In defense of field hockey

I am responding to a column published in the Sept. 25, 2013, edition of the Indiana Daily Student, “Despite success, field hockey still boring.”
The column described field hockey as dull, amateur and pointless. It even went so far as to compare my teammates and I to children playing youth sports.

Globally, field hockey is extremely popular. It has been an Olympic sport for more than 100 years — with IU alum Kayla Bayshore competing in the last two games — and countless schools, universities and clubs worldwide proudly support field hockey for both men and women.

Though that popularity is not mirrored here in Indiana, we on the team still dedicate ourselves tirelessly to this sport so that we can win for our University. That is what brings a field hockey player to practice every day. It is not because of a large fan base, the possibility of playing professionally or the chance to be featured in prominent sports magazines — field hockey promises none of these things.

We play, we practice, we work, we sacrifice simply because we love this game. We are proud to call ourselves field hockey players and even more proud to wear Indiana across our chests.

I understand that the press is not a cheering section for any individuals or organizations. I understand it is well within a columnist’s rights to express their opinion. However, I would hope that a basic level of respect and research would be observed toward the subject of any article or column.

Since the column’s publication, the support we have received has been astounding, especially within our athletic community. IU athletics’ motto is “24 sports, one team.” The principles of that slogan have been profoundly demonstrated in the past few days, and I speak for the team when I say it has been appreciated greatly. This concept encompasses more than just the athletics’ department. All organizations, clubs, teams and individuals that attend this University deserve support, encouragement and validation for their varied pursuits.

­— olson@indiana.edu