Mystx Field Hockey Club: News: Mystx Field Hockey - Developing the Elite in Every Player
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Our Mission Statement - Mystx Field Hockey is committed to providing field hockey playing opportunities for youth in Pennsylvania.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM - DEVELOPING THE ELITE IN EVERY PLAYER
Our winning tradition is founded in player participation and development. The reality in our country is that there are not enough of field hockey playing opportunities for youth. There are few youth leagues, CYO teams, travel teams, no opportunities beyond gym class or township programs. But that is starting to change and we are leading the charge.
Players, from beginner to Elite, are challenged at practice and during tournament play. All age groups practice and train weekly under the guidance of trained coaches. Our coaches are Futures certified (Futures is the title of the Olympic Development Program for US Field Hockey) and have experience coaching at various levels, from high school to Futures to college. Coaches are assigned on a yearly basis to the teams.
Our instruction focuses on sound fundamentals of playing techniques unique to indoor hockey as well as the accompanying strategies. These lessons begin with even our 7 year-old youngest player. We also provide instruction about nutrition, tournament nutrition, and information about the college selection process for our high school players.
The indoor program and game removes the element of unpredictable natural turf from instruction and play. Competition is fast-paced and the learning curve is often equally as rapid. The indoor game allows the talented player those moments of creative play vital for encouraging the pursuit of excellence as well as rewarding the efforts of even the youngest and most inexperienced club member. And, the skills taught, practiced, and implemented, dovetail seamlessly with the familiar outdoor game.
Mystx players graduate from this program confident of their field hockey skills. More importantly, we hope the positive experience from Mystx Field Hockey propels these young people in their hockey pursuits and fosters a commitment to carry on a winning tradition in all their endeavors.
HISTORY OF MYSTX FIELD HOCKEY
The Mystx Field Hockey Club was established in December 1999 by Tina Reinprecht. The indoor club formed due to the lack of travel programs for youth outdoor field hockey in the area and the inability to generate enough committed interest to create such a league.
The final incentive to push forward with the club was the 2000 U14 NIT being hosted at the USTC in Downingtown, PA. Practice time was scarce the first season, the club often practicing in the Wisshahickon Middle School cafeteria. The team placed 5th in their very first Nationals.
The successful model of the Strikers club in Elkton, Md. and its director, Peter Heuberger was used as the basis for the Mystx.
The Mystx practice and drill weekly and participate in tournament play at all age groups. The foundation of the club is based on the importance of play and participation for its members both at practice and at events. Further, the staff is equally committed to seeing that all dedicated members are coached equally and have an opportunity to play.
Tina Reinprecht: A graduate of Ithaca College, Tina was a four year Varsity starter for the IC Bombers. She has a long list of collegiate field hockey awards, is a member of the Ithaca College Sports Hall of Fame and currently works for US Field Hockey in Development and Futures. She has a wide range of coaching experience from Empire State Games teams in New York State to assistant womens lacrosse coach at Yale and is a certified Futures instructor. She was a recipient of the Nike Exceptional Leadership Award in 2000 for field hockey.
After raising her family of three daughters, she has returned to the game on many levels: as a youth coach locally in the 450 player Whitpain Recreation Association field hockey program the last 8 years, WRA field hockey administrator for 7 years, Mystx club coach regionally and nationally, Mystx founder and director, PIAA official, and as a regional director and coordinator with the United States Field Hockey Association. In her free time she is a contributing writer to US Hockey and is a patented inventor of tennis and squash training and practice tools.
Let's Play!
