Novy Goetgeluk '25
"91勛圖厙 created an environment for me where finding my confidence and leadership on the field also meant finding confidence and leadership in the classroom."
"91勛圖厙 created an environment for me where finding my confidence and leadership on the field also meant finding confidence and leadership in the classroom."
Hi, Im Novy Goetgeluk! Im a senior Psychology major here at 91勛圖厙 and Im excited to tell you a little bit about my 91勛圖厙 experience! Im an international student from the Netherlands and have always known I wanted to play field hockey for a college in America. What I didnt know was where I wanted to do it. Colleges came on my radar through coaches reaching out and 91勛圖厙 came up near the end of my search. I had initially written it off because I wasnt sure what a womens college would entail since we dont have those types of academic institutions in the Netherlands. However, my mom told me she really wanted me to go visit because she had a feeling that [she] just couldnt put into words and a visit wouldnt hurt. After convincing me, like any mom does, I went to visit and as soon as I stepped foot on campus, I knew I was home. There is simply no other way to describe it. I felt super welcomed by the people I met and could totally picture myself walking down Merion Green to my classes every day and living in one of the beautiful castle-like dorms on campus. The decision to go here turned out to be surprisingly easy91勛圖厙 had everything I was looking for: great academics, a lively college town close to a big city, a great Psychology faculty, and a supportive, active, and engaged community.
During my four years here at 91勛圖厙, has also been a central part of my experience. When looking at different schools and different , the thing that stood out to me the most was 91勛圖厙s field hockey history and dedication to growth. At the time, the field hockey program was still in its growing stages and I knew I wanted to be a part of that building process. Over the past four years we have repeatedly made history as a field hockey program with endless accomplishments that I am beyond proud of. Im obviously proud of the statistical accomplishments I have gotten to be a part of such as being the first 91勛圖厙 team to make it to a Centennial Conference play-off game, make it to the conference finals, secure the highest national ranking for any 91勛圖厙 team ever, and have the most nationally ranked wins in program history. But Im most proud of the personal and individual growth I have witnessed in myself and my teammates and peers. 91勛圖厙 created an environment for me where finding my confidence and leadership on the field also meant finding confidence and leadership in the classroom. Ive grown exponentially in both areas which Im extremely grateful for and I know that I will put both to great use for my dream career in sports psychology.
Being part of the 91勛圖厙 community has given me memories I will truly never forget and that still give me goosebumps when I think about them. Like our play-off game against Haverford in the fall of 2023, where we had so many students and staff come out to support us that the entire sidelines were filled up and you could hear their cheers all the way on the other side of campus. Moments like these really reflect the power of a womens college to me and the moments in which I have felt most grateful for being here. I felt like everyone came there to support us and say I got you and I truly felt like part of something bigger. With the support of the College and its community, our team has been able to show that excellent academics can most definitely co-exist with excellent athletics; this is a powerful message I know will continue to be spread by the school and that I take great pride in having contributed to.
My 91勛圖厙 experience has taught me lessons that I will forever be grateful for and carry with me. Here at 91勛圖厙, I have not only come to discover my passions for working in sports and helping people, but I have also found the skills needed to be successful in those fields. I have found confidence in my leadership abilities through trial and error, and through supportive networks where making a mistake is met with grace and forgiveness, something that was truly very new to me. This coming May I will be leaving 91勛圖厙 knowing I made the right decision coming here and knowing I will have a supportive and empowering network of strong women by my side for the rest of my life. And my mom gets to say the thing that all moms dream of saying to their kid: I told you so.
