BIG NEWS ALERT! We're beyond excited to welcome Kelee Lepage to the Longstreth Athlete Program as our newest Ritual Sponsored Athlete! Kelee is the perfect fit to our already amazing crew of sponsored athletes and ambassadors!
Fun Field Hockey Facts:
What stick do you use and why do you choose it?
I play with the Ritual Ultra 95. I chose the Ultra because I like playing with a low bow, as it specifically aids with ball control and throwing aerials! Ritual sticks are super sturdy, a quality that helps strengthen tackles.
Do you have a grip preference? If so, which grip and why do you like it?
My grip of choice is the Ritual Chamois Zeem! Chamois grips are my all-time go-to grip choice, moisture (sweat/rain) absorbent and adds a layer of comfort to the stick handle.
How long have you been playing field hockey, and what made you first want to start playing?
I started playing field hockey in 3rd grade, so around 18 years ago, I picked up a stick at a summer camp run by Twin Valley Youth Field Hockey. My mom, Joanie, played field hockey growing up and was a huge proponent of trying every sport, so she encouraged me to play. At the end of the summer camp, I was sold by the fun I had while playing and free Rita’s Water Ice!
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
Pre-game rituals consist of physical prep (stretching flow), mental prep (set my objectives and prayer), then as we head to the match, I do a Word Search and listen to my pre-game playlist. Once we get to the field, I like to be present and connect with my teammates!!
What's your go-to pre-game meal?
My pre-game meal without fail is eggs, and peanut butter banana toast! And a pre-game Applesauce to top my fueling off.
What is your go-to game day hairstyle?
To keep all the baby hairs tame and my ponytail out of my face, my go-to game day hairstyle is a slick back into a high bun.
What is your favorite pump-up song(s) to listen to before a game?
GOOD DAY- Forrest Frank
Describe your playing style in three words?
Simple, patient, aggressive, and tenacious
What do you like to do when you are not playing field hockey?
I love to spend time with friends and family, or spend time outside, whether that is playing pickleball, shooting hoops, or going on walks. I also like to read and try new recipes!
What is your favorite motivational quote?
This quote has stuck with me since high school, so I always go for it! “Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard” or growing up a quote my mom would say to me a lot is “She believed she could, so she did”
If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to find JOY in every circumstance!!
What is your favorite field hockey memory?
On the National Team- Qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics at the FIH Olympic Qualifying tournament in Ranchi, India! One of the coolest moments for me, my teammates, and our program.
In college- my sophomore season at Maryland was super memorable, we made it to the NCAA National Championship game against a whole bunch of odds that year. I will never forget the feeling of our win in the semi-final, one of the best and more fun games of my college career!
