We are happy to announce that Caroline Raynes has joined the Longstreth Athlete Program as a Ritual Brand Ambassador!
Caroline joins us all the way from Houston, Texas, as a senior at The Kinkaid School. She is committed to the University of Virginia, where she is looking to study at the McIntire School of Commerce in hopes of majoring in economics or finance.
Some of her recent field hockey accomplishments include 1st Team All-American as a junior/senior (NFHCA & MAXFH), Top 10 Player and #1 Midfielder in the Class of 2025 (MAXFH) and 2024 Texas/Oklahoma Player of the Year (MAXFH). She was also selected to play in the 2025 Longstreth Senior All American Game!
Fun Facts:
What stick do you use, and why do you choose it?
I use the Ritual Velocity Revolution because of its versatility and speed. For me, it’s the perfect blend of lightness for executing quick stick skills and power for shots. And it looks amazing, so as a girl, that never hurts.
Do you have a grip preference? If so, which grip and why do you like it?
Chamois! I can’t say enough good things about them. Especially when it rains and for the extra cushion on hits, they are everything to me.
How long have you been playing field hockey, and what made you first want to start playing?
I started playing at 8 years old! My big sister had tried it out, so my mom wanted me to play too—unfortunately for her, I hated field hockey and didn’t understand the rules. My mom told me I had to play field hockey, or she’d make me quit softball, my favorite sport at the time… somehow, ten years later, field hockey is the sport I love more than anything, and I retired from softball pretty young. I guess you can say that moms are always right after all.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
I’m a dancer pre-game. I love to stay moving pregame, to shake all the nerves out, so you can always find me by the team speaker busting a move!!
What's your go-to pre-game meal?
To everyone who knows me, they know that I have the world’s most sensitive stomach pre-game, so I keep it light!! My go-to is just a sandwich or some form of chicken and rice, about 4 hours out from game time.
What is your go-to game day hairstyle?
The classic high pony!! Sometimes with some cool braids––I have talented teammates! I believe in the look pretty, play pretty method, but as long as my hair is out of my face while I play, I’ll be happy.
Favorite pump-up song(s) to listen to before a game?
We could be here all day, but right now, I’ve been enjoying Rocketeer by Far East Movement. Since I’m from Texas, I have to include a country song, so I’ll go with Fake ID by Big & Rich. Top tier dancing!
Describe your playing style in three words?
Speedy, finesse, and passion
What do you like to do when you are not playing field hockey?
I’m a super active person, and I love, love, love to stay busy, so you’ll find me hanging out with my friends, going to cute workout classes, taking nature walks, playing with my dog Lucy, reading, and, most likely, grabbing an iced coffee.
Do you have any game day superstitions?
Yes. I actually learned this one from my church league softball coach back in 2nd Grade, but whenever a play goes wrong, or I make a mistake, I have to shake out my hands and feet to ‘flush it’ and move on. Field hockey is such a fast-paced game that you really can never dwell on the past, so this superstition has served me well over the years.
What is your favorite motivational quote?
“It always seems impossible until it’s done” – Nelson Mandela
If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?
Enjoy the ride kiddo! And say thank you to Mom more.
What is your favorite field hockey memory?
Last NCCs. Individual accolades are amazing, but truly nothing rivals being able to succeed alongside your best friends. Last year, our NCCs team was especially close–being able to make it all the way to the championship with those girls was truly unforgettable, especially with all the adversity we faced that year. We’re not done yet!
