New Athlete Alert! Join us in welcoming Jena Vanskiver to the Longstreth Athlete Program as a Gryphon Brand Ambassador!
From Fallston, Maryland, Jena is a senior at St. Mary’s College and captain of the field hockey team. She is majoring in Political Science & Public Policy and minoring in Spanish. She’s been playing since she was just 7 years old, and when she’s not on the turf, you can catch her reading or listening to audiobooks.
Fun Facts:
What stick do you use and why did you choose it?
I use the Gryphon Tour Pro 2024. I chose this stick because of its high responsiveness on
receptions and hits. The stick is perfect for defensive controls such as receiving the ball, driving, or throwing it upfield.
Do you have a grip preference? If so, which grip and why do you like it?
I prefer to use Gryphon soft grips. I prefer a grip that is not very cushy or thick, but still
comfortable in my hands. The Gryphon soft grip does all of this for me!
How long have you been playing field hockey and what made you want to start
playing?
I have been playing field hockey for 14 years, starting when I was 7! I wanted to play field
hockey because my older sister had friends who were playing and I wanted to be like them. Also, younger me loved the idea of wearing a skirt in sports!
Pre-game rituals
I do not really have any pre-game rituals per say. I need to lock in before I play so I often can be found sitting in my locker unspeaking. I take this time to visualize and clear my head from any negative or anxious thoughts and lock in to what I can do to be the best version of myself on the field.
Go-to pregame meal
My go-to meal is usually two rice cakes with peanut butter and honey on top! I will usually have this with a granola bar or applesauce pouch too.
Go-to game hairstyle
I switch my hair up every year and wear the same hairstyle for each game! This year I have been rocking pull through braids into a ponytail separated into two regular braids.
Favorite pump up song (s)
My go-to requests in the locker room are Famous by Big Time Rush, Shut Up and Drive by
Rhianna, and All of the Lights by Kanye
Playing style in three words
Disciplined, patient, versatile
What do you like to do when you are not playing?
I love to read! I listen to audiobooks while I am lifting, running, or walking, and read physical books as much as possible.
Game day superstitions?
My superstitions include writing the wordy “worthy” on my thigh. I have been doing this every single game since my freshman year and I love to use it as a reminder that I am worthy of my spot on the field and my role on the team regardless of the result of each game! I also have to take a pregame .5 picture, I am unsure how this one started, but it's become tradition.
Favorite motivational quote?
One of my favorite quotes is “you either win or learn,” something one of my teammates' fathers says a lot. This means a lot to me because it helps me see the positives in what might be seen as a negative game. Yes, we are losing and not getting the result we want on the scorecard, but did we have an opportunity to get better? Are we better today than we were yesterday? And, will we be better tomorrow than we were today?
If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?
Enjoy the ride. Take those leaps into the unknown and love it while it lasts. Do not obsess over the bad when there was so much good to be had.
What is your favorite field hockey memory?
My favorite field hockey memory was beating University of Mary Washington my freshman year in overtime. It was a game under the lights, and we fought for over 65 minutes for the win. This memory is so special to me because it was the first time I really appreciated the meaning behind college athletics. It made me so grateful for the opportunity I was given, not only athletically, but also the opportunity to be on the field with my family pushing for our common goal!
