Since her early years in elementary school, Manheim Township senior Rhylee Givens has been dedicated to the sport of field hockey.
Her passion and dedication to this sport will enable her to continue this pursuit at Providence College, a Division 1 athletic program. When Givens visited the school and team, she knew that was where she wanted to commit, not just for college but to the field hock. When Givens went on an official tour of Providence in the early fall of her junior year, she fell in love with the school’s environment. An aspect that particularly stood out to her was the family-like bond the team had.
Givens has always been a strong competitor, which has not only been a noticeable quality to her fellow teammates, but also to MT head field hockey coach Jess Shellenberger.
“Rhylee is a competitor. I’ve sat with her at times and she’s told me: ‘I hate losing.’ You watch her out there and even if the ball is nowhere near her, she will run as hard as she can to try and be effective,” Shellenberger said.
Given’s drive for competition was also a deciding factor of why and where she decided to continue playing after high school. She looks forward to being able to compete in a more competitive setting, where she can work towards improving her skills through every playing opportunity she gets.
Though her streak is a benefit, it is not the only strength she brings to the team.
“She serves as an asset by always thinking one play ahead and taking care of the ball on offense, leading to many positive outcomes in our offense circle,” fellow senior teammate Oly Sponaugle said. “Defensively, Rhylee always tackles back and hustles to mark the other team in our defensive circle.”
Coach Shellenberger also emphasized what Givens brings to the team, especially her shooting abilities.
“She has an amazing shot and also has the ability to shoot on her strong side and her backhand,” Shellenberger said.
In addition to Givens having exceptional skills, she is also a very positive influence on the team, especially to their younger players, like her sister, freshman Mackenzie Givens. According to Sponaugle, Givens actively looks for ways to set up younger players to score and make plays. Sponagule described her patience and ability to connect passes as “inspirational.”
Coach Shellenberger echoes the sentiment regarding Givens’ efforts toward making sure that the younger players feel included, describing her as caring and having “a sweet nature.”
According to Givens, she has had many important people help her along the way in her field hockey journey, but one in particular stands out.
“One person that has truly been the most influential is my mom. Ever since I was 7 (when I started playing club) my mom has been there cheering for me, but also at the same time coaching me,” Givens said. “Anytime I was struggling with a skill, concept, or a game play style, she would be there ready to explain it and show me the technique. It never mattered what time it would be; she would always be there ready to help. Everything that I have earned and achieved today is thanks to my mom.”
