Spartanburg, SC – When people talk about sports in the Hampton Roads, VA area the first thing they think about is the number of football and basketball players that have come out of the 7 cities and had successful college athletic careers.  However, what many don't realize is there is thriving field hockey community that is sending numerous players to NCAA schools to continue their playing career.  While a number of student-athletes stay in the Commonwealth of Virginia, three have found a home in Spartanburg, SC at Converse College.

Even though Graduate Assistant Coach Brittan Muir is originally from Northern Virginia, she spent 4 years playing field hockey off J. Clyde Morris Blvd at Christopher Newport University.  She was so impressed with the Hampton Roads community that she actually committed to the Lady Captains her junior year.  Her 4 years at CNU allowed her to get an opportunity to move south to Spartanburg, SC to become a Graduate Assistant Coach under Head Field Hockey Coach, Valerie Clarke.  While in Newport News, she met Coach Clarke at a tournament and they quickly development a relationship.  That meeting turned into a coaching opportunity and Muir has loved every minute she has been in the Upstate.  Muir sees Converse as a place that student-athletes can feel at home and be a part of a program that is on the rise.  "Coach Clarke has created a family atmosphere that allows student-athletes to bond and grow together", said Muir.  "I am thankful for my time in Newport News at CNU and am excited to help Coach Clarke grow the program into a national contender here in Spartanburg".

Tabb High School Grad (Yorktown, VA), Goalkeeper Ciricia Petitto, saw Converse as a place where she could earn a quality education, while also getting the opportunity to continue her playing career and be a two-sport athlete (she also plays lacrosse).  As a three-time state field hockey champion, Petitto had numerous opportunities to play at the collegiate level.   However, after taking a strong look at Converse College, she saw the opportunities it offered her, not only as a student-athlete but as a student, as well.  As a Senior, she is excited that she will still have an opportunity play in the Spring.  Even though Covid-19 has impacted the fall season, Petitto sees a number of positives from it.  First, she believes it will give the team a chance to bond, since they are not rushing to play in fall.  Second, it will allow them to get in extra training so they are more prepared in the spring.  "I am excited to have a coach who played college field hockey in Hampton Roads", said Petitto.  "Being away from home, she can relate to me and understand some of the things I am missing".  One of those things is the theme park Bush Gardens, but her parents have just moved to the area so that has eased her homesickness.    

Sophomore Kiersten Bangit grew up, not too far from teammate Ciricia Petitto, on the banks of the James River in Williamsburg.  After graduating from Warhill High School, Bangit originally did not have plans to attend college.  However, after a visit to Spartanburg and Converse College, her plans changed and she quickly became a member of the Valkyries field hockey program.  She credits her decision to the family atmosphere the College has and the tight bond Coach Clarke has created with the team.  While she misses the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, she is happy to call Spartanburg home.  Just like Petitto, she has embraced the opportunity to still have a season this spring.  "It has been a difficult 6 months, but I am thankful Converse College has given us an opportunity to come back to campus", said Bangit.  "Our coaches have been there every step of the way and have helped us grow a tighter bond this last month.  While I miss my family in Virginia, I am happy to be  apart of the Converse College family".

When talking to Coach Clarke about her GA and two Virginia players, you can see the excitement in her face.  "I am excited and honored to have these 3 ladies here to help grow the field hockey program at Converse. Virginia is a state with strong field hockey, and they have all come in and raised the standard both on the field and in the classroom".  As they navigate their way through the fall and prepare for a spring season, the Old Dominion State products are prepared to be leaders, on and off the field.  While they may call Virginia home, they are eager to make a lasting impression at Converse College and on the community of Spartanburg.