “career.” 😆
Yes, I played field hockey for four years and my four-year-old child appears to be better than I ever was. (The coach pretty much told me that she let me on the team because I’d tried so hard and she felt badly.) It’s fine!
Anyway, I’m sure there are a lot of field hockey gals reading. So tell me: Did you play?! What’s your favorite memory?
Mine is when my coach told me that I was the only player she’d ever met who after months of weight training, gained absolutely zero muscle mass. I feel like that was a feat, no? 😜
Oh, wait. There was also that time when I was side-checked by a much stronger girl and the left side of my body was black and blue for a solid month.
But then again there was that first day I got “game day” that I got to wear the field hockey uniform to school instead of the regular (boring) uniform and everyone was like, “Wait. Kelly, you’re on the field hockey team?” And I was like “CRAZY, RIGHT?” And then I sat on the bench for 90 percent of the home game… 🙌 #itsfine #goirish
Tell me your stories, and please enjoy these photos!
Tips from Coach Barbie
- Are you in the Chicagoland area and interested in field hockey lessons for your kids? Contact Barbie at risefieldhockeychicago@gmail.com. At the moment, she is fully booked, but things will eventually open up. She coaches all ages!
- Looking to buy equipment? Consider Longstreth. It’s a small Pennsylvania-based company that has awesome sales.
- USAFH put together a great introductory program if you’re looking for a basic guide for kids. There’s no reason you can’t get your children started on your own in 2020!
This post makes me so happy! I played FH in high school as that is when it started getting popular in CT but I sure wish I could have grown up playing the sport. I loved it! Go EMMA! xo elle
This is so cute! I didn’t play (zero hand-eye coordination over here), so I’m sure Emma would be better than me too :P
This makes me so happy. I played field hockey from elementary school through college. I’m so happy for Emma. This sport can take people so far because it’s so niche!
I’m a field hockey and track/XC dad who started two of my girls in FH because my sister played in college. My oldest just gave up FH goalkeeper duty (only gave up 3 goals in a 2020 14 game shortened season) in exchange for a chemistry major. I’ve forgiven her.
My other FH player is a 2021 junior who was my GK’s defensive angel in 2020 and now a local center defensive back with another big high school season that includes offensive drives and 3rd highest team scorer.
My 3rd girl likes to run. Definitely got that from my wife who’s a force of nature, successful businesswoman, humanitarian, wonder wife and mom, and a great female role model. I ran only because a coach told me to run. #3 probably runs because she didn’t like to watch or play FH. It gave her something to do as we travelled with FH club and school away games and conditioned with us on the fields always beating her sisters in sprints and runs.
I was a baseball catcher and ice hockey GK learning FH from my sister and spending the time hitting and passing with my daughters eventually stepping in coaching individual signups (The Misfits) for a local indoor turf league for 3 years. I’m proud of all my players who I now see as dynamos on opposing teams as they wave or give a shout out to me in the stands. “Hey, coach!” (Sometimes during the game! “Keep your head in the game, please.” I would coach back at them with a smile and a tear in my eye.) I cheer for everyone on the field.
Growing the FH game and teaching female strength and leadership is two of our parental goals. I’ve recently completed my coursework to become a USAFH referee indoor and outdoor. My kids have volunteered for youth FH and youth camp counselor programs and mentorships.
I digressed. Sorry. Did I play FH? Yes, I still do.
P.S. One of my kids struggles with autism. You’ll never know which one due to the teamwork and support of school admin, teachers, coaches, therapists, and doctors. Support your local autism awareness programs and early intervention programs. They work. Leave no child behind! #AutismSpeaks
Oh my gosh, Jim, thank you for sharing this sweet story! I loved reading! You sound like a wonderful father. Your girls are lucky to have you. <3