Grays Sponsored player Gabby Balzano in action.

Hometown: Pottstown, PA         Position: Defense

College: St Joe’s University 2029

Club: WC Eagles

Stick: Grays AC9 Dynabow-S Composite Field Hockey Stick

Instagram: @gabriella.balzano

 

FIELD HOCKEY HONORS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2023
District 1 2A Champions
2AA Pa State Champions
PA First Team All-State
AACA All-Star First Team

2022
Daily Local News All-Area Honorable Mention- Villa Maria Academy
All-Main Line Second Team- Villa Maria Academy
AACA Second Team All-League – Villa Maria Academy
Voted Team’s Most Improved Player- Villa Maria Academy
Started Varsity Sophomore Year: Villa Maria Academy
WC Eagles: U16 National Indoor Tournament Selection – Pool E
Started Varsity Freshman Year: Owen J Roberts High School.
Villa Maria Academy High School District 1 Champions

 

PERSONAL HIGHLIGHTS

What made you first want to start playing field hockey?
I really wanted to start playing Field Hockey because all of my friends were playing. After the first practice I fell in love with it and would never go back!

What stick do you play with and why did you choose it?
I play with the Grays AC9 Dynabow-S Composite Field Hockey Stick. I love the control of the Grays AC9 and the amount of power it gives me. I love how the weight of the stick is distributed and does not feel heavy!

How long have you been playing field hockey?
I have been playing Field Hockey since the 6th grade, 5 years.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?
For almost every game I do the exact same hairstyle which is a French braid from the top to the side of my head into a ponytail. Before every weekend game, I always listen to the exact same songs in the same order to get myself pumped up!

What's your go-to pre-game meal?
My go-to pre-game meal would have to be a Caesar salad with Chicken, Vitamin Water, and Strawberries and sometimes a chocolate chip cookie.

Favorite pump up songs to listen to before a game?
My favorite pump up song to listen to before a game is Remember by Becky Hill.

Describe your playing style in 3 words?
My playing style in three words would be composed, quick, and aggressive.

What do you like to do when not playing field hockey?
When I am not playing field hockey, I like to go on long runs, hang out with friends and see family.

What's your favorite motivational quote?
My favorite motivational quote is said by Tim Notke “Hard Work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.”

If you could give your younger field hockey self a piece of advice, what would it
be?
The best piece of advice I could give to my younger self is that you are on your own path in the sport. Do not compare yourself to the athlete next to you because you both are on different paths for your future.

What is your favorite field hockey memory?
My Favorite Field Hockey memory is winning the District Championship in my Sophomore Year of High School. My team and I practiced so hard all season to get to that moment. We worked through the bumps in the road together and ended it on a happy note.

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