The summer between sophomore and junior year in high school is extremely important for everyone. Students study for the PSAT’s, SAT’s, ACT’s, etc. However, student athletes who want to pursue their athletic career after high school have to do all that and more.

Joyce Tao is currently a sophomore at Hershey High school. Her love and passion for the sport of field hockey has influenced her to pursue her talent at the collegiate level.

Tao is a starting varsity defender for the HHS field hockey team. “I feel like it’s almost every player’s dream to make it to the big leagues and it’s just so surreal that I’m finally stepping in that direction,” said Tao.

Tao started playing field hockey in 2015. Since then, she’s played club for PA Revolution and Central Penn Field Hockey. 

“The official date college coaches can reach out to me is June 15th of the summer into my junior year,” said Tao.

Her dream is to go D1 as long as the school fits her high standards of education. Being a starter since freshman year for a nationally ranked team makes that dream reachable.

Tao’s work has not been overlooked either. She has been named Mid-Penn All-Stars first team for the Keystone division, All-State first team, and Penn Live honorable mention.

“Getting a good education is extremely important to me too,” Tao explains, “academics is probably my first priority, and if that means not going D1, that’s completely ok with me.”

The sophomore plans to go into pre-med, which is no easy task. Along with the recruitment process, she spends a lot of her time studying.

“It can get pretty tough juggling everything. For recruiting I have to attend tournaments, go to clinics, reach out to coaches, and just get my name out in general. On top of all of that, I have to keep up with my academics as well,” Tao claims.

Although it can get pretty hectic juggling everything, some of Joyce’s best memories were created through the sport.

“My favorite part of the sport is definitely the people. I’ve met some of my best friends through the sport. I love how everyone from different friend groups and grades can all come together for their love of the sport,” Tao says.

Tao’s last words of advice for underclassmen that are going through the recruiting process is, “emailing coaches never hurts, even if it’s something stupid.”