Meet Ali Froede - Hockey player for the US at this year's Hockey World Cup in London
From Burke, Virginia. Team #20
Published on July 9, 2018
www.teamusa.org/usa-field-hockey/athletes/Ali-Froede

Where are you from in the States, and how did you get into Hockey?

I grew up in northern Virginia, right outside of Washington D.C, where Field Hockey was not very popular. I had played soccer my whole life and first started playing hockey my freshman year of high school. My gym teacher was the Field Hockey coach, and after seeing I was athletic, convinced me to try out. I liked that I could use my soccer knowledge of field positioning and objectives on the hockey pitch while learning a new set of stick skills.

You'll be competing for the USA in the upcoming Hockey Women's World Cup in London. How do you feel representing the United States in the competition?

It’s a huge honor every time I get to put on the USA jersey and step on to the pitch. It was a dream I never really knew I had, or one I thought I could ever accomplish, so every game is very special.

One of your big matches in this year's competition will be on July 25 against the home nation, England - how are you feeling about this big Transatlantic match against the hosts of this year's World Cup?

England is always a tough matchup, especially with a home crowd behind them. It’s a lot of fun playing in front of that many fans, so we’re looking forward to the challenge. 

The US Women's Hockey team has had big success in recent years, including winning the Champions Challenge in Glasgow in 2014. How do you feel the team is progressing, and what are your hopes for the World Cup?

We have put in a lot of hard work over the last few years in preparation for this tournament. Now it’s time to see all that hard work pay off and show what we can do. 

In the States, the word 'Hockey' often gets associated with Ice Hockey, but how is Field Hockey developing?

Field Hockey is definitely a growing sport. Growing up, I barely knew what the sport was, and knew very few people who played. Now, my home town has multiple clubs that are very successful with multiple age groups. It’s great to see so many people getting excited about the sport and wanting to try it out. At USA Field Hockey, we have a mission to grow the game. We have clinics and information sessions to introduce the sport to areas of the country that don’t have programs. It’s very rewarding being able to put a stick into a kids hands for the first time, and seeing them fall in love with the sport!

How have you been preparing for the World Cup, what is the training regime like?

We just got back from a trip to Argentina as part of our final phase of training before we leave for London. It offered us great experience to get confidence heading into our first game and fine tune our skills.

Whilst you're in London, will you have much time to relax? If you have some free time, what would you love to do whilst in the UK?

While we’re away we don’t have too much time to relax and see the sights — it is a business trip after all, but if we do I would love to see Big Ben and have an authentic meal of fish and chips!

What advice would you give someone interested in getting into Field Hockey?

Don’t ever allow anyone, including yourself, put too much pressure on you. I play my best hockey when I can be myself on the field and enjoy the moment. 

Finally, what's the best thing about being part of the US Field Hockey team?

The best part about being part of the US Field Hockey team is being a part of something that challenges me every single day. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s a lot of hard work but it can be very rewarding knowing you're capable of more than you think you are. 

Find out more about the USA Field Hockey team at their website, www.teamusa.org/USA-Field-Hockey, and find our details on the USA's matches at the London World Cup, starting July 21, via www.fih.ch/events/world-cup/world-cup-2018/hockey-world-cup-london-2018-w/