Indiana University Athletics

Catching Up with IUFH Alumni Rachel Stauffer
5/1/2020 11:37:00 AM | Field Hockey
Rachel Stauffer is a 2016 graduate of the Indiana Field Hockey program. Since graduating, Stauffer has remained in the field hockey world as an assistant coach at three colleges. IUHoosiers.com caught up with the alum to see what she has been up to.
What have you been up to since playing?
After graduation I started coaching field hockey as an assistant at Colby College for one season, followed by Swarthmore College for one season. Since then, I've moved to Division I coaching as the assistant at the Unviersity of Pennsylvania and I'm excited to start my third season with the Quakers this coming fall.
Where are you at right now?
I live right outside Philadelphia, PA and have been traveling as much as possible.
What gives you encouragement and motivation during this time?
Staying connected with my friends and family has kept me going and staying positive during this difficult time. I'm trying to stay busy, active and get as much out of this "down time" as possible!
What is something you and your family are doing to pass the time?
A lot of home projects! I decided to come home to Lancaster, PA and quarantine with my family so I have been here and helping them with different home reno projects. We also go on a lot of walks and ride bike everyday which I'm loving!
What shows are you catching up on?
I'm not watching a lot of shows, but I'm really into the Michael Jordan documentary series that's currently showing.
What advice do you give to your fellow Hoosiers during this time?
Stay connected! Whether that's via Zoom, FaceTime, etc. but don't isolate yourself!
Favorite memory from being part of the Indiana Field Hockey team?
Definitely senior year! The whole year was just a really big highlight for me, but specifically the weekend we opened Big Tens at home. My mom was in town and helped me decorate the locker room for the team with a disco ball, lights and bubble machine! The whole team was so stoked and amped that weekend and we swept the weekend to start the best Big Ten season in program history.
Favorite and least favorite drill that you would have to do in practice?
My favorite drill was the 3-goal because it was high tempo, super competitive and there were lots of goals scored! However, I really didn't like Queen of the Hill which was all 1v1 focused and Sydney Supica always kicked my butt!
One thing your current self would tell your student-athlete self?
I would say be confident and don't take yourself too seriously! The time goes by so fast and you can't waste it trying to be perfect. When you mess up, evaluate it but don't dwell.
A lesson that being an IU field hockey player taught you
A big lesson I learned at IU is how to be a good teammate and put myself in other people's shoes.
Part you miss most?
Obviously I miss everything that happens on the field with my teammates… the scoring, the celebrations, the huddles, etc. but I think the part I miss most is living in Bloomington with all my best friends. Now everyone is spread out all over the world and it's amazing when we get to visit, but spending 24/7 with my best friends was such an amazing experience.
A piece of advice for current players?
Be confident!!! Don't waste time second guessing yourself. You're there for a reason and only have four years so light it up!!
What have you been up to since playing?
After graduation I started coaching field hockey as an assistant at Colby College for one season, followed by Swarthmore College for one season. Since then, I've moved to Division I coaching as the assistant at the Unviersity of Pennsylvania and I'm excited to start my third season with the Quakers this coming fall.
Where are you at right now?
I live right outside Philadelphia, PA and have been traveling as much as possible.
What gives you encouragement and motivation during this time?
Staying connected with my friends and family has kept me going and staying positive during this difficult time. I'm trying to stay busy, active and get as much out of this "down time" as possible!
What is something you and your family are doing to pass the time?
A lot of home projects! I decided to come home to Lancaster, PA and quarantine with my family so I have been here and helping them with different home reno projects. We also go on a lot of walks and ride bike everyday which I'm loving!
What shows are you catching up on?
I'm not watching a lot of shows, but I'm really into the Michael Jordan documentary series that's currently showing.
What advice do you give to your fellow Hoosiers during this time?
Stay connected! Whether that's via Zoom, FaceTime, etc. but don't isolate yourself!
Favorite memory from being part of the Indiana Field Hockey team?
Definitely senior year! The whole year was just a really big highlight for me, but specifically the weekend we opened Big Tens at home. My mom was in town and helped me decorate the locker room for the team with a disco ball, lights and bubble machine! The whole team was so stoked and amped that weekend and we swept the weekend to start the best Big Ten season in program history.
Favorite and least favorite drill that you would have to do in practice?
My favorite drill was the 3-goal because it was high tempo, super competitive and there were lots of goals scored! However, I really didn't like Queen of the Hill which was all 1v1 focused and Sydney Supica always kicked my butt!
One thing your current self would tell your student-athlete self?
I would say be confident and don't take yourself too seriously! The time goes by so fast and you can't waste it trying to be perfect. When you mess up, evaluate it but don't dwell.
A lesson that being an IU field hockey player taught you
A big lesson I learned at IU is how to be a good teammate and put myself in other people's shoes.
Part you miss most?
Obviously I miss everything that happens on the field with my teammates… the scoring, the celebrations, the huddles, etc. but I think the part I miss most is living in Bloomington with all my best friends. Now everyone is spread out all over the world and it's amazing when we get to visit, but spending 24/7 with my best friends was such an amazing experience.
A piece of advice for current players?
Be confident!!! Don't waste time second guessing yourself. You're there for a reason and only have four years so light it up!!
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