When I first started as the Erin Matson Intern for Longstreth, I expected the biggest challenge to be connecting with such a wide range of athletes and honoring each of their stories through my writing. Every player came from a different region, club, and high school, bringing unique experiences and perspectives shaped by their love of field hockey. Needless to say, no two stories were the same, and I worried that the differences between myself and the athletes I covered would create a barrier to meaningful storytelling.
However, when the fall season began, and I started reaching out to athletes across the country, my perspective quickly shifted. While some girls were playing high school hockey on AstroTurf fields in Texas and others were competing on patchy grass fields elsewhere, we all shared one common bond that far outweighed our differences: a love for field hockey.
Every athlete I interacted with, regardless of the story I was writing, displayed an incredible passion for the game that made it easy to connect with them. Even when I was simply watching videos for the Plays of the Week series, I could feel the players’ excitement and energy through the screen. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and I often found myself smiling as I watched. Working with these athletes showed me firsthand how a shared passion can unite young women in ways that transcend geographic, cultural, and personal differences. It is a lesson that can also be seen in the way Longstreth operates as a company. Longstreth is built on connection—between employees, ambassadors, athletes, and everyone in between. While each member of the Longstreth team has a unique role and personal relationship with the sport, their shared passion for field hockey and commitment to its community bring them together. This collective dedication drives their efforts to grow the game and support women’s athletics. From the marketing and sales teams to the staff members working tournaments across the country, every Longstreth employee contributes to strengthening the field hockey community through increased visibility, product innovation, athlete sponsorship programs, and countless other initiatives. Longstreth is a company that believes not only in its mission but also in the athletes it works tirelessly to support.
Overall, this past year has taught me that a passion for sport—especially within the field hockey community—transcends differences. Although field hockey remains a relatively small sport in the United States, its community extends across the country, and every athlete has a unique story to tell. I feel fortunate to have learned from and connected with even a small portion of that community. More importantly, I have come to appreciate that no matter where someone comes from, when I learn that they play field hockey, I know we share a connection that brings us together.
