Catching Up With IUFH Alumni Amanda Oyler

Amanda Oyler was a midfielder who played for the Indiana Field Hockey team from 2004-05. During her time with the Hoosiers she appeared in 56 games starting 35 of them and recorded eight assists and five goals. IUHoosiers.com caught up with the '07 grad to see where her path led after her playing days and her advice for current atudent-athletes.

What have you been up to since playing?
After graduation, I immediately went to grad school at West Chester University and obtained my Master's Degree in Sport & Athletic Administration. I also was a Phillies Ballgirl for the Philadelphia Phillies during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. The past 6 years I have served as Athletics Coordinator for the Westtown School Athletics Department and am the Head Varsity Field Hockey Coach.

Where are you at right now?
I currently live in King of Prussia, PA with my rescue dog, Macie.

What gives you encouragement and motivation during this time?
Seeing all of the amazing acts of kindness and selflessness during these hard and challenging times. It's quite moving seeing people coming together to help one another. If the hardest thing I have to do is stay home, then I consider myself pretty blessed and lucky.

What is something you and your family are doing to pass the time?
Lots of walks with my dog, Macie, working out, and catching up on shows with my roommate.

What shows are you catching up on?
I just finished watching all of Gilmore Girls. Now I'm starting season 3 of Ozark.

What advice do you give to your fellow Hoosiers during this time?
Stay busy, get fresh air, and always take time each day to find and write down what you're grateful for. There is good in each and every day- we just have to find and recognize it.

One lesson being an Indiana Field Hockey student-athlete taught you?
TIME MANAGEMENT. It's a full time job being a Division I Student-Athlete in which you're balancing your academic work load as well as being a competitive athlete in the Big Ten. I also learned it was so important that to carve out time for myself to do things I love and enjoy being a college student for those 4 years as well.

Favorite memory from being part of the Indiana Field Hockey team?
The entire 2005 was memorable and one for the record books and what makes it even better is I got to share this experience with current head coach, Kayla, and assistant coach, Dani, who were my teammates. It was absolutely incredible to see our name pop up on the TV for being selected to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history, as well as beating UNC in the first round to advance to the Elite Eight. I will never forget it and the history we made that season as a team!

Favorite and least favorite drill that you would have to do in practice?
I love small sided games especially 3v2 or 2v1 continuous. Least favorite, even though it's not a drill, will always be the beep test.

One thing your current self would tell your student-athlete self?
Slow down. Enjoy every moment because you won't get it back because it goes incredibly fast. Field hockey was a part of my identify since I was 9 years old and the second you walk off the field the last time, it's quite sad. You're going to miss it so much so make sure to look around, be grateful, and enjoy every second of it.

A lesson that being an IU field hockey player taught you?
The legendary Amy Robertson (our IU coach at the time) taught me so much. She created this program from the ground up. I am so grateful for all the lessons she taught me not only as a player, but as an individual as well. She made me a better player, a better human being, and taught us to be proud and to work hard for that name on the front of our jerseys and for each other because we were family on and off the field no matter what.

Part you miss most?
Game day and competing. It's simply magical and the piece I miss the most. From putting on that IU uniform to standing in line with your teammates and your hand over your heart for the national anthem…the second you step onto that field and the whistle blows, it's when I've felt the most in my element and alive.

A piece of advice for current players?
Appreciate everything no matter how small. And know that you serve a purpose and an important part of this team whether you're in the game or on the sidelines. Being an Indiana Hoosier of one of the greatest things you will ever accomplish!

Related Videos