By Emma Bynes
@Emma_Bynes4
In Anna Beck’s home debut with the Springfield College field hockey team – in a clash against Eastern Connecticut State University on Sept. 10 – she was everywhere. One second, Beck ran downfield to help her teammates on defense, and the next, she scored from the top of the arc. The confidence she exuded left the fans in awe and helped her rack up a hat trick.
As the final buzzer sounded on Stagg Field – displaying a 5-0 scoreline in favor of the Pride – Beck headed for the bench adjacent to midfield with a luminous smile. While taking off her equipment, she gathered her thoughts and reminisced on what unfolded.
“My first collegiate hat trick felt very nice,” said Beck, a graduate transfer student. “The goal that I set for myself this season was five goals, and I plan to crush that now.”
Before donning No. 1 for the Pride, Beck earned an undergraduate degree from Franklin Pierce University after transferring from Bryant University. By the time graduation rolled around, Beck knew it was time for a change. She still had eligibility left since she did not play during her first year at Bryant because of COVID.
Beck met head coach Mia Olsen at a coaching clinic. Throughout the event, Beck served as Olsen’s assistant coach, which impacted her decision to continue her playing career on Alden Street.
“I got to work pretty close with her, and it was a great experience,” Beck said. “I’ve learned a lot from her. I want to stay in the field hockey world as a coach, so it’s great learning from her.”
After the clinic ended, Beck kept Springfield on her radar. With some additional research, she soon found out that Athletic Leadership was offered as a graduate program, which would take her one step closer to her pursuit of becoming a coach one day.
Moreover, Springfield would give Beck a different sporting experience from her undergraduate years.
“Coming from my previous school [Franklin Pierce University], I was a defender,” Beck said. “Back in high school, I was more of an offensive player, so I was a little bummed playing defense throughout my college career. I’m really happy to now be in an attacking position.”
Working with Olsen at the clinic and hearing about the opportunities at Springfield gave Beck an inkling that the school would be the right fit for her.
And that feeling couldn’t have been more accurate.
“The community is great; it’s such an athlete-focused community, and I love it,” Beck said. “It’s so supportive, and the girls are welcoming.”
Through Sept. 24, Olsen’s squad was 3-4. With each passing day and practice, Beck has grown closer to her team. Beck has a lot in common with fellow fifth-year Audrey Dolan.
“Anna and I have a class together [Advanced Coaching Methods] and we play similar positions on the field,” Dolan said. “Anna is extremely positive and has great sportsmanship. With her great attitude and skill, she has taught the team a lot of things since joining the squad.”
Beck and Dolan, who is known as Dray, spend time together on penalty corners as batterymates, which refers to where they are on the field during corners. They work closely to provide the Pride with scoring opportunities.
While the two have dazzled on the field together – spearheading Springfield’s offense – Dolan has gotten to know another side of Beck’s game: her leadership capabilities.
“Anna brings a really cool type of leadership to the team. She is very go-with-the-flow and reminds us that we play field hockey because it’s fun while also being super competitive and wanting to win,” Dolan said. “Being on the same team as Anna is an honor and I am so glad she joined our SCFH family.”
As the end of her collegiate career nears, Beck reflected on a piece of advice she received from her previous schools:
“Go out to every game with confidence,” Beck said. “That is the biggest thing I remember, especially as a freshman in high school, even though I was not very confident. I didn’t play confidently, and it really showed.”
“Over my years of experience, I’ve learned that no matter how old you are, no matter how much technical experience you have at the collegiate level, you just need to come out with confidence because you are there for a reason.”
Photo courtesy of Springfield Athletics.