Meet Stefanie Fee, who'll be competing for the US at this year's Hockey World Cup in London
From Virginia Beach, Va. Team #2
Published on July 9, 2018
www.teamusa.org/usa-field-hockey/athletes/Stefanie-Fee

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

I am from Virginia Beach, VA. I grew up in a sporty home with an older brother who taught me the meaning of competition. Well, it could be considered "picking on" from an older to a younger sibling, but all the same it made me the competitor I am today. I started dribbling a soccer ball and basketball just after I could walk and was considered a bit of a tomboy. My soccer teammates in middle school begged me to try out for the Field Hockey team as well, but since a skirt was a staple in the uniform I quickly declined! However, I was able to attend the USA National Team training a couple months later and I was hooked on hockey! I thankfully got over the skirt factor and have loved the sport since day 1.

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?

Representing the USA at any competition is the most rewarding experience because I have the honor to be a part of something bigger than myself. It is amazing to represent such an amazing country and boast the Red, White and Blue on such an elite Field Hockey stage like the World Cup.

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?

Over the past 6 years, I have thoroughly enjoyed the competition between USA and England. It's simply great hockey and it's exciting to be a part of the action. I don't envy the pressure to win on the host stage and I also understand the privilege of home-field advantage, but regardless of outside factors we plan to play to our DNA as USA Field Hockey.

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?

US Hockey has always had the reputation of hard workers who love to compete. Over the past 4 years, we have honed in on essential technical skill development that has allowed us to be a top contender in the world. We plan to use our speed, fitness, and skill to excel at the World Cup and finish as 1 of the top 3.

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

Hockey in America is definitely lacking in the attention that it deserves. Partly, it doesn't help that men who play the sport are located mainly on the West Coast, far from the eyes of East Coast viewers. However, over the past couple years there has been an expansion in access to artificial turf, which means faster hockey and better skill development compared to grass fields. To the point, Field Hockey growth in America is a work in progress but we are optimistic!

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

As usual, our training has ramped up along with our lifting and conditioning. We are sharpening final details and have great plan to be set for Game 1 of the World Cup!

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?

There will not be a lot of free time to enjoy all that the UK has to offer, but my parents are coming so I plan to live vicariously through them!

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

As with any sport, I would tell them to enjoy the sport and simply play for the fun of the game. I have made it to the pinnacle of my sport in the Olympics, and I am proud to say that my love for the game has always remained constant from that first day I started as a kid.

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

The pride of representing such an amazing country and fighting, with my teammates, to be the best we can be.

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/