The Bentley field hockey team headed internationally, for the first time, this season during a quick trip to the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Over a period of ten days, the team played adult clubs (Mixed Hockey Club Castricum, HC Nova, Aachener HC), explored the local attractions, and bonded before their season began. Sophomore Abby Lowe reflected on the trip saying, “it was a once in a lifetime experience, and not only did my knowledge of the sport of [field] hockey strengthen, the team’s chemistry evolved on and off the field.”
But the journey to Europe didn’t start with a plane ride – it took years of planning to send the team.
“The past couple of years, the team had a goal to play the sport abroad,” Lowe said. “We specifically chose to play in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands since they have a reputation for having some of the best field hockey in the world.”
Even more important to their mission was the topic of raising the money to go. Head Coach Jessica Spencer noted that the team found funds in different places in the two years they spent fundraising, stating, “Last spring we received a large anonymous donation that helped make this trip a reality for our entire team, and our alumni were also very supportive along our fundraising journey.”
The Falcons were coming off a great season in which they broke their first-round exit streak in an exciting shootout win against Adelphi. This year, with 11 seniors graduating in 2025, the team had a lot to prove and build upon.
Senior captain Gracie Moore had an opportunity to establish leadership early in Europe, saying, “I want to continue the legacy of being a strong role model – something that’s so important to me is being an authentic leader. I strive to stay supportive and positive while also pushing my teammates to be the best they can.”
With nine freshmen coming in, Moore also recognized how the trip allowed “deeper connections” to form earlier in the season. The closer proximity allowed them to “understand each other more not only as teammates but as people.”
The team chemistry developed early in the season will be a huge asset for the Falcons. Playing against clubs overseas provides fierce competition for the players that will translate to conference play. The experience of Lowe and Moore is a great example of how playing abroad can beneficially impact the play and culture of Bentley’s programs, and it doesn’t hurt that they were able to spend the week in Europe.
