Claire Nockolds

Claire nockolds

Playing Field Hockey at Stanford University Fall of 2023
The Kinkaid Middle School
The Kinkaid School (2019 - 2023)

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From Claire:
1. Favorite Field Hockey Memory? Why?

It was NITQ in 2021, and we were at the Penn State qualifier because our qualifier in Ithaca got cancelled, and we had just won first place and wanted our duck doughnuts, as promised by Tina if we won. We drive over to duck doughnuts and look at the locked door and the clock that says 10:01. Since they had just closed up the last employee was still inside and Tina knocked on the door and we all begged them for doughnuts and explained how we just won our tournament, and eventually after much begging and bribery, the worker gave us the leftover doughnuts they had. Then we all started eating our doughnuts and dancing to the Christmas music that was playing outside under the Christmas lights, It was just such a fun and perfect moment that I'll always remember.

2. What was your most exciting recruiting experience?

My most exciting recruiting experience was after I had finished a full day at the line up and I saw one of the Stanford assistant coaches walking out and I was really nervous to go up and talk to her, but I went and introduced myself and to my surprise, she said "Oh ya, we know who you are". I was shocked because Stanford had yet to show me very much interest, but after this conversation my recruiting bond with Stanford was solidified. This moment really taught me that you need to go after the things you want even when it makes you uncomfortable and I am so grateful that I did.

3. Why are you playing field hockey in college?

I'm playing field hockey in college because I love the sport and having a team is such a special thing to me. I knew that I wanted to continue to have that team experience extending beyond high school and have the opportunity to keep getting better on the field as well. I am excited to see where this next level of field hockey will take me!

4. What have you done this summer to prepare?

I have been following my run/lift packet and trying to run with friends as much as possible to keep myself motivated. I have also tried to just spend as much time with my friends as possible because I know that I won't see them for a while.

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

Never lose sight of why you love to play field hockey even through the tough moments, and always lean on your teammates for support when you need it because they will always be there for you.

6.Who was the most influential person in high school?

During my high school years, my teammates were most influential to me. Whether it was learning from watching them work as hard as they could in practice, asking each other questions, or just playing with them and always getting positive encouragement from all of them. I knew I could always count on them.

7.Favorite post practice/ game snack?

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

Blasting music in the van is always the best way to get everyone hyped before a game, even though Tina may tell you it is playing "Rats and Rabbits"

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

I wanted to see how far I could take this sport that I loved playing and also how far it could take me. I'm so grateful for all of the opportunities it has opened up for me and also for the higher level of play that I will be exposed to throughout college.

10. What was one of the toughest experiences?

One of the toughest experiences in my field hockey career was probably when I was really struggling to get anywhere with recruiting, and it seemed like all of my friends were not having any trouble. But all of my teammates were so supportive and really helped me keep pushing and trying to work hard.

11. Year you began playing field hockey? How?

I started playing in 2016 after being convinced by the one and only Mia Abello that field hockey was the greatest sport on the planet. Without her encouragement, or coercion, whichever you want to call it, I would have never started playing, and I am forever grateful to Mia that she did, in fact, convince me

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

Claire was the younger sister for a long time and was playing because her friends were doing it. At some point, it became Claire's thing. As a result, she started to become a strong player and grew into her own as a result. Claire was a big part of our U14 superstar and subsequent superstar teams

Favorite Claire moment (new)/ why?

Clarie became a very versatile player. Her senior year, she was on our top U19 indoor team that ended up winning all of their games at NIT. We had a series of injuries, so we had to move players around a lot. Claire was one of the players who was not only extremely effective on the field, but one we had to move in a lot of different positions. She became a very strong player by the end of her seinor year.

Story we will forever tell about Claire:

Claire grew a lot through her recruiting process. She heavily focused on continuing to become a better player through it and caught the right attention as a result.
Claire grew a lot through her recruiting process. She heavily focused on continuing to become a better player through it and caught the right attention as a result.

Favorite Claire recruiting moment/ why?

Claires' recruiting process was tough. She had a long road with some bumps in it. She was committed to continuing to get better through the process and that made a difference. She finally committed to Stanford in February of her Junior year capping off a long and arduous recruiting process.

First memory of Claire / why?

For a long time, Claire was Grace's really nice younger sister :). According to Grace, she was the nice one and she alluded to 'the favorite'
Claire grew a lot through her recruiting process. She heavily focused on continuing to become a better player through it and caught the right attention as a result.