We are thrilled to announce that Gabby Bruce has joined the Longstreth Athlete Program as a Gryphon Brand Ambassador!
Gabby is a Redshirt Freshman defender at Towson University and was recently named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) 2023 National Academic Squad. Gabby was First Team All-State in Maryland and was named to the NFHCA Senior Impact Team her senior year at Maryvale Preparatory School. She was also an Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland All-Conference Team selection as a sophomore.
Fun Field Hockey Facts
What stick do you use and why do you choose it?
Gryphon Tour Pro. I chose this stick because I love the lightweight feel. It’s a great fit for me for doing elimination skills and sweeps.
Do you have a grip preference? If so, which grip and why do you like it?
I love playing with a chamois grip. I like it because I feel more secure holding my stick with it, especially days when it’s raining or my hands get extra sweaty!
How long have you been playing field hockey and what made you first want to start playing?
I’ve been playing field hockey for 11 years. I actually started playing rec after hearing people talk about it. I always did cheerleading in the Fall, so my initial plan was to try field hockey for a year then go back, but I fell in love with the game and never looked back! I just really enjoyed learning stick skills, shooting, and passing the ball around the field!
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
I always get to the locker room early to do some extra stretching, listen to my pregame songs, and read some affirmations. It keeps me calm, loose, and focused.
What’s your go-to pre-game meal?
My pre-game meal is typically a clementine or a nature valley biscuit bar. I eat one of those because they’re pretty light but filling enough where I don’t feel fatigued from hunger on the field.
What is your go-to game day hairstyle?
I’m always changing my hair, but my favorite game day style is braids pulled back into a ponytail.
Favorite pump-up song(s) to listen to before a game?
I have a few, and they have to be listened to in this order: “Gridin’” by NF, “Enough” by Cardi B, “Bigger Than Me” by Big Sean, and “With You” by Gawvi.
Describe your playing style in three words?
Fast, composed, aggressive
What do you like to do when you’re not playing field hockey?
I love books so I definitely do a lot of reading! I’m an art major so I also enjoy drawing leisurely every now and again.
Do you have an game day superstitions?
Surprisingly no.
What’s your favorite motivational quote?
“When you feel like quitting, remember why you started.”
If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?
Just relax. Field hockey is what you love, and you know how to play the game, so just be confident and go for it!
What is your favorite field hockey memory?
I have so many! In club I would say probably going to tournaments. I am still close with some of my club teammates to this day and it was at the tournaments where we had so much fun on and off the field! In college so far it was getting our first program win with this coaching staff. We won in shootouts and it was a great feeling to see our hard work pay off and start a new era for Towson!
