News Summary
Lander University field hockey coach Robbert Schenk has initiated the construction of a dedicated practice field to boost team performance and player satisfaction. After facing initial challenges due to the absence of a home turf, Schenk transformed an old tennis court into a practice space. The team’s performance improved significantly, achieving top rankings and championships in their early seasons. With a large recruiting class and a successful tournament organized this past spring, the future looks bright for Lander field hockey as they continue to develop their program.
Greenwood, SC – Lander University field hockey coach Robbert Schenk is determined to enhance the competitive edge of his team by establishing a dedicated home turf. Since joining Lander University in 2021, Schenk faced the challenge of not having a dedicated field while guiding the program through its initial seasons.
Initially, the Lander field hockey team was promised a home field, but that vision went unrealized, which forced the players to host their home games at Frank Hill Stadium located at Emerald High School. Despite this setback, the team showed impressive performance during its start-up seasons. In its inaugural season, the squad finished in the top four of the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) and reached the SAC semifinal. The next season proved even more successful, as they clinched the SAC championship, defeating Limestone with a close score of 2-1.
However, the lack of a dedicated practice and game location impacted player satisfaction and posed significant challenges regarding the retention and recruitment of new players. As support for the program’s needs grew, Schenk contemplated solutions to enhance the player experience, leading to the decision in summer 2024 to construct a practice field.
To address the need for improved training facilities, Schenk repurposed an old outdoor tennis court on Lander’s main campus. After obtaining approval from Lander University, he transported discarded turf from another institution and installed it on the tennis court. This initiative included adding necessary field markings and goal cages, transforming the area into a functional practice space.
The newly established field enabled the Lander field hockey team to conduct its practices effectively, fostering skill development and building team camaraderie among the players. In the spring of 2024, the team organized a successful 3v3 tournament with participation from other Division II teams, which exceeded expectations in terms of engagement and turnout. Not only did this event provide lively competition, but it also fostered social connections among the athletes, promoting a stronger sense of community.
Looking ahead, the team’s roster for the upcoming season retained most of its players, with only two departures, while adding eight incoming recruits—the largest recruiting class to date for Lander field hockey. Coach Schenk acknowledges the importance of these developments in enhancing the overall student-athlete experience.
Over its first three years, the Lander field hockey program has made significant strides, with Schenk optimistic about building on their past achievements as they prepare for the fall season. Schenk aims to further enhance the program by focusing on progress during the spring season, encouraging athletes to seek growth and happiness both in their sports pursuits and personal lives.
The establishment of a dedicated practice space represents a crucial step in strengthening the team’s foundation and improving its performance. With renewed focus and commitment, Schenk and the Lander field hockey team are set to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
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Additional Resources
- USA Field Hockey: Field of Dreams – A Lander Field Hockey Story
- Wikipedia: Field Hockey
- Sioux Falls Live: Double Trouble
- Google Search: Augustana University field hockey
- HuffPost: Field Hockey Updates
- Google Scholar: Field hockey in colleges
- Washington Post: College Sports Preview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Sports
