UD field hockey team hosts camp at Cape

The University of Delaware field hockey team hosted a community clinic Aug. 3 at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes. Nearly 70 players from middle through high school were coached by Blue Hens field hockey student-athletes, alumnae and coaching staff.

The community event is an extension of the University of Delaware’s 302 Tour where Blue Hens athletes travel throughout the state interacting and connecting with Delawareans.

“It was a great day for our University of Delaware community,” said UD head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof. “The clinic was a lot of fun for the participants. I would like to thank my Blue Hens student-athletes, proud alumni and coaches for volunteering their time in offering this positive experience for so many people with ties to the university and the state of Delaware.”

The field hockey clinic at Champions Stadium offered personalized coaching, where participants developed their skills for dribbling, passing and shooting, and tournament play. In addition to technical and tactical challenges, players were exposed to teamwork and sportsmanship.

“Today was a blast,” said UD standout and former Cape all-state player Noelle Sabbagh. “There were lots of fun, lots of learning and lots of good hockey played. The players from UD jumped right to the opportunity to connect with our small but growing community and helped grow the game we love. Young and aspiring athletes had the chance to learn and be coached by some of the most intelligent and hardworking athletes I know. It was such a great overall experience to share what it truly means to be a Blue Hen to our Cape community and the athletes that joined us today.”

“I had a great time playing with all of the girls,” said rising third-grader Evan Chubb. “I learned how to improve my aerials and pops. My favorite part of the day was when the coaches from UD jumped on our team when they scrimmaged and played alongside us.”

For more info about Blue Hens field hockey, go to bluehens.com/sports/field-hockey.