In 8th grade, Reagan Eickhoff had a decision to make. At the time, she was playing field hockey in the fall, and soccer, which, in middle school is played during the spring, but in high school, would be in the fall, simultaneous with girls soccer. One day, Eickhoff realized she had a background in field hockey, with her mom, Heather Eickhoff being an assistant coach for the high school team, and her sister being a former player, Eickhoff made her decision.
"I was like, you know, I'd much rather play field hockey. After that, I started pulling my friends along with me."
Eickhoff, with the help of her friends, have put together some incredible high school field hockey seasons, but this season has been most impressive for the Lady Bubblers. Eickhoff mentioned two teammates that she pulled along for the ride, Genna Bush and Shae Bennett, both fellow senior Bubblers. Bush surpassed the 100th goal mark in September, and Bennett will play NCAA Division II field hockey at Kutztown University.
As for Eickhoff, she's committed to play NCAA Division I field hockey at Ohio State. The Senior Bubbler went through her recruiting process during a stressful time, when the COVID-19 pandemic quickly took control of the country. Eickhoff says she visited other schools, and programs at Indiana, Liberty, Delaware, and William & Mary stood out to her, but her official visit at Ohio State really sold her on becoming a Buckeye.
"The program that Jarred Martin has created there, and Kate (Lipton), it's such a great environment."
The Bubblers next opponent is Tuesday, November 15 at Tulpehocken high school, against the 19-4 Central Columbia Bluejays.
"I feel extremely prepared. I think our team, right now, is on such an emotional high, because we've all played tremendously important roles. ... Everybody working together has been such a help in (preparation)."
Regardless of wins or losses in the road ahead for the Lady Bubblers, Eickhoff's high school career will end by Saturday, as well as 8 fellow Seniors on the team. Eickhoff knows the importance of making memories and relationships in high school sports, and that's what will mean the most to her when she looks back on her time spent at Boiling Springs.
"What I'm going to remember most is the best friends and the bonds I've created. My teammates, I would not be anything without them."
Eickhoff and the Bubblers are fighting for a spot in the 1A PIAA Championship game, which will take place at 11 AM, Saturday morning at Cumberland Valley high school. Want to hear Reagan Eickhoff talk more about this season, the road ahead, and more? Click play on the episode below.
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