We are thrilled to welcome Abi Knoll into the Longstreth Athlete Program as our newest Gryphon Ambassador! Abi is from Chester Springs, Pennsylvania and goes to The Hill School. Abi also plays club for PowerHouse. She is also a Max Field Hockey athlete and was named to the Class of 2029 Top 100 list.
Fun Facts:
What stick do you use and why do you choose it?
I use the Gryphon Striker Samurai because it perfectly complements the way I play. As a center back, I rely on quick stickwork and aerials for outlets, and the Samurai gives me the control and precision I need. It allows me to get under the ball easily for 3D skills, and helps me execute skills at speed to eliminate forwards and maintain possession. When throwing aerials, it gives me the distance and placement I want with confidence.
How long have you been playing field hockey and what made you first want to start playing?
I’ve been playing field hockey since I was in first or second grade. I first got into the sport because of my mom. She played goalie her whole life and even coached for a while. While I didn’t follow in her footsteps and become a goalie, I definitely inherited her love for the game, and that passion is what made me want to keep playing and improving over the years.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
Last season, the other two starting defenders and I had a handshake that we would do while lining up before the opening whistle. We did it before every game as a reminder that we play as a unit and always have each other's backs. Once we finished, I would turn and give my goalie a stick tap before taking my spot at center back. It's a small ritual, but I love how it reminds me that hockey is built on trust and
teamwork.
What's your go-to pre-game meal?
My go-to pregame meal would be toast with peanut butter and banana slices on top. It’s easy to make before an early game and tastes delicious while still fueling.
What is your go-to game day hairstyle?
My go-to game day hairstyle is a mid-length slick back ponytail and recently I have been using pre-wrap to keep my fly aways in place.
Favorite pump-up song(s) to listen to before a game?
Ever since I was little I have been a huge Mama Mia! fan, and the band ABBA has slowly integrated itself into my pregame rituals. I love all of their songs, but I would have to say my favorite to play before a game is “The Winner Takes it All.” It’s probably not the most traditional pump-up song, but it always reminds me of why I keep competing every day.
Describe your playing style in three words?
Intelligent, composed, and dynamic.
What do you like to do when you are not playing field hockey?
Since I go to The Hill School and I have to play a sport all three seasons, I decided to try ice hockey this winter. I ended up loving it, and I enjoy practicing skating in my free time. When I'm not at the rink or on the field, I enjoy relaxing and watching TV. Some of my recent favorites have been Off Campus, The Pitt, and Criminal Minds.
Do you have any game day superstitions?
I always wear different hockey socks on each foot on game days. I'm not sure why it started (maybe laundry wasn’t done!), but it's become a game day tradition I stick to.
What is your favorite motivational quote?
My favorite motivational quote is said by Serena Williams in an interview in 2012, “A champion is defined not by their wins, but by how they recover when they fall.”
If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to keep doing what she’s doing and trust the process. Not everything happens right away, but if you stay patient and continue to work hard, good things will come, and all of that effort will be worth it.
What is your favorite field hockey memory?
One of my favorite field hockey memories was winning the U14 JPOL Championship with my PowerHouse team. We started the season as a brand-new group that barely knew each other, but through all the ups and downs, we became incredibly close and learned to trust one another and play as a unit. By the end of the season, we truly felt like a family, and winning the championship together made all the hard work and memories even more meaningful.
