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Get to Know Smith College Field Hockey’s Ada Hendrickson
Name: Ada Hendrickson
Hometown: State College, Pennsylvania
High School: State College Area High School
Sport: Field Hockey
Positions: Defense and Midfield
Former Field Hockey Clubs: She began her career playing the the Blue Lions and finished with Blue Stripe Field Hockey Club.
College: Smith College, located in Northampton, Massachusetts. The institution is home to nearly 2,900 students and competes at the NCAA Division III level. The Pioneers are members of the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC).
Why She Chose Smith: “Smith offered an opportunity I had been searching for where I would be challenged academically, be welcomed and supported by my teammates, and have a strong work, sport, and life balance. I knew Smith would challenge me, but I was confident that I could find a balance thanks to the welcoming, encouraging and competitive team environment. After meeting the team, I was confident in Smith as my top choice.”
High School Accolades: Marine Corp Distinguished Athlete Award recipient, team captain during her senior season, four-year letter winner, four-time District 6 champion, four PIAA state playoff appearances.
College Accolades: Two-time NEWMAC academic all-conference, two-time National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-Academic team selection, two NEWMAC postseason appearances, and an NFHCA Scholar of Distinction
Majors and Future Plans: Sociology and the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality. Hendrickson is hopeful to continue her studies at the graduate level to earn a degree in business or criminology. She’s hopeful in the future to coach field hockey as well as to own a business.
Narrative About Her Field Hockey Career: The State High field hockey program saw huge positive momentum while I participated. The best part of my high school career was experiencing my teammates and my own growth in our skills and confidence to the point where we as a collective began to see a change in team culture and competitiveness. Experiencing the growth in the program was transformational for how I viewed my own role within a team. While at Smith, I have watched a similar transformation. As for many Division III programs, the pandemic disrupted the team’s flow before I arrived. During my first year, a majority of the team were entering their sophomore season. I myself experienced intense shin splints that season and was unable to play. The year after that has been all about getting back into my field hockey groove, while enjoying my team and supporting each other as much as possible. That being said, during our spring season this year, I finally found my path again with the support and encouragement of my teammates and coaches. There isn’t one moment that stands out to me, but rather the lesson of support and encouragement given and shared between my teammates. The cheers of excitement when someone makes progress whether on a skill, conditioning, or a passion outside of field hockey. The ability to share excitement or to offer sympathy or share and listen to a constructive critic are what I remember from my career the most so far. Those moments are what encourage growth for everyone.”
Her Support System: Her longtime youth and high school coaches, Sharon Herlocher, Chelle Tambroni, and Laurie O’Donnell; her late uncle, Mark Hendrickson, and her parents Michael and Jennifer Hendrickson. “My mom and dad have always encouraged me to chase any opportunity or interest. They took me to Smith for the first time with less than a 24 hour notice. I always credit my late Uncle Mark for teaching me to get back every time I fall.”
Upcoming Adventure: Hendrickson will be spending three weeks in South Africa this summer as an intern for Project Playground. She will have the opportunity to be a coach and conduct fundraising during her time working. This is a program offered for student-athletes to go abroad and develop and restore playgrounds for communities in need.
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