Join us in welcoming 9 new Gryphon Ambassadors joining the Longstreth Athlete Program! We’re thrilled to have these talented athletes on board and can’t wait to watch them dominate the field this season.
Get to know a little bit about the athletes and what Gryphon sticks they choose:
Lexi Goncalves
School: Cary Christian School
Stick of Choice: Gryphon Tour Pro
What is your pre-game ritual? I would say my pregame ritual would be a visualization routine. I visualize myself giving good passes and accurate shots, being confident and calm.
What is one of your favorite field hockey memories? My favorite field hockey memory was during last year’s u16 NCC’s when we were down 2-1. I scored a reverse goal at the last minute, and we then went into shootouts and won.
Cate Tortolani
School: Bryn Mawr School
Stick of Choice: Gryphon Tour Pro
Why did you choose this stick? I use the Gryphon Tour Pro stick and chose it because of the great balance it has between power on passes and hits, and touch for receptions and elimination skills. I also prefer sticks a little heavier, and this stick provides a perfect weight while still allowing me to move the ball quickly and execute skills.
Do you have any game day superstitions? Wearing one of my lucky pairs of hoc socks and putting on my right shoe, left shoe, and then right shin guard and left shin guard.
Kasey Obes
School: Crestwood High School
Stick of Choice: Gryphon Diablo
How long have you been playing field hockey, and what made you first want to start? I have been playing field hockey for 10 years. I started playing because I loved playing new sports and always wanted to try new things, and I fell in love with the sport the more I played.
If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be? I would tell my younger self to not allow let downs to set you back, but to use them as motivation.
Maddie Stahl
School: Palmyra High School
Stick of Choice: Gryphon Striker
What is your go-to grip? I like grips that are super soft and thick. With all the rain lately, I have been loving my Gryphon chamois grip too!
What is something you enjoy doing besides field hockey? I like to walk my dogs, hang out with my friends, go shopping, listen to music, and make bracelets.
Campbell Shelley
School: Ephrata High School
Stick of Choice: Gryphon Blue Steel DII
Why did you choose this stick? It has a lightweight feel and keeps my skills in control and my play composed.
What is one of your favorite field hockey memories? Coming back from a back-to-back ACL injury and getting a hat trick in my first game back.
Victoria Noble
School: Mary Institute and Country Day School
Stick of Choice: Gryphon Diablo Pro
Why did you choose this stick? I chose the Gryphon Diablo Pro because I love the control it gave me while using elimination skills, primarily the loft it allows for quick and easy 3d skills. The stick also has great power behind hitting and chipping.
When did you first start playing field hockey, and why? I began playing field hockey when I was 3, as my mom put me in the sport to try it because it was a huge part of her life. She played 4 years of Division I field hockey at Duke and was passionate about the sport, so she signed me up along with many other sports. Ultimately, I fell in love with field hockey, and there is no better feeling than stepping onto the turf with my best friends, getting ready to give our all to win.
Raya McHenry
School: Independence High School #2
Stick of Choice: Gryphon Taboo Striker
How long have you been playing field hockey, and what made you first want to start playing? Almost 4 years ago, I started to play field hockey in 7th grade.
What do you like to do when you are not playing field hockey? I like to do arts and crafts, listen to music, and hang out with my family and friends.
Liberty Olivetti
School: Mechanicsburg High School
Stick of Choice: Gryphon Taboo Striker
What's your go-to pre-game meal? My go-to pregame meal is pickles and dates with peanut butter.
Describe your playing style in three words? Creative, aware, sharp
Alison Sylvester
School: Camden Hills Regional High School
Stick of Choice: Gryphon Striker Samurai
What stick do you use and why do you choose it? I chose the Gryphon Striker Samurai because of the overall feel in my hands. I felt like I could execute lots of quick and snappy 2D and 3D skills to advance a play easily.
Do you have any pre-game rituals? On game days, I am very superstitious. I try not to touch my phone or look at any other electronics before my game. I have very specific hairstyles and pre-wrap that I do in the morning, along with having the same breakfast every gameday.
