Shannon O’Leary’s field hockey travels began in her hometown of Northampton, and from there went to Rindge, New Hampshire.
Recently, field hockey took her to a different continent.
O’Leary and five other Franklin Pierce teammates received invitations from USA Athletes International to represent the United States in the Victorian Field Hockey Tournament, held in Melbourne, Australia.
The Geelong Hockey Association, which consists of a group of club teams, hosted the event from June 6-18.
“It was amazing,” O’Leary said. “I got to experience a different culture. Everyone was so friendly toward me. They were curious about my culture just like I was curious about theirs.”
At Northampton High she was a Blue Devil, and at Franklin Pierce she represents the Ravens. In Australia, she donned the red, white and blue.
“It was unbelievable to put on that jersey,” O’Leary said. “I was so proud to represent the USA.”
The roster consisted of 16 players from Division II collegiate programs. Most of the players were plucked from the Northeast, but some came from as far as Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
O’Leary had to quickly figure out how to play with a new set of teammates.
“We had a very diverse group of girls,” O’Leary said. “It wasn’t what I am used to but I had to learn how to communicate with a new group. It was a great learning experience.”
O’Leary had to adapt playing with new teammates.
“I had to play differently to compliment how they play,” O’Leary said.
The rules for international hockey are the same as the domestic brand, but there were some differences.
“Some of the refs were more relaxed with their calls,” O’Leary said. “We were playing club teams. They love the game.”
The 2012 Northampton graduate is entering her senior year at Franklin Pierce. She’s majoring in accounting and business.
O’Leary is close with her Franklin Pierce teammates and the trip only strengthened that bond.
“Between this trip and working out together, we connect off the field, too,” O’Leary said. “Hopefully it flows right onto the field in the fall.”
The United States placed third overall in the tournament.
