We are excited to welcome Maria Armaganian into the Longstreth Athlete Program as a Gryphon Brand Ambassador!
Maria is a rising senior at Northeastern University and has been playing field hockey since she was in 7th grade. Last season, Maria started in 15 out of 18 games played for Northeastern and was also named CAA Player of the Week in September. She was also recently named to the 2024-25 Senior U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team!
Fun Field Hockey Facts
What stick do you use and why do you choose it?
I currently use the Gryphon Taboo Striker. I chose it because of the toe grip and bow for throwing.
Do you have a grip preference? If so, which grip and why do you like it?
I have a grip preference, and it is to KEEP the grip that is already on it. I love being able to feel the stick, so I don’t add or change anything about it. I like it just the way it is!
How long have you been playing field hockey and what made you first want to start playing?
I have been playing field hockey since 7th grade. I picked up the sport because my two best friends did not play Ice Hockey with me, and I wanted to spend more time with them, so they talked me into playing Field Hockey.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
I have plenty of pregame rituals. - No headphone music, only speaker music and I HAVE TO sing along to every song I know - Headband Does not go on until game time. Warm up is with a different headband or no headband at all
What's your go-to pre-game meal?
I don’t have a go-to meal. But my favorite travel snack that I must have before every away game is Oh Snap! Dilly Bites (Bagged Pickle Slices), and Buffalo Wing Pretzel Chips (snack factory).
What is your go-to game day hairstyle?
I ALWAYS wear either my lucky tie dye headband and a high bun, and on game days, my game day Husky headband and a high bun.
Favorite pump-up song(s) to listen to before a game?
Every game day I listen to “RISE” by Katy Perry. #inspiring Locker-room music is 80’s Classic Rock (ACDC, Ozzy Osbourne, Kiss, etc) and right before I step out onto the field “Shipping Up To Boston”.
Describe your playing style in three words?
Gritty, Intentional, Aggressive.
What do you like to do when you are not playing field hockey?
I like to do graphic design (logos, posters, photo editing/touch ups). I also like to paint, and hang out with friends.
Do you have any game day superstitions?
My Left side must get dressed first, so socks & shoes MUST go on before the right side. I must be wearing spandex from high school. Never worn team issued ones because they might be bad luck!
What is your favorite motivational quote?
“I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have” My coach used to say it to me, and she gave it to me on a rubber bracelet.
If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t get caught up on what other people are doing, just be yourself and everything will fall into place.
What is your favorite field hockey memory?
In our game against VCU this past fall, I threw an aerial over 50 yards to my teammate who was standing in the circle. With one touch she trapped the ball and scored. In The Quarter Finals against Monmouth University, we had perfect passing around the circle on a high-line-high-transfer. My teammates sent the ball through the right side ALL the way to the left, passing everyone's sticks in the circle, and connecting with my other teammate on the left post for a beautiful one-time-goal. I SPRINTED into the circle and jumped into my teammate’s arms. The photo captured is currently mounted on the wall in the athletic complex.
