Acorn

Issue date: 11/7/06 Section: Sports

Broken noses hurt. Just ask field hockey attacker Jen Schoepflin--a ball flew through the air and slammed into her nose during the Oct. 4 game against C.W. Post. But Schoepflin didn't let that stop her.

'After she broke her nose, the first words out of her mouth were: 'Can I go back in?' midfielder and defender senior Kirstin DeFusco said. When Schoepflin's nose stopped bleeding, she dove back into the game.

'I have never seen her give up,' DeFusco said. 'Jen is a very determined player.'

Tri-captain Schoepflin, a junior, had four goals and six assists this season. She led the team with 14 points overall.

'Jen is an excellent player,' Coach Kelly Ford said. 'She has a nose for the cage and is one of our leading scorers.'

Schoepflin is a strong competitor, Ford said. 'She wants to play her best and have those around her [play their best] as well,' Ford said. 'She helps her teammates and encourages them to try new skills and improve on old [ones].'

Schoepflin's teammates appreciate her ability. 'She's a great leader and can always motivate the team to step up,' midfielder freshman Delia Barr said. 'She always takes it upon herself to improve. She is a leader on and off the field.'

The Rangers (3-14-0) have had a rough season, Schoepflin said.

The team suffered four concussions and two broken noses, among other injuries, she said.

'Our losses do not reflect the amount of work we put in this season,' Schoepflin said.

The most difficult part of the season was 'finding the will to play when you are already losing by four or five goals,' Schoepflin said. 'But I learned that it is always important to fight to the end and have pride in my team and teammates.'

Ford saw the team's dedication. 'We have a very talented and eager team,' she said. 'Their motivation to come back even stronger next year is unmatched.'

Schoepflin's teammates see her as a large part of the team's potential.

'[Schoepflin] demonstrates her dedication every day she steps on the field,' DeFusco said. 'She is a strong-willed person and very dependable. I know that I can count on her for anything.'

Schoepflin began playing field hockey in sixth grade because she entered a new school.

'I wanted to be part of a team,' she said. 'I ended up really enjoying it.'

Schoepflin continued to play through high school and became team captain.

'[Field hockey] is fun and exciting and it is such a rush when you win,' Schoepflin said. 'It's a release for me. I also like playing with my teammates�they make the season fun, even if we are not winning championships.'

Schoepflin chose to attend Drew University because she liked Ford and the field hockey team and facilities.

However, the one downside of Drew is that there is no education major, Schoepflin said.

Schoepflin is majoring in psychology at Drew, but she is also completing an elementary and special education major at the College of Saint Elizabeth.

As part of a course there, Schoepflin currently works one day a week at Assumption School in Morristown.

Outside of the classroom, Schoepflin also plays lacrosse and volunteers for mini-THON, Drew's chapter of a Penn State organization that raises money for pediatric cancer research.

In addition, Schoepflin is a Student Government Association junior class senator, and serves on the SGA's Dining and Technology committees.

These activities keep Schoepflin busy, and now that the field hockey season is over, she looks forward to having more time to get her work done.

'I hope to not stress as much,' she said.

Despite her busy schedule, Schoepflin demonstrated dedication to Drew's field hockey program, Ford said. 'Jen is always willing to help the program on and off the field,' Ford said. Schoepflin hosts recruits and attends athletic functions.

During the summer, Schoepflin plays in field hockey leagues and 'is dedicated to being in great physical shape before entering each preseason,' Ford said.

Ford is proud of Schoepflin's accomplishments. 'Her overall game has improved [while at Drew] and so has her confidence in her own playing,' Ford said. 'Jen is a hard-working student-athlete.'

Jess Brown contributed to this report

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