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:
Caitlin Connell
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.
Emerson Ross
A composed, knowledgeable defender who reads the game early and helps control play from the back. I take pride in my positioning, communication, and starting attacks after winning the ball.
At a high level, it’s about making the right decisions consistently, especially under pressure and at high speed. As a defender, that means staying composed, reading plays early, and making clean, effective passes to keep possession.
I stay mentally sharp by constantly scanning the field and communicating. I focus on reading the game before the ball comes to me so I’m always one step ahead.
My biggest focus is my field vision and patience. I take pride in reading the game early and staying composed so I can control the pace and make smart decisions, especially under pressure.
I play best when I’m calm and focused internally, but I feed off the energy around me. I use that energy without letting it take me out of my game.
Genevieve Huston
I identify as a versatile ball distributor who creates unconventional plays.
Playing “at a high level” means competing with intention and the willingness to get out of my comfort zone to develop.
To stay mentally sharp, I use a breathing technique designed to calm the body’s reaction to stress. I also set a small goal each quarter of the game that helps lead to greater success instead of feeling overwhelmed.
Communicating with teammates is the detail I focus on most because there is no cohesion without connection.
I prefer high-pressure environments because that is when my performance, energy, and mental game are at their peak.
Kaitlyn Harding
I identify myself as being an unselfish player and doing my part to help my team in any situation - whether that's being trusted to be the one who takes the shot or giving my full support to put my teammates in the best possible position to play the ball.
Playing at a high level to me means accepting the challenge to face the toughest competition out there. It's knowing the team playing across from me or my teammates beside me are "all in" and we all make a commitment to play the game to the highest standards.
It's important for me to be ready for anything by watching cues from the other team and staying one step ahead. The game moves fast so it's important to always be in the moment and have a plan, when I have the ball and when I don't.
I focus on a combination of playing with instinct and making smart decisions. When I'm in the moment, I trust my training and read the plays around me to anticipate the next best move.
I prefer high-energy environments. There's nothing more exciting than being in a high stakes game where every move matters and our whole team can feed off each other's energy and enthusiasm to win.
Maren Boyle
I would define my identity as a player as someone who is very competitive and hardworking. I support my teammates and try to always be aware and creative while I am on the field
Playing at a high level means doing the extra work off the ball to see positive results during games or practices. It also means competing your very hardest every day to make yourself and those around you better.
Throughout a game, to stay mentally sharp, I visualize myself playing and try to brush off any mistakes I make to make myself ready for the next play.
In my game, I try to focus the most on seeing the field and cutting explosively towards the ball.
I prefer high-energy environments because I think it makes playing the game much more exciting, and I like to be under some pressure.
Gracey Crawford
I’d define my identity as a player as someone who’s competitive no matter the moment. I take pride in being fueled by the drive to keep improving and compete against the best, especially heading into opportunities like the Longstreth All-American Game and preparing for Division 1 Field Hockey next year.
Playing “at a high level” means executing under pressure and making smart decisions when the game speeds up. It’s not just about skill, but about reading the field, anticipating plays, and staying composed against top competition. I’m really grateful for the chance to play with and against such talented athletes in the Longstreth All-American Game, and I’m excited for that level of competition. Preparing to play in NCAA Division I Field Hockey next year has also shown me how important discipline, consistency, and intensity are every single practice.
I stay mentally sharp by focusing on one play at a time and not letting mistakes carry over. I use quick resets to stay locked in. I also like to rely on my teammates for advice in games to give me more confidence and support to adjust from previous plays and to focus on the next one.
The detail I focus on most is my individual stick skills. I want my teammates to be able to trust that when I have the ball, I have the individual skill set to maintain possession and make a good play under pressure. Playing on competitive school teams and club teams has shown me that taking responsibility for my individual development directly impacts the team’s success. I owe it to my teammates to be consistent in my execution so that when it comes to team systems and chemistry, I can fully do my part.
I think I’m at my best when I can balance both high energy and calm focus. I love the intensity and atmosphere of big games, but I also know how to stay composed and not get overwhelmed. Being able to control that balance is what helps me perform consistently.
