We are thrilled to welcome Mia Julian to the Longstreth Athlete Program as a Gryphon Brand Ambassador! Mia is from Hershey, PA and plays collegiate field hockey for James Madison University where she is a graduate student. This past Spring, Mia was named to the President’s List and JMU Athletic Director’s Scholar Athlete. Fun fact about Mia, she has been playing field hockey for 17 years!
Fun Field Hockey Facts
What stick do you use and why do you choose it?
I chose the taboo blue steel deuce 2 because its super light but still allows for a lot of power in my shots because of the high carbon percentage. I also use a lot of 3D when I play, and the bow design helps me to control these skills even more.
Do you have a grip preference? If so, which grip and why do you like it?
I prefer the regular rubber grips, I like it to be as thin as possible so I feel as close and attached to my stick as possible. Plus, the stickiness allows for more control when I play with one hand.
How long have you been playing field hockey and what made you first want to start playing?
I’ve now been playing for 17 years (since first grade), I tried so many sports and I enjoyed field hockey the most. Central PA is also a hot spot for field hockey and Palmyra (my high school) always had a competitive team so I was surrounded by talent and opportunities to play.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
Our team does a dance circle in the locker room before the game, and I always like giving a pump up speech.
What's your go-to pre game meal?
A sausage egg and cheese sandwich and an iced coffee.
What is your go-to game day hairstyle?
A braid
Favorite pump-up song(s) to listen to before a game?
Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin
Describe your playing style in three words?
Creative, selfless, passionate
What do you like to do when you are not playing field hockey?
I like reading, watching tv, traveling, and playing other sports like pickleball.
Do you have any game day superstitions?
At home games, we walk through a giant inflatable duke dog before going onto the field and I always touch the left paw. I also always have my trainer mix me a cup of Gatorade with Gatorlyte powder to drink during warm up.
What is your favorite motivational quote?
Everything is hard before it’s easy.
If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?
Focus on improving your mental game sooner, it is just as important as taking care of yourself physically.
What is your favorite field hockey memory?
Scoring my first collegiate goal at home and hearing my goal song play for the first time.
