From Karate Champion to Field Hockey Star: Nicholls' Chases Her American Dream
Logan LeGrett | IUHoosiers.com Student Staff Writer
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- High pressure situations have been a recurring theme throughout Elen Nicholls' life. The sophomore standout for Indiana field hockey has already achieved more athletic feats than most people could only dream of.
From becoming a two-time national champion in Karate, to moving away from her home on the island of Great Britan to play field hockey in America, Nicholls boasts an impressive and unique athletic resume.
“I was quite fortunate my parents let me do every sport,” said Nicholls. “I was a very sporty child, and I loved it. I love being in high-pressure situations. It makes me thrive a bit more.”
Growing up in Deal, Kent, on the southeast coastline of the England, Nicholls was a true sports prodigy. Early in her life, Karate was her primary focus, training diligently multiple days a week and competing on weekends across the United Kingdom.
“We drove five hours up to the national competitions and I think what made me get so far is that I loved it,” said Nicholls. “I enjoyed it so much, and it was genuinely my passion.”
That passion and dedication is what made her into a national champion. After placing silver in the national championships when she was 10 years old, she would go on to win the U16 national championship not once, but twice.
“Karate is an individual sport, and the dedication is the main thing. You've got no one [out on the mat with you],” she said. “Obviously, you've got your family and friends cheering you on, but you've got no one picking you up in the fight. If you're down or if something's going wrong, it's purely on yourself.”
Becoming a two-time champion in karate has proven to be an invaluable experience. The mental toughness, grittiness, and dedication needed have given Nicholls an advantage that separates her from the competition when she steps onto the field hockey pitch.
“I think bringing that into a team sport, it made me realize that when someone else is having a bad game, I can pick them up,” said Nicholls. “and they do the same for me. I think I much prefer a team sport to an individual one.”
Even when Nicholls became a decorated Karate champion, her aspirations of playing field hockey at the highest level in America never went away.
“I’ve always loved the idea of the American Dream-type situation, and the amount of opportunities America can give me,” she said. “I mean, I get to play the sport I love twenty-four seven. And, yes, it can be draining, and I may complain every so often, but I love what I do, and I wouldn't replace it for the world. The opportunities I get are unreal.”
Nicholls’ American Dream came true when she committed to the University of Delaware where she played in all 17 games as a true freshman and made three starts. After the season, Nicholls transfer to Indiana, mainly to compete in the Big Ten.
Although the decision to leave Delaware was not easy, Nicholls explained that she is always looking to become the best version of herself.
“I loved Delaware. I loved my team. I loved the hockey, but I wanted to [compete at a higher level],” she noted. “I wanted to push myself more.”
As is the pattern in Nicholl’s life, she wanted to put herself in a position to compete with and beat the best.
The decision to transfer stemmed from her experience playing on the U21 Wales team in the Commonwealth Games, and the opportunity to play on the Wales Senior National Team in 2026, where she would compete against the best teams across Europe.
“I do want to make the Commonwealth Games in 2026,” said Nicholls. “If I want to do that, I need to be playing the number one team in the nation. I just enjoy being pushed to the absolute limit. It's a massive competition back home. It's really impressive.”
Nicholls has found the perfect challenge at Indiana that continues to push her to be at her absolute best and the American-style hockey has forced her to adapt and overcome a new playstyle with different tactics.
"[American field hockey] uses different tactics, and it's just getting used to those tactics, but when you get used to it, it's really fun and quite nice to play with,” she said.
Getting accustomed to the American style of field hockey is one challenge, but the American way of life and being so far away from family is another adjustment.
"The biggest thing I miss is the sea,” Nicholls said. “My house is opposite the sea, and you can see France from my living room window. I just miss the smell of the sea air in the morning. That really makes me think of home."
On top of this, Nicholls made note about how she misses being able to watch the English Premier League with her family back at home.
“I'm a Liverpool fan. My sister's going to be thankful I said that to you. My Sister loves football. Soccer.”
For now, Nicholls remains focused on making the most of her time at IU, both on the field and in the classroom. While the team has gotten off to a slow start, Nicholls notes that there are a lot of positives to look at after an extremely tight 1-0 loss against -top-ranked Northwestern.
“I'm really excited,” she said. “We do have a lot to work on, but at the same time, we've got so many opportunities, and we are literally grasping at them. They are there. They're in our reach. We're just going to keep working hard at training.”
Holding herself to the standard of a true champion, Nicholls is embracing and thriving in every opportunity she has created for herself.
"I enjoy what I do, and I wouldn't replace it for the world," she said.
