We are excited to welcome, Gabby Balzano, into the Longstreth Athlete Program as a Grays Brand Ambassador!
Gabby is a senior at Villa Maria and announced her verbal commitment to play D1 field hockey at St. Joseph’s University next year! Gabby currently plays for WC Eagles Field Hockey Club in Spring City, PA and was recently selected to play at the U18 Nexus Championship. Fun fact about Gabby, she also works in our retail store!
Gabby chooses to play with the Grays AC9 to enhance her game. “I LOVE the Grays AC9. The weight distribution is perfect, not too heavy but not too light. I am able to get hard, flat strikes and I absolutely love how Grays specialized this stick to also give perfect strikes on reverse stick shots. I get great contact on the ball, high speed, but also this stick is great with 3D and simple skill stick work. I HIGHLY recommend buying this stick, you won’t regret!”
Fun Field Hockey Facts
What stick do you use and why do you choose it?
I use the Grays AC9 stick. I love the weight distribution the stick offers and the power and control the stick gives.
Do you have a grip preference?
Personally I love the Grays Twintext grip in neon green.
How long have you been playing field hockey and what made you start playing?
I have been playing field hockey for 6 years now. I started playing because a lot of my friends were and I thought it looked like fun.
Do you have any pregame rituals?
I always put my socks on the exact same way every practice and game.
What's your go to pre game meal?
It varies a bit but usually the night before past and some sort of fruit/vegetable and before the game usually a protein bar.
What is your go to game day hairstyle?
A braid across my head into a ponytail.
Favorite pump up song/songs to listen to before a game
My favorite pump up song to listen to is “King” by Years and Years.
Describe your playing style in three words:
Composted, gritty, powerful
What do you like to do when you’re not playing field hockey?
Hang out with my friends, family and my dog.
Do you have any game day superstitions?
If I had a really good practice I will do that same hairstyle for the game the next day.
What is your favorite motivational quote?
“if you want to be the best, you have to be willing to do the things that other people aren’t willing to do” – Michael Phelps
If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t compare yourself to others, you are your own athlete.
What is your favorite field hockey memory?
Winning states with my high school team!
What school do you attend/what are you majoring in or planning to major in?
I am currently a senior at Villa Maria but will be continuing to play field hockey at St Joe’s next year. My college major is undecided.
