Olympic Field Hockey Player to Hold Clinic at Lakeland High School

Written and reported by Plamena Pesheva.

Olympian Melissa Gonzalez, a Mohegan Lake native, is returning to her hometown to coach other aspiring field hockey players at her first clinic at Lakeland High School. 

"I am excited to get back because Lakeland is home and it helped shape me not just as an athlete but as the person I am today," Gonzalez told Patch.

Gonzalez, a three-time All-American field hockey player and All-American at the University of Connecticut, represented Team USA in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The former college field hockey star became a member of the USA Women's National Team in 2009 and verified her importance at the Pan American Games, according to her athlete's profile. 

Gonzalez was the key player on her Olympic team because of her ability to secure vital goals.

The Olympian is hosting the filed hockey clinic along with her Olympic teammate Shannon Taylor. The clinic will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Lakeland High School, 1349 E Main Street in Shrub Oak. The rain date is Aug. 11. 

The clinic is open to players grades 7th through 12th. The cost is $75 per player. Registration is accepted the day of the clinic. 

Lakeland High School field hockey coach Sharon Sarsen coaches Gonzalez while she was in high school.

"[She] hasn't been just my coach but a friend who has supported me in all aspects of my life," Gonzalez said. "She has been loyal, caring, and has not only taught me field hockey but transferable life skills."

In an interview with NBC, Gonzalez said she first picked up the field hockey stick after her father Felix passed away from a heart attack at age 57. She was 16 years old. She and her father shared a love for soccer, but when that became too painful for her, she dropped the ball and started playing field hockey. 

Gonzalez said she is thankful the Shrub Oak Athletic Club and Sarsen is giving her and her teammate the opportunity to train talented girls. 

"Ultimately our goal is to help grow the sport we love," Gonzalez said.