Lander University Field Hockey Program Enhances Training Facilities

Greenwood, South Carolina – Lander University’s Field Hockey Program Develops New Practice Space Amid Challenges

Lander University field hockey coach Robbert Schenk has announced significant advancements for the program, particularly with the establishment of a new practice field that enhances training opportunities for the team. This development comes after challenges regarding player retention and recruitment created by a lack of a dedicated home field.

Schenk, who took the helm of the program in 2021, faced a pressing challenge since the team’s formation. Although the university committed to providing a dedicated field for the field hockey team, this promise has not yet been fulfilled. Consequently, the Lander Bearcats have been utilizing Frank Hill Stadium at nearby Emerald High School for their home matches.

Since its inception, the Lander field hockey team has shown impressive performance. In its inaugural season, the team secured a spot in the top four of the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) and advanced to the semifinals. The 2023 season proved to be even more successful, as the Bearcats captured the SAC championship title following a closely contested match against Limestone, winning 2-1.

Despite these successes on the field, the program has encountered difficulties in retaining and attracting players due to inconsistent training facilities. Recognizing the urgent need for improvement, Schenk dedicated his efforts towards creating a practice space to foster better training conditions. In the summer of 2024, he took the initiative to repurpose an old outdoor tennis court located near campus into a functional practice field.

To construct this new practice facility, Schenk secured surplus turf material from another university that was upgrading its own field, requiring considerable time and effort for installation. The establishment of this new practice area enabled the team to host a successful 3v3 tournament this spring, inviting fellow Division II teams to participate. This tournament not only enhanced the sportsmanship within the team but also cultivated camaraderie and competition across different programs.

Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Schenk is optimistic about the team’s prospects. For the first time, the team has experienced a limited roster change, with only two players departing and a record eight new recruits joining the program. This recruiting class is the largest in the program’s history and is expected to contribute significantly to the team dynamic.

As the fall season approaches, Schenk aims to elevate the overall performance of the Lander field hockey team and focus on building a robust community within the program. The past three years have been pivotal in constructing the foundation of this team, and moving forward, Schenk is enthusiastic about broadening the student-athlete experience beyond just game days.

Challenging circumstances have underscored the importance of player engagement and satisfaction, and efforts are being made to ensure that athletes feel fulfilled in their time with Lander field hockey. With the introduction of a dedicated practice space and a promising recruitment season, the future appears bright for Lander University’s field hockey program.