Decisions, Decisions

When freshman Melissa Gonzalez played field hockey in high school, there was no doubt she had the potential to make it to any NCAA Division I school.

Gonzalez was a high school all-American under coach Sharon Sarsen at Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak, N.Y. and left Lakeland the all-time leader in goals, assists and points. The decision to play collegiate field hockey seemed to already have been laid for her.

But there was something that slightly interfered with her committing to play at UConn.

Gonzalez, who dons No. 9 for field hockey head coach Nancy Stevens, was also an all-American and a top-40 high school recruit for women's soccer and there were Division I schools who wanted her to play for them.

"We just wanted [Gonzalez] to be happy," Stevens said. "You always trust that a player will follow their heart and follow their dreams. We're very happy she decided to play field hockey for the University of Connecticut."

Gonzalez was looking into playing at soccer schools such as UConn, Maryland and Hofstra, she said. But when she came to UConn as a junior in high school for UConn field hockey's junior day she had a feeling she wanted to play field hockey for the Huskies.

"I wanted to stay close to home," Gonzalez said. "I knew about UConn's reputation for athletics and education and I wanted to look into UConn."

In her high school career, Gonzalez played four years of field hockey, capping off her senior season with a state championship - the second of her high school career. She also played two years of soccer for Lakeland.

Just as Gonzalez had to choose field hockey over soccer when she got to college, she needed to make the same decision in high school. New York high school regulations caused both sports to play out in the fall season, creating a conflict. At the time, the decision to move soccer to the fall caused a lot of controversy among New York high school athletes, such as Gonzalez, who already had a fall sport.

Fortunately for Gonzalez, the decision to continue her high school field hockey career wasn't a difficult one. Gonzalez was involved in a club team that played during the spring and was a part of the Olympic Development Program for soccer.

"At the time I enjoyed both sports," Gonzalez said. "With field hockey you just had high school hockey. With soccer you still had other things besides high school soccer. My decision was me trying to keep playing [field hockey]."

When Gonzalez decided to play collegiate field hockey, her high school coach was happy to see her continue her career, Stevens said. But before Gonzalez made her decision, she said Sarsen was supportive of wherever she ended up.

"She's one of those coaches that naturally cares," Gonzalez said. "Even though I was out of high school, [Sarsen] wasn't saying 'I don't have to associate myself with her anymore.' She's come to some of my games this year and has been really supportive."

Stevens also wanted what was best for Gonzalez with an added hope that she would wear UConn blue and white.

"To be honest, we just wanted her to come to UConn, whether it was through soccer or field hockey," Stevens said.

With a trip to the NCAA Final Four this weekend against North Carolina, Gonzalez has already made an impact on the team, starting all but one game for the Huskies.

In a decorated high school and collegiate athletic career, Gonzalez is content with the path she's chosen.

"I'm very happy with my decision," Gonzalez said. "I love these girls and everyone's so nice here. There are absolutely no regrets."

Contact Marc Gauthier at

Marc.Gauthier@UConn.edu.