By Josh Lipka
For field hockey senior midfielder Nicole Youman, leaving home for college is a bit more involved than for other students.
Nicknamed Nic, the University of Louisville field hockey captain is neither an in-state nor an out-of-state student. Youman left her hometown of Black Mountain, New South Wales in Australia to travel halfway around the globe to be a Louisville Cardinal.
A couple of years prior to Youman’s arrival in the states, she began thinking of playing college field hockey in the U.S. Due to the expenses required to play field hockey, along with below average facilities in Australia, Youman wanted more.
“It’s very expensive to play field hockey in Australia,” said Youman. “I had to pay for it myself. When we traveled, we had to pay for it all.”
Many athletes in Australia have never heard of U of L. But Youman happened to know an alumna of U of L field hockey, Pip Sanders. Sanders played her senior season for the Cardinals in 2002 under head coach Pam Bustin. After graduating, Sanders went home to Australia and stayed involved with the field hockey system.
“Pip knew Nic and of her interest in playing in the United States,” said Bustin. “So we got connected through Pip Sanders.”
Even before making the trip from Australia to the U.S., Youman was well aware of American field hockey and what colleges here had to offer.
“Here at U of L, the hype, money and support are completely different than in Australia,” said Youman. “We would have none of the facilities and barely any support.”
Youman learned about U of L and Bustin through Sanders. She then contacted Bustin to broach the subject of coming to the U.S.
“After I talked with some people, I thought of Pam Bustin,” said Youman. “I researched her e-mail address and sent her an e-mail, including what I would like to do and how this is the program I would like to join.”
The style of field hockey varies between countries. Because Youman learned to play the sport in Australia, her style started out very different than that of her teammates who learned to play in the U.S. Senior midfielder Rachel Hollenbach has been Youman’s teammate since their freshman year. They are often roommates when the team travels. Hollenbach is from Winfield, Pa.
“Her style is more finesse,” said Hollenbach. “The style of play here in the states is more physical. In Australia, there isn’t as much body contact. But club teams are very skilled.”
As a newcomer, Youman had an exceptional skill, but still had room for improvement.
“Nic is highly skilled and came here with a great touch on the ball,” said Bustin. “One of the things she wanted to improve on was her fitness and understanding the physiological side of hockey.”
With high quality strength and conditioning staff and facilities, U of L is ranked among the best in the nation.
“There is a lot of time spent on physical conditioning training,” said Bustin. “I could promise Nic she would be much fitter then, from when she came in.”
From the beginning, Bustin understood that Youman would face a complicated transition in coming to America.
“I think it’s difficult for an international kid to come to a culture you’re not familiar with,” said Bustin. “We have had to help Nic understand a little about the American culture.”
Having to deal with the challenge of doing something completely new, Youman committed herself to reaching her goals.
“At first it was rough,” said Bustin. “It’s not easy making those changes. But now she is a leader in fitness.”
Since her freshman year, Youman has developed into an elite player. Her highly intense work ethic has built a reputation and stands out among the team.
“Nic’s such a hard worker,” said Bustin. “Nic’s not asking anybody to do anything she’s not doing herself. Nicole’s a good student. She’s taking care of her nutrition and making healthy choices.”
Majoring in exercise science and psychology, Youman has thought about what the future might hold.
“I really want to coach and work with children,” said Youman. “My main goal in life is to work with children who struggle with obesity and different disabilities. It would be a nice combination of hockey and work.”
Having Youman as a student athlete at U of L has been an eye opening experience for both parties.
“She’s been wonderful,” said Bustin. “Nic’s always worked with the coaching staff and teammates to understand. It goes both ways. To be led by someone who doesn’t understand your culture is difficult as well. It’s been a great learning experience for both sides.”
Youman was named preseason All-Big East Conference this 2010 fall season. She will lead the Cardinals in their next home game on Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. against Georgetown University.
