Megan Chang Senior Story

MEGAN CHANG

Playing Field Hockey at Johns Hopkins University Fall of 2022
West U Elementary School (K - 5th)
St. John's School (6th - 8th)
St. John's School (2018 - 2022) Varsity all four years

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From Megan:
Favorite Field Hockey Memory? Why?

My favorite field hockey memory was winning the Disney tournament this year. Our U19 team has grown so much over these past few years, and it was super exciting to see all of our hard work pay off when we beat WC Eagles in the championship shootouts. I was one of the three people to take the 1 v goalies, and the adrenaline and excitement I experienced in those moments are indescribable.

What was your most exciting recruiting experience?

One of my most exciting recruiting experiences was getting invited to Hopkins’ top recruit weekend during my sophomore year. I had only been playing field hockey competitively for a year then so it was super exciting to receive strong interest from one of my top choices. Especially since Covid hit later that spring, it was really nice to have the opportunity to visit campus and meet some of the players.

Why are you playing field hockey in college?

I absolutely love the sport. The game is super intense and high-paced (there is never a dull moment), and there are always new skills to learn and improve on. I always have so much fun with my teammates and I can’t imagine my life without field hockey.

What have you been doing to prepare?

I have been running, playing field hockey, and lifting. Since our U19 team qualified for NCCs this year, I was practicing three days a week through mid-July. Pride open play throughout the summer has also been super helpful to maintain both game fitness and intensity!

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

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to trust the process. It can get super stressful balancing academics, athletics, and a social life, and then adding the recruiting process on top of all of that. Remember to always focus on what’s within your control like your work ethic, mindset, etc. But, of course, never lose sight of why you started playing in the first place. Always remember to have fun when you play and practice because time truly flies by and you’ll definitely want to cherish all the moments with your team.

Who was the most influential person in high school?

My parents, of course. They constantly push me to be my best while providing endless support. From traveling around the country for field hockey to teaching me lifelong skills and lessons, my parents are 100% my number 1 fans. I don’t know what I would’ve done without them.

Favorite post practice/ game snack?

Pretzels + peanut butter or hummus!

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

Planks to activate my hips (of course)! I love recruiting some of my teammates to join in on my planks. And, music of course to hype not only myself, but the entire team, up before a game.

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

Ever since I was 5 years old, I have always been a part of a team. I played soccer growing up and then transitioned to field hockey in high school. Some of my best friends and favorite memories include my teammates, and I can’t imagine continuing on to college without such a strong support system.

What was one of the toughest experiences?

One of my toughest experiences was dealing with chronic hip pain during my last two years of high school. Not only can injuries take a significant toll on an athlete’s body, but they also require a lot of mental perseverance to simply trust the process, rehab, and get back on the field. Although it was a challenge to overcome both the mental and physical barriers, I definitely feel like a stronger, more resilient individual.

Year you began playing field hockey? How?

Fall 2018, but club field hockey Spring 2019. I made the varsity field hockey team in the fall of my freshman year and immediately fell in love with the sport. My school coaches and the upperclassmen were super welcoming and encouraging, so I decided to give club field hockey a shot!

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

Favorite Megan moment (new)/ why?

Story we will forever tell about Megan:

Favorite Megan recruiting moment/ why?

First memory of Megan / 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.