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Linnea Gonzales 

#16 TEAM USA FORWARD

 

   

HOMETOWN: BEL AIR, MD

ALMA MATER: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

 

Why I Use STX

“I have played with STX since my freshman year of college. I like playing with STX becase it feels like home. There is a lot of history wtih STX and the Terps, including one of my role models Katie O'Donnell Bam, I've watced her play ever since I was little. It means a lot to now officially be a part of the STX family because I have the opportunity to continue the Maryland legacy with a stick and brand that makes me feel so comfortable."

Accolades

  • NFHCA Division 1 Player of the Year (2018)
  • NFHCA Regional Player of the Year (2018)
  • 2017: Named to the U.S. U-21 Women's National Team
  • NFHCA All-American (First- 2018)
  • Big Ten Player of the Year (2018)
  • Big Ten Tournament MVP (2018)
  • NCAA All Tournament First Team (2018)
  • Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2015)

LINNEA'S SETUP

  1. STX Field Hockey Stallion 800™ Shin Guard

Q&A

 

Q. HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU STARTED PLAYING?

A. 7 years old.

Q. WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE ATHLETE (ANY SPORT) GROWING UP?

A. Katie O'Donnell (Bam)

Q. WHAT WAS YOUR PLAY HUGE MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?

A. It would have to be my senior year at the University ofMaryland, being able to compete and take on the challenges the season presented with my teammates. In particular though, the Big Ten Tournament Championship when we were tied with Iowa. It was raining, windy, cold, and both teams were exhausted. Being able to intercept and give an assist to Bibi Donraadt to clinch the title was my Play Huge moment. 

Q. WHAT SONG IS ALWAYS ON YOUR PREGAME PLAY LIST?

A. Any Cardi B or Migos!

Q. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?

A. Wizard of Oz

Q. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNGER VERSION OF YOURSELF?

A. Live in the moment, stay positive, and do things with heart. 

Q. WHO IS ONE PERSON YOU (PAST OR PRESENT) WITH WHOM YOU’D LIKE TO HAVE DINNER?

A. A Baltimore native, Michael Phelps. I feel like he would have a lot of insight and lessons about life and athletics. 

Q. WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU’D LIKE TO SEE CHANGED IN YOUR SPORT?

A. I want the game to continue to grow in the States. If you go overseas, field hockey is actually the dominant sport in a lot of countries (both men's and women's). It would be great to someday have field hockey be as large here as it is in other countries. We are making progress though, especially now with the start of Pro League approaching. 

Q. WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE TEAMMATE YOU’VE EVER PLAYED WITH?

A. Kyler Greenwalt. She inspires me with her positive attitude, willingness to learn, and just being an all-around great teammate and person.

Q. WHO IS OR WAS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN HELPING YOU ON YOUR WAY TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE?

A. Katie Bam and Missy Meharg. These two have helped me a lot over the past couple years. They have helped me learn about myself both as a person and a player. They always challenge me and push me to be at my best. On top of all that, they have both been great friends and mentors for me over this journey. Very grateful!

Q. DESCRIBE YOUR PLAYING STYLE IN THREE WORDS.

A. Passionate, simple, skillful.

Q. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE EXERCISE OR DRILL TO DO WHILE YOU’RE TRAINING AND WHY?

A. I always love working on quick stickwork that goes into shooting. The stickwork you can always incorporate into your game play, but shooting is also always fun because there are so many different ways you can put the ball in the goal.

Q. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PRE-GAME MEAL?

A. Eggs, oatmeal, fruit, and coffee!

Q. TELL US YOUR FAVORITE MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE.

A. “Just have a go." - Janneke Schopman. It's a simple quote, but just reminds me to have fun playing the sport I love and to give it my all.

Q.IF YOU COULD PLAY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE?

A. I have always enjoyed competing in Holland. I always learn so much when I travel there by watching and competing. There is a lot of hockey knowledge and experience over there.