We are thrilled to welcome Ainsley Pearce to the Longstreth/OBO Athlete Program!
Ainsley has been a field hockey goalkeeper since 4th grade playing for Warhawks FHC and is a rising senior at Archbishop Spalding High School in Maryland. She recently committed to the admissions process at Columbia University where she will major in Psychology. Fun fact about Ainsley: she always must put on her left kicker and leg guard before her right!
Get To Know The Goalies
What stick do you use?
I use the OBO Straight A’s stick because of how lightweight and durable it is. I play a more agile game and the Straight A’s stick is perfect for breaking down plays and saving the ball.
What helmet/pads do you use?
My favorite helmet (and the one I currently use) is the OBO PE Helmet because of the flexibility it offers me. It’s super lightweight and comfortable, and I’m able to move quickly without having my helmet weighing me down. For leg guards and kickers, I have used the Hi-Rebound leg guards and the Plus kickers. They offer me the most save space while maintaining an ability to dive and smother.
How long have you been playing field hockey and what made you want to be a goalkeeper?
I’ve been playing field hockey since I was in third grade, but I made the switch to goalkeeper in fourth grade! One of my coaches roped me into playing goalie since nobody else wanted to and I fell in love with the position and have played it ever since.
Any pre-game rituals?
I always put my left kicker and leg guard on before I do my right!
Go-to pre-game meal?
My go-to pregame meal is either a bagel with cream cheese or beans and rice!
Go-to gameday hairstyle?
My go-to game day hairstyle is a braid ponytail. It’s super simple and looks cool with my helmet.
Favorite type of music to listen to before a game?
“Temperature” by Sean Paul
Describe your playing style in 3 words?
Agile, quick, and aggressive.
What do you like to do outside of field hockey?
I’m very active with the Morgan’s Message organization, which aims to reduce the stigma surrounding student-athlete mental health, and I help run the chapter at my high school. My executive board and I have hosted 3 dedication games this past year and raised over $600 in donations for Morgan’s Message. I really love working with Morgan’s Message because mental health is so important, and I want others to know that it’s okay to not be okay and that they are supported both as players AND as human beings.
Gameday superstitions?
Not really! I try to vary my game day routine so I don’t get thrown off if something different happens. I usually listen to music, eat something small like a banana or granola bar, and then stretch and get ready to play!
Favorite motivational quote?
“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been entrusted to make the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”- Michael Jordan
What are you looking forward to most for the upcoming season?
Last season my high school team made it to the IAAM championship, but the game unfortunately did not go our way. As a rising senior, I want to win the championship game and graduate with a championship medal under my belt, so I really hope that this year we can make it happen!
Favorite field hockey memory?
One of my favorite field hockey memories is winning the JPOL Region 7 Championships a couple years ago. I was coming off of a rough season and so to win against one of the best teams in the area/win a trophy was really cool!
What school do you go to?
I go to Archbishop Spalding High School in Maryland and am committed to the admissions process at Columbia University.
