We are excited to welcome Ryleigh Damminger into the Longstreth Athlete Program as a Gryphon Brand Ambassador!
Ryleigh plays for Uprise Field Hockey Club and her high school team, Gloucester County Institute of Technology, where she will be a senior this year. She was selected as Max Field Hockey’s Class of 2025 Top 150 and recently played in U18 Nexus Championship’s. Ryleigh is also committed to play field hockey at Rider University next year!
Fun Field Hockey Facts
What stick do you use and why do you choose it?
I use the Gryphon Taboo Striker Samurai field hockey stick! As I have advanced in the sport and began to utilize skills that require a greater sense of control, I wanted a stick that provided me with enough weight distribution making those types of skills easier to do with speed. I also chose the Taboo Striker for its ability to maintain power within shooting and control within small skills.
Do you have a grip preference? If so, which grip and why do you like it?
I do not have a grip preference, normally the grip type within the Gryphon sticks is sufficient enough to where I never need to venture into other types of grip.
How long have you been playing field hockey and what made you first want to start playing?
I have been playing field hockey ever since 4th grade, so for about 8 years! I had several friends who had started playing a little before me and I always thought it looked fun!
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
I always have to listen to music or dance with my team!
What's your go-to pre game meal?
Normally, my pre game meal consists of some type of granola bar along with a sports drink.
What is your go-to game day hairstyle?
My go-to game day hairstyle would have to be bubble braids with a ponytail. I also wear the same pink headband for every game.
Favorite pump-up song(s) to listen to before a game?
My favorite pump up songs consist of anything by Rihanna or Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N' Roses.
Describe your playing style in three words?
Simple, Fast-Paced, and Attack Minded
What do you like to do when you are not playing field hockey?
I am a huge sports fan so I like to watch the Phillies or Eagles with my family. I love to go to the beach, work out, read, or hang out with friends!
Do you have any game day superstitions?
During high school season, I am really superstitious about the way we line up our sticks on the sidelines before we get ready to warm up!
What is your favorite motivational quote?
Nothing is given, everything is earned.
If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?
I would remind my younger self to continue to work hard and focus on the positives of each situation, not so much the negative or what ifs.
What is your favorite field hockey memory?
My favorite field hockey memories would probably have to come from winning huge games with my high school team or winning various tournaments with my club team!
