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10/08/2024 02:45 PMAshlyn O’Rourke did not touch a field hockey stick until entering junior high, yet once she picked up a stick, she never put it down. She fully invested her full time, heart, and effort into it year-round and across the globe to become a stellar Shoreline Conference stopper for North Branford.
The junior first got involved with field hockey in seventh grade and started learning the sport during Covid, but then she got into in-game action the following year as a netminder. Ashlyn then became so enthralled with the action that she spent her offseason playing club field hockey and participating in camps to enhance her abilities and understanding of the sport.
After being part of back-to-back Shoreline Conference and Class S State Championship clubs with North Branford, Ashlyn has been at the forefront of a younger defensive unit for the 8-0 Thunderbirds that has also not allowed a single goal in those contests.
“Our defense has become so strong this year, and I have been able to direct the defenders in front of me more,” says Ashlyn. “I love working with the team and hanging out with the newer players. Field hockey is more than a sport because we do a ton of team bonding events together. We have a young defense learning the play of the game, and I think through field hockey you discover your passion, leadership, and the right tone to direct others and get the most out of them.”
In July, Ashlyn solidified her place among the nation’s top young athletes by winning gold at the U18 Nexus National Championships in Virginia Beach. This accomplishment followed her selection and participation in the U16 Nexus National Championships the previous year and showcased her rapid rise in the sport. Now in reflection of those momentous experiences, she explains it was an opportunity she encourages everyone to take advantage of, given the caliber of athlete synonymous with the tournament.
“At Nexus, it clicked with me how important it was with the resource of talent you play against,” says Ashlyn. “The first year was rough because I didn't take it as seriously as I could have. After winning gold, though, I got that extra kick inside me. Playing against NCAA Division I commits is intimidating, but you must stay focused. If you are not thinking for one second, you are out of the game. I also made friends with people as far away as California through Nexus. I learned so much there and would highly recommend it to anyone.”
Your head must be on a swivel in order to be a high-functioning netminder in Ashlyn’s view, but one must also have a head that is constantly moving forward mentally, especially after miscues. Her past colleagues and North Branford alumni have taught her to simply inhale the knowledge learned from an error and exhale out negativity.
“You learn as a goalie that you cannot think too much. You have to think like a goldfish and have short term memory,” says Ashlyn. “Last year, Lindsey Onofrio saw me upset after letting in a goal and told me to just take a deep breath. You need to forgive and forget as a keeper. You need to slowly build up a more positive mental game. All of those things have helped me play better.”
Longtime and legendary North Branford field hockey Head Coach Babby Nuhn explains that not only is Ashlyn someone who wholeheartedly buys into the team’s creed for the 2024 campaign, but she is also an individual who will never have her hustle and effort brought into question.
“Ashlyn has been a starter on the team since her freshman year. She is an extremely dedicated player who goes beyond expectations with her commitment to elevating her game throughout the year,” says Nuhn. “She works well with all of her teammates. Our theme this year is ‘United,’ so we focus on team rather than individuals. Ashlyn is surrounded by very talented teammates.”
Ashlyn explains that it has been a privilege to be part of one of the more preeminent programs in the history of the state. It was intimidating at first to step into the fray, but overtime, she has learned the benefits of teamwork. The target is on their backs after entering 2024 as the seven-time reigning conference and state champs, but it just fuels their fire.
“North Branford field hockey has been an adventure. Taking what I learned about the sport and adapting it to this program was hard at first,” Ashlyn says. “Over the years, I have learned that if the defense looks confused about something, you have to make sure you explain things to them. With our success, we know teams want to come after us, especially after all the seniors we graduated from last year’s team, but we use it as motivation.”
No matter whatever individual accolades Ashlyn has earned in the past or lie ahead in her future, she is forever mindful of her entire squad and knows nothing gets done without them. She concludes that the girls will vie to retain their crowns by being so meticulous each and every day in their preparation.
“‘United’ is our main word for our team this year. We have improved so much in our games, and it shows. We are excited to see what we can keep doing by sticking to it. There is always a pinpoint focus on those little things in practice, and we just keep getting better at that, as well.”