University of North Carolina Athletics
CAROLINA: Freshman Orientation
September 6, 2013 | Field Hockey
By Amy Hoots
CAROLINA: The Magazine
People who are savvy enough to read this publication are probably familiar with the Autocorrect function found on computers and mobile devices. It is meant to save the user time by correcting common spelling errors and predicting what users are typing before the word is completed.
For field hockey sophomore transfer Nina Notman, the Autocorrect function serves a different purpose than a simple shortcut. While taking notes during class, Notman listens to the professor and will often type what she hears, even if she doesn't understand it, with the hopes that AutoCorrect can help her decipher the word. Notman is a native of Germany and speaking English is a new endeavor. Learning subjects in English and communicating with teammates has made her transition from Germany to the United States a challenge, but one Notman has performed with poise and good humor.
"They have integrated very well," said head coach Karen Shelton, referring to Notman and her German teammate, Janne Grove, also new to the Tar Heels. Grove is a graduate student attending the MBA program at Kenan-Flagler with one year of eligibility remaining.
After hearing about Grove's situation, Shelton worked with her through the admissions process. Shelton had never recruited an MBA student and thought admissions might be a long shot, since Grove is 22 and the average age for an MBA student is 28. Her credentials were strong, she got admitted, and despite the tremendous workload, which is at least double of an average student, Grove has adjusted well. Shelton said, "It's a win/win for the MBA program and us."
During Grove's admission's process to the MBA school, she told Shelton about a German friend who might also be interested in playing field hockey at UNC. That opened the door to communication between Shelton and Notman, who made the late decision to attend Carolina in April of 2013. "It was spontaneous," Notman said.
Notman was the captain of the Under-21 German national team and after hearing about Grove's plans to attend school in the U.S., became interested in the prospect for herself. She had previously studied in Germany and has three years of eligibility remaining.
Her visit to campus left no doubt that Carolina was where she wanted to be. "We had a cookout on my recruiting trip. I sat there, a little on my own, just watching the girls. I felt so comfortable," she paused, taking time to form her words. "Yeah, comfortable. Like I could imagine this would be my second family. The main reason for me to come here was the team and the girls."
When speaking with Notman, you must pay close attention to understand her accented English, but you can be sure she is doing the same to you. She is thoughtful and deliberate and surprisingly well-spoken, despite obvious language barriers.
Each of these international students scored their first goals as Tar Heels this weekend, contributing two goals apiece during the win this Sunday over Villanova. Notman and Grove are one of several newcomers to the Carolina field hockey team who are expected to make an immediate impact on the field.
Four freshmen - Kristy Bernatchez, Shannon Johnson, Julia Young and Lauren Moyer - contributed during Carolina's opening games this past weekend. All four were named to the U.S. Junior Women's National Under-19 team this past summer.
Shelton is pleased with the incoming group and expects the freshmen to contribute immediately. "It's a very athletic group. We've really tried to recruit kids with speed. You can't teach it and in the past we've tried to recruit good hockey players that are fast as well, but we have ended up with some marginal athletes. This year we have really good athleticism in the entire class."
Young came to North Carolina by way of Yorktown, Virginia and is "somewhat unsung," according to Shelton. She has great vision, tracking ability, and great hands. She also has speed and athleticism, a common denominator for the freshman class.
Shelton said, "It's unusual for freshman to come in right away and contribute in the middle. They usually start off on the sides or the front and slowly make their way in, but Julia has done a nice job and has worked really hard on her game."
The Tar Heels enter the season with high expectations. They've already tallied two wins and are ranked number one in a preseason poll by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association. Last year marked the third consecutive year that they made it to the finals of the NCAA tournament and were ultimately defeated.
Following the first weekend of scrimmages against Duke and Appalachian State Shelton said, "We've got a long way to go as far as defensive discipline, but we showed some toughness and speed. I think we're going to be fast and we're going to be deep, and those are two good things to have at our level."
Shelton and her Heels know that there is no "Autocorrect" in field hockey. They've been there several times, so they know shortcuts don't exist in competing for a national championship. They are proud of the accomplishments of the past but this field hockey team is not looking back. With a number of new additions to the team, "we're going to look a whole lot different," says Shelton. "It's a whole new season."
