Since it first originated, I despised the Big Ten Network. I didn't see it's purpose. Heck, I even joined a Facebook group that was anti-Big Ten Network.
Last year I was a sophomore at UIndy. I was thankful for it because I could watch all of the Indiana Hoosiers' mens' basketball games. But I digress.
After talking to field hockey players and Coach Amy Robertson, I'm now more thankful for its existence. It's done great things for the program.
"It's been awesome exposure for us. I can't tell you how many recruits have written to me or parents that have commented on watching us in the Big Ten Championship last year. Commenting on how impressed they were with us. That's increased interest in a very favorable way."
Indirectly, the network played a role in freshman forward Mariella Grote deciding to play for IU.
"I did watch a few games on the Big Ten Network. It's really cool to see what college is like for a D1 athlete. It helped a little bit. But having [my sister's, senior forward Lena Grote's] voice helped me the most," she said.
Robertson can't recruit in the state of Indiana because Indiana has no high school field hockey programs. So the Big Ten's Network's airing of IU's berth in the 2009 conference championship game offers immeasurable opportunities the program would not have had without the network. After all, the recruiting budget only goes so far.
"Being in the Big Ten Championship last year against Michigan State - it plays over and over - has really affected our visibility in Pennsylvania, in the East Coast, in California. Places that aren't close enough to have seen us play. I've heard from parents, from recruits how much they enjoyed seeing us play and how they thought we should have won the game. It really increased their interest in the program; it's helped us tremendously"
