We are thrilled to welcome Abby Giusto into the Longstreth Athlete Program as the newest Ritual Ambassador! Abby is from Brambleton, Virginia and plays club for Hammes Field Hockey Club and high school for Independence. Abby was born in Oxford, England and started playing field hockey at 7 years old. She is a Max Field Hockey Class of 2027 Top 100 athlete and committed to Syracuse University!
Fun Facts:
What stick do you use and why do you choose it?
I choose to play with Ritual Velocity 95 because it’s light and easy to do quick skills with, especially 3D, but also gives me great power on any type of shot.
Do you have a grip preference? If so, which grip and why do you like it?
I love the TK grips because they are soft, durable, and they don’t give my hand blisters. I especially love being able to customize my grip and use bright colors. I verbally committed to Syracuse last summer so lately I’ve loved using the bright orange grip!
How long have you been playing field hockey and what made you first want to start playing?
I have been playing field hockey since I was 7 years old! I learned to play in England when I lived there because it was a required school sport to play in the fall term. I fell in love with the sport and continued to play when I moved to America.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
I listen to my hype up playlist with my teammates before every game. Right before the game starts, I always pass with my team goalie to warm her up.
What's your go-to pre-game meal?
I like to eat any type of pasta before I play so I can get lots of carbs. Although, I love sushi and would eat that any time!
What is your go-to game day hairstyle?
I always wear my hair up in high ponytail and braid it so my hair stays out of my face.
Favorite pump-up song(s) to listen to before a game?
My favorite pregame song is Anyone by Justin Bieber.
Describe your playing style in three words?
Fast-paced, 3D oriented, and creative
What do you like to do when you are not playing field hockey?
I love hanging out with my friends, watching new shows, going on runs, and just relaxing!
Do you have any game day superstitions?
I don’t believe in any big superstitions, but one thing I like to always do to refocus myself in games is to hit both my shinguards with my stick.
What is your favorite motivational quote?
"Somewhere behind the athlete you've become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back...play for her."
- Mia Hamm
If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to never let the little things affect you in negative ways and to take risks because that’s how you stand out.
What is your favorite field hockey memory?
I love this sport so much and one of my favorite memories is winning states my freshman year of high school after going undefeated that season. I was so nervous going into high school and was so happy to see my team’s hard work pay off.
