Emma Peeters as goalie

(Image Courtesy: NE10)

As the fall sports season continues, the Southern New Hampshire University Women’s field hockey team finds themselves as the top team in the NE10 for the season’s entirety.

Throughout this season, the team has accumulated numerous accolades and records, one of the main contributors being the team’s keeper, Emma Peeters (’25).

Peeters has lead  the Penmen as team captain for two consecutive years, and this year, notably leading the team through a very powerful season. With a record of 10 wins and 1 loss, Peeters has already accumulated individual accolades, most notably consisting of 5 total shut out games, SNHU Student Athlete of the Week in late September, and the NE10 Goalkeeper of the Week; once in September, and once in October, and most recently was named Defensive Player of the Week on October 16.

Peeters began her field hockey journey in Wageningen, Netherlands, at the age of 5, not goalkeeping until the age of 10. She decided to play field hockey in college before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, which she expressed made things difficult regarding recruitment.

When exploring the idea of studying and playing field hockey in the United States, she recalls telling her father at the time, “Dad, this is what I want to do,” said Peeters.

When reflecting on her choice of SNHU, Peeter’s pays homage to Head Coach Julie Munson, now in her twelfth season with Southern New Hampshire University women’s field hockey.

“The first thing I knew about SNHU was the coach,” said Peeters. “That was the first person I got in contact with; she was just very sweet and welcoming. After that I talked to a few Dutch players on the team, which was very nice because the culture is a little different.”

Peeters has now been at Southern New Hampshire University for almost 3 years. When it comes to game day, Peeters and the rest of the Penmen are all business, but it has to start with some excitement.

“Before the game, we always dance in the locker room with everyone on the team, and get in the mood for the game, which is amazing. Even though we can be serious, at the end of the day, it’s just about having a fun time with your teammates. We really do have such a great team,” said Peeters.

Peeters has an important message to share with fellow athletes and community members. When looking back on her college career, Peeters reminisces on moments when seniors told her how fast the time would go, she emphasizes how true that statement is.

“Help your teammates out in whatever way you can, and to make the most of your time. Before you know it, it’s your last season”, says Peeters.

To follow updates on SNHU Field Hockey, follow their Instagram @snhufieldhockey or SNHU’s sports page @snhupenmen.