By Kevin Eickman
Field hockey is a growing passion in Delaware, and with it the rise in the level of top-flight student athletes has grown as well. Locally, Milford has been blessed with an abundance of talent and leadership. While each player has a vital role in the success of a team, sometimes players stand out from the rest. Such is the case with Hannah Zimmerman. As a result of her success and dedication, Zimmerman will be heading to Virginia Commonwealth University after she graduates this spring from Milford High School.
Zimmerman is a three-time, 1st Team All-State selection. More than that, however, she is a leader both on and off the field
“When you look at Hannah’s leadership and passion for the game, you can see a very high ceiling for her at the next level. She works extremely hard and made sure that her teammates were on top of their responsibilities as well, she is everything you could ask for in a captain, player and teammate.” Milford Head Coach Andrea McPike stated.
When selecting a college, VCU was initially not on her radar, as some fairly solid programs were looking to sign her. In the eyes of Zimmerman, VCU was a program which she wasn’t really viewing as a viable option, from a distance. That all changed when she took a visit down to Richmond
“I pretty much had made up my mind, but I also have an open mind, so after speaking with a few of the coaches from VCU, I made a visit. I was stunned with how comfortable I felt, almost immediately. Everyone at the school seemed so relaxed and into the environment, it was very contagious.” Zimmerman said.
Taking a deeper look into the effort Zimmerman has put into her game, she has had a huge amount of support along the way, beginning with McPike
“She has always been there for me, as far back as I can remember. We would work on all aspects of my game, physically and mentally. She is also someone that cares about all her players. That is what makes her so special. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your role is, Coach McPike will find a way to make you a better player and person.” Zimmerman stated.
Another coach who helped Zimmerman was former University of Delaware coach Rolf van de Kerkhof.
“I spent a lot of weekends up at U.D. and he always had time for me, he didn’t have to help me he is a very busy person, but he did, and I really appreciate and thank him for helping me develop my game. I strongly considered the University of Delaware program, but like I said, I fell in love with VCU.”
Always one to challenge herself, Zimmerman also played lacrosse starting in sixth grade and this past season played basketball for the first time.
“I enjoy athletics very much and feel that the skills I learn playing other sports gives me greater flexibility when it comes to field hockey,” Zimmerman said. “Plus, I enjoy the challenge of learning new things.”
