LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – In conjunction with the celebration of International Student Week, the Lock Haven Athletic Communication & Marketing Staff had the opportunity to learn more about field hockey standout Florance de Kroon and her journey from the Netherlands to Lock Haven.
 
Flo is a four-year starter on the Lock Haven field hockey team as a standout defender. She is also a three-year member of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-Academic Team.
 
How did you get your start in Field Hockey?
Both of my parents played field hockey, so my brother and I spent nearly every Sunday at the local club, playing all day. It felt like a natural transition to start playing myself, especially since my brother began before me and taught me the basics. In many ways, I grew up with the sport—it's always been a part of my life.
 
What was your path leading to choosing to come to Lock Haven?
I like the smaller community and while still being able to compete at the highest level. The coaches and players created a welcoming environment which made it feel like home instantly.
 
What is your major at Lock Haven and what led you to choose your academic program?
I'm majoring in sports management. I chose this path because sports have always played a major role in my life, both on and off the field. Growing up surrounded by athletics sparked my interest in understanding how the sports world operates beyond just playing the game. I've always been curious about the business, organizational, and leadership aspects that make sports successful. Also, our school has an excellent sports management program with strong connections and opportunities for hands-on experience, which made it the perfect fit for my academic and career goals.
 
What clubs/outside activities are you involved in?
I'm an active member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Sports Management Club. In addition to my involvement on campus, I also volunteer with the athletic department, where I assist with various events and operations. I currently manage social media for the baseball team, which has allowed me to gain valuable experience in sports communication and digital marketing while staying connected to the athletic community.
 
 
What has been the hardest adjustment/transition from competing in the Netherlands to competing in the United States at the Collegiate level?
The biggest adjustment has been adapting to the style and intensity of play here. The game in the United States is much more physical compared to the Netherlands, where there's a stronger focus on tactics and technical play. Another challenge has been balancing academics and athletics, especially with the amount of travel involved. Developing strong time management skills and discipline has been essential to staying on top of both.
 
When you aren't competing or training for Field Hockey, how do you spend your free time?
When I'm not busy with field hockey, I enjoy spending time with my friends, going on walks, or working out at the gym. It's a great way to relax, stay active, and keep a good balance between school, sports, and personal time.
 
 
Other than Field Hockey, did you compete in other sports growing up?
I grew up doing ballet, which taught me a lot about discipline, balance, and body control. I also tried kickboxing for a while, which was a fun way to challenge myself and build strength. Both experiences helped me develop skills that have translated well into field hockey.
 
Have you brought any traditions from your teams in the Netherlands to the Bald Eagles?
I haven't brought any specific traditions from home to the team, but I do enjoy sharing different perspectives and exchanging ideas. I think it's valuable to talk about how the game is played in different places and to learn from each other's experiences. It helps us grow as players and as a team.
 
What is your favorite moment/memory of your time at Lock Haven on the field of competition?
My favorite memory is from my freshman year when we qualified for the A-10 playoffs. It was such an exciting moment for the whole team and a great way to see all our hard work throughout the season pay off.
 
What is your favorite moment/memory of your time at Lock Haven outside of competing?
My favorite memory is from my freshman year when we made it to the A-10 playoffs. Our whole team was so excited—it felt like all the hard work and dedication throughout the season had really paid off. The energy, the atmosphere, and the feeling of competing at that level were incredible. It was such a cool experience to be part of something so competitive and rewarding, and it made me even more motivated to keep growing as a player and teammate.
 
What are some of your goals after your time at Lock Haven is complete?
After graduating, I hope to build a career in the sports industry, focusing on sports psychology. My goal is to combine my passion for athletics with my academic background to help athletes perform at their best—both mentally and physically. I plan to pursue a new bachelor's degree in psychology when I return home, so I can apply my years of experience in sports to support others in reaching their full potential.
 
Who is your role model?
My biggest role models are my parents. They've always supported me in everything I do and taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and balance. Their passion for sports and dedication have had a huge influence on the person and athlete I am today.