Annabel Skubisz

Playing Field Hockey at Northwestern University Fall of 2020
West U Elementary School (K - 4th)
St. Francis Episcopal School (5th - 8th)
Kinkaid (2016 - 2020) Captain, Varsity all four years

Profile Link

From Annabel:
Favorite Field Hockey Memory? Why?

My favorite memory probably happened during Goalie Practice. Between our ruthless competition during goalie soccer to the late-night discussions, I have been so fortunate to train with so many amazing goalies. Even with practice ending at 10 pm on a Wednesday, I loved that everyone wanted to be there so much. My teammates have taught me different styles of play as well as pushed me (with both kind words or just playing better than me). These practices developed the #gkdynasty that Pride boasts today, and I am so lucky to have been a part of it.

What was your most exciting recruiting experience?

The most exciting recruiting experience for me was my official visit. Arriving in Chicago, I had no idea what I was looking for in a school. Really, I had not even expected to be looking at schools. While there was no specific moment I can pin point as my "most exciting recruiting experience," I remember feeling relaxed on campus. As I learned more about the academics and the culture of the team, I was able to picture myself at Northwestern more and more. Learning that Northwestern could give me the all around support I needed was an amazing experience.

Why are you playing field hockey in college?

I am playing college field hockey because I enjoy it. I realize this is not the most insightful answer in the world, but I will keep playing as long as I enjoy it. I love the new challenges every practice gives me.

What have you been doing to prepare?

To keep me agile, my siblings and I have been playing a great deal of monkey in the middle. Beyond that, I have been completing the workout our college coaches have sent to us as well as some additional footwork a few times per week.

If you could give one piece of advice to younger girls who want to play field hockey in college, what would it be?

I have two pieces: 1. Take your time. There is no race to commit, even though it may feel like it at times. 2. Committing will not prove your worth as a player. Let your ability speak for you.

Who was the most influential person in high school?

Tina and the my older teammates made a big impact on me.

Favorite post practice/ game snack?

Scrambled eggs and ham at home; pretzels and Nutella at tournaments.

What pre game rituals do you use to hype yourself up before a game?

I try to make sure I take my warm up as seriously as possible. It may not sound the most fun, but a good warm up signals good play.

What made you want to be a college field hockey player?

Playing field hockey has given me friends and teammates who I respect so much. They are dedicated, intelligent, and loyal people. I want to be a college field hockey player because I want to continue to surround myself with the amazing I have found on the field.

What was one of the toughest experiences?

Going into my freshman year of high school, I got cut from the U17 Junior National Team. Though I was by no means the best goalie there, I killed any opportunity for further selection through that camp. I had convinced myself I did not deserve to be there, and that was reflected in my play. Over the next year, however, I worked really hard to pick myself back up. It required many early mornings and late nights practicing, but it ended up paying off the following summer when I made returned to that same camp and ended up making the travel team that year.

Year you began playing field hockey? How?

In fifth grade, my middle school was doing a rotation of different sports we could play the following year. One day, they gave us plastic ice hockey sticks and yarn balls and told us it was field hockey. Around the same time, I had decided to retire from the world of competitive gymnastics as we saw little future in the sport for my 5'11" self, so I was looking for a new sport. I told my mom I enjoyed what I believed was field hockey, she signed me up for a clinic at Episcopal High School, and I have been playing ever since.

From Tina:
Favorite Annabel Moment (old) / why?:

Favorite Annabel moment (new)/ why?

Story we will forever tell about Annabel:

Favorite Annabel recruiting moment/ why?

First memory of Annabel / why?

2020 Goalies (Amelia, Annabel & Sofia)

Our goalies for 2020 are very special. We have three of them going off to college this fall who have trained together consistently for three years. While they have always been competition for each other, they have taught each other so many things. They've changed coaches many times going from super structured coaching to lax individualized coaching and I've picked up the pieces in between. From all of the change, each of them owned their development and created a learning environment with open critique and self assessment. Open critique from teammates and deliberate practice through self assessment is so hard to accept and learn as a teenager. This training environment set a standard for our program that will last for years to come. I will always remember this group for embracing the change and making a lasting impact on our program. Thank you.