Lilly Pergola – Boston College Women’s Field Hockey Player

Getting started in Field Hockey

Lilly Pergola began her journey into field hockey in the seventh grade, influenced by her mom, who played the sport in high school. With a background in lacrosse and ice hockey, Lilly quickly adapted to field hockey, seeing the similarities in the skills required. Her initial experience with field hockey was at school, where her mom encouraged her to participate, believing her skills from other sports would translate well. By her freshman year, Lilly was playing varsity field hockey at New Country Day and joined a club team during the winter. It was during this time that she began to take the sport more seriously, practicing more frequently outside of school and team practices. The turning point came in the summer after her freshman year when she decided she wanted to pursue field hockey at the collegiate level. Her commitment to the sport led her to quit ice hockey after her freshman year to focus solely on field hockey, demonstrating her growing passion and dedication to her new sport.

Psychological Approach: Abiding by a Superstitious Routine

Lilly’s psychological approach to field hockey is rooted in mental preparation and maintaining focus through specific routines. Before games, she values solitude, taking a few minutes to herself to mentally prepare, whether it’s changing her uniform alone or walking around the campus. A unique aspect of her pre-game routine is having her hair braided. Lilly believes that looking and feeling her best helps her perform at her best, and this small ritual gives her a sense of being put together and ready for the game. Her approach to mental training also includes visualizing success and focusing on positive outcomes rather than potential failures. For instance, she prefers to think about hitting the ball into specific parts of the goal rather than worrying about missing. This positive visualization technique helps her stay focused and confident. Additionally, Lilly finds that solo training sessions are therapeutic, allowing her to de-stress and concentrate on improving specific skills, which in turn helps her block out distractions and sharpen her mental game.

Physical Routine & Preparation: Focusing on the Details

Lilly’s physical routine is a testament to her dedication and discipline. Her training focuses heavily on stick handling, controlling the ball, and shooting while on the move, crucial skills for her position as a forward. She practices these drills not only during team practices but also on her own, ensuring she consistently works on her weaknesses to become a well-rounded player. Nutrition plays a significant role in her preparation, with careful attention to her diet, especially before games. Lilly emphasizes the importance of consuming carbs 24 hours before a game and avoiding protein close to game time to ensure optimal energy levels. Hydration and stretching are also key components of her routine, essential for maintaining peak physical condition and preventing injuries. During the season, Lilly practices five to six days a week, complemented by strength training sessions at least four times a week. Her commitment to these routines helps her stay fit, prevent injuries, and perform consistently throughout the season.

Key Takeaways From Lilly’s Interview

Lilly’s journey and approach to field hockey offer valuable insights beyond the usual physical and mental preparations. One standout aspect is her emphasis on the importance of community and mentorship. She credits her club coach, Patty Bosio, for being a significant influence, pushing her to improve and believe in her potential. This mentorship has been pivotal in Lilly’s development and motivation to pursue field hockey at a higher level. Additionally, Lilly’s resourcefulness in managing her time and balancing her sport with other commitments is noteworthy. She has learned to avoid burnout by taking care of her body through proper sleep, nutrition, and hydration, and finds solo training sessions to be a form of self-care. Her story also highlights the importance of consistency in training, where small daily improvements accumulate over time to result in significant progress. For aspiring athletes, Lilly’s experience underscores the value of dedication, positive mental strategies, and the support of mentors and community in achieving success in sports.