Three Captains Named to Lead Field Hockey Team
8/22/2019 7:34:09 PM | Field Hockey
Ohio State Field Hockey named three captains to lead the 2019 squad: Jennica Jonovich, Esther Clotet Alsina, and Nikki Trzaska.
Jennica Jonovich is no stranger to excellence. Jonovich started in all 20 games last season and saw a season-high 65 minutes of action in the overtime victory versus Louisville. She also performs in the classroom as a scholar-athlete, NFHCA Academic Squad honoree and Academic All-Big Ten recipient. The senior back has proven her ability to level with teammates.
What Head Coach Jarred Martin is saying about her: “Jennica has worked very hard to get to this point in her field hockey career and has earned the respect of her teammates because of her commitment and her consistency. She has a great personality that is easy to connect with and someone the team feels comfortable to go to for guidance.”
How she feels about the opportunity: “As a captain, I’m looking forward to being a consistent leader both on and off the field. This year in particular, we have a lot of potential and I’m excited to put in the work and do everything I can for the team so that we can reach our goals.”
Esther Clotet Alsina hails all the way from Barcelona but has made herself known in Columbus. She led the team in scoring with 11 goals and 26 points last season, after finishing second in her freshman and sophomore seasons. Esther has the grit to finish games; she scored three game-winning goals to push Ohio State over higher ranked opponents in 2018. Off the field, she is a bright student earning scholar-athlete and Academic All-Big Ten honors. She has great momentum entering her senior season and is hoping to achieve even more.
What Head Coach Jarred Martin is saying about her: “She has always been an electric field hockey player for us. But entering this year, Esther has proven that she can lead this team in unique areas and the team has responded. A great leader inspires, making those around them better. Esther has that ability and is showing why she was voted for this year’s position of captain.”
How she feels about the opportunity: “As a captain for this upcoming season, I’m looking forward to setting the example for my teammates and giving them everything I have. I truly believe in this team and I know we can make big things happen. I’m so excited for what is ahead!”
The youngest of the trio of captains, junior Nikki Trzaska brings a different perspective to the leadership squad. Last season, 12 of her 15 shots were on goal for .800 SoG%. Trzaska also participated in the Huntington Bucks Go Pro program this summer, engaging in leadership and professional development programming. As an Ohio State scholar-athlete, NFHCA National Academic Squad honoree and Academic All-Big Ten recipient, she has the work ethic to lead her team.
What Head Coach Jarred Martin is saying about her: “Nikki is a returning starter on the forward line for us who epitomizes the phrase ‘lead by example’. She shows a great work ethic and a grit in all aspects of her life to get the most out of her experience as a student-athlete. She has made huge strides throughout her two years and I think her junior year will be the best one yet.”
How she feels about the opportunity: “I am beyond excited for this season to officially get started. This team has set a great baseline throughout preseason that has shown a lot of promise for what is to come. I am looking forward to seeing everyone really come together to create success on and off the field this year. Go Bucks!”
See the Buckeyes in action on Friday, August 30th at Buckeye Varsity Field. The season opener will begin at 4:00 p.m. against UMass.
