We are PUMPED to welcome Julie Narleski into the Longstreth Athlete Program as a Gryphon Brand Ambassador!
Hailing from Basking Ridge, NJ, Julie is a senior forward at James Madison University, majoring in Health Sciences and serving as Community Service Chair on the SAAC. She first picked up a stick her freshman year of high school—and hasn’t looked back since!
Fun Facts:
What stick do you use and why did you choose it?
I chose the Gryphon Blue Steel because it’s lightweight, which makes it easy to control and manipulate the ball, while its bottom-heavy balance gives my strikes maximum power and velocity. Its extreme low bow enhances my 3D skills, allowing me to lift and maneuver the ball more effectively, and makes me a stronger threat in the circle.
How long have you been playing field hockey, and what made you first want to start playing?
I started playing field hockey in my freshman year of high school. At the time, I was a multi-sport athlete who originally hoped to play lacrosse in college. I stepped away from high-level soccer to focus on lacrosse, but instead of playing soccer for my high school, I decided to try field hockey so I could play alongside my older sister. I ended up loving the sport and realized that if I put in the work, I could really grow as a player. After tearing my ACL twice playing lacrosse—once my freshman year and again my junior year—I shifted my focus to field hockey. Since I loved the game and saw so much potential for improvement, I decided to give college recruiting a shot. Field hockey has given me so much, and I truly owe a lot to this sport!
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
My teammates and I like to go on a “coffee walk” the morning of a game, and I always have to have my coffee! Before I step on the pitch, I twist the ring I wear, which was my Nan’s (grandma's), who played field hockey when she was a teenager!
What's your go-to pre-game meal?
Overnight oats that I make myself and a banana! Or a wrap from a local café called Cinnamon Bear!
What is your go-to game day hairstyle?
Slick back pony with a braid.
Favorite pump-up song(s) to listen to before a game?
Any sort of EDM/house music, such as Miracle Maker – Dom Dolla
Describe your playing style in three words?
Gritty, relentless, selfless
What do you like to do when you are not playing field hockey?
Workout for fun like going for long runs, hanging out with my roommates & friends, reading, & taking shifts as a volunteer EMT.
Do you have any game day superstitions?
I have a few superstitions, like putting on my left shin guard and left shoe first before my right, wearing the same sports bra and hair ties, having to have my gameday coffee, and wearing the same jewelry.
What is your favorite motivational quote?
“The pain that you’ve been feeling can’t compare to the joy that’s coming” Romans 8:18
If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?
Everything happens for a reason, and the adversity you endure will serve to help you succeed in the future.
What is your favorite field hockey memory?
Scoring the opening goal against Kent State in our conference semi-final to help us win 3-2 in our first MAC conference tournament game.
