Get to know a few of the 2026 Longstreth Senior All Americans before they take the field! We caught up with some of this year's athletes and asked them five questions to learn more about who they are.
- How would you define your identity as a player?
- What does playing “at a high level” mean to you?
- How do you stay mentally sharp throughout a game?
- What detail in your game do you focus on the most?
- Do you prefer high-energy environments or staying calm and focused?
Here’s what they had to say:
Josie Bianco
I’m an aggressive and attacking forward who creates scoring opportunities. I focus on speed and positioning, while also working hard off the ball to support my team.
Playing at a high level means being consistent, making quick decisions under pressure, and finishing opportunities. It’s not just about scoring it’s also pressing defenders, making smart runs, and looking for outcomes in every play.
I stay locked in by constantly anticipating the play and staying involved, even when the ball isn’t near me. I try to reset quickly after mistakes and focus on the next opportunity to make an impact.
I focus the most on my movement off the ball. Like finding space, timing my runs, and getting into the right position to receive passes or take shots which leads me to score more goals.
I thrive in high-energy environments because they push me to play faster and more aggressively, but I stay calm mentally so I can finish chances and make smart decisions.
Claire Pausz
I am motivated by a desire to be the best version of myself, on and off the field. I want to do everything possible to put myself in the best position to help my team succeed.
Perfection isn't possible. Especially as a goalie, mistakes and goals are bound to happen. I have learned that I can make mistakes, recover, and still be successful.
I approach challenges and setbacks as obstacles that I need to overcome. I use them as a form of motivation and a way to become a stronger athlete, both on and off the hockey field.
I want to help grow the game by giving younger players and goalkeepers a love for the sport. I have worked with youth goalkeepers to teach skills and technique, while showing them how much fun you can have as an athlete. I want to leave a legacy for younger athletes about the importance of having fun and loving your sport.
My family and my friends are so important to me, and I would not be the person I am today without them. They are such an integral and important part of my life.
Rebecca Block
Something that motivates me to keep improving every day Is my parents. Their hard work has inspired me to always push myself.
Something I have learned about myself through my sport is that I can push myself harder than I thought and that I can be resilient with challenges that are thrown my way.
I approach challenges and setbacks with a futuristic mindset, in that I want to do what will set me up for success in the long run, whether it’s an injury or maybe just playing a different position.
I want to leave a legacy as a player as someone who was the most hardworking and someone who was very a good leader and a kind person.
Something outside of field hockey that’s important to me is swimming and my family. I am super close with my brother and the rest of my family, so I love spending time with them.
Reese Milone
The motivation to be better than I was the day before keeps me improving. The desire to outwork myself and perform better each and every competition, focusing on the small wins and competing against my former self.
Through my sport, I have learned that I have the ability to do hard things. Each competition is difficult and comes with unique challenges, but through field hockey, I have been given the opportunity to rise to different challenges and overcome adversity.
I approach challenges by controlling the controllables and being confident in myself. Relying on the skills I have and the pieces of the game that I know I can control. I approach setbacks by understanding that failure is part of the game and that eventually failures lead to successes.
I strive to be remembered as a dedicated player who always works hard, faces every challenge head-on, and consistently uplifts and supports my teammates.
Outside of field hockey, my family is incredibly important to me. Their unwavering support throughout every stage of my life and field hockey journey has been invaluable. I cherish the strong bond we share and am grateful for the role they play in my success both on and off the field.
Lilly McMahon
What motivates me most is knowing how much room I still have to grow. Knowing I haven't reached my full potential yet drives me to keep pushing and chase the best version of myself.
Through field hockey, I've learned how to handle high-pressure and uncomfortable situations. I've come to understand that these moments have taught me how to stay composed, adapt quickly, and keep going, all of which are qualities I will use beyond this sport.
When I face setbacks, I take a step back and return to my fundamentals. Focusing on the basics helps me mentally reset and rebuild confidence. This helps me move forward with clarity and control instead of getting stuck in frustration.
I want to be remembered as a good teammate who worked hard for everything she earned; someone who was dependable, put others before herself, and consistently showed up with effort and dedication while also having a smile and enjoying herself.
Something outside of field hockey that is important to me is my family and friends. They all push me to be the best version of myself and remind me to enjoy every moment.
