Carly Gannon of Penn State field hockey strives to ‘act as the motivating force

Carly Gannon has consistently ignited Penn State’s spirit since her very first day on the team. As one of the unit’s captains now, that spark has transformed into a blazing passion.

Gannon, a fifth-year student majoring in kinesiology, hails from Havertown, Pennsylvania.

“I have a deep affection for my hometown,” Gannon expressed. “The friendships I forged while participating in field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse were the highlights of my childhood. I truly cherished the people I met and the coaches I had.”

In the seventh grade, Gannon began her field hockey journey with her junior high school team, and by the eighth grade, she had become involved with club field hockey. Among her three sports, field hockey provided her with the greatest sense of liberation.

Maintaining her passion for the sport throughout high school, Gannon began hearing about the Penn State community, which instantly caught her interest.

“When I’m on campus, I can sense the school’s pride and energy, whether it’s in athletics or academics,” Gannon remarked. “I’ve become an enthusiastic Penn State fan, and my experience here has far exceeded my expectations.”

Beyond the ambiance of Happy Valley, Gannon was drawn to what she observed within the field hockey program. She noted not only the coaches’ commitment to winning but also their genuine care for each player’s well-being.

Furthermore, Gannon values the camaraderie she shares with her teammates and the relationships she’s cultivated during her time as a Nittany Lion.

“That’s something that has always resonated with me,” Gannon affirmed. “When I eventually leave Penn State, I’ll cherish not only the memories of playing but also the enduring friendships and connections I’ve forged.”

These meaningful friendships and connections were instrumental in Gannon earning one of the captain titles. She expressed deep appreciation for her teammates, emphasizing how much it meant to her that they had selected her as their captain.

Her teammates recognized her natural leadership abilities and her unwavering team spirit, which were pivotal in their decision.

“(Gannon) is absolutely deserving of the captaincy,” stated defender Kelsey Love. “She has grown into a remarkable leader within the team, consistently offering encouragement and effectively motivating everyone.”

Despite facing various challenges, Gannon eagerly anticipates stepping out of her comfort zone, bolstered by her unwavering confidence in the team supporting her.

Off the field, Gannon embodies Penn State’s core values, including respect, pride, and gratitude. Her profound affection for the school and the team is evident through her actions both on and off the field, as noted by Penn State’s head coach, Lisa Bervinchak Love.

Bervinchak Love emphasized that Gannon is always ready to assist in any capacity, whether it involves taking recruits to lunch, participating in community service initiatives, or coaching at camps.

“(Gannon) is an all-around exceptional individual who holds a deep love for Penn State and the field hockey team, and she consistently maintains a positive outlook,” Bervinchak Love commended.

In addition to her infectious energy and vibrant personality, Gannon has demonstrated her prowess on the field.

“Carly brings an immense amount of energy to the team,” Bervinchak Love remarked. “She sets the tone for our pressing style of play, and the team holds her in high regard, appreciating her strong work ethic.”

Currently, Gannon boasts three goals and three assists for the Nittany Lions, ranking as their third-leading scorer. Her personal goal is to generate more scoring opportunities, establish a more commanding presence on the field, and develop greater self-trust while taking offensive risks.

In terms of team objectives, Gannon aspires to lead her team to the NCAA Championship while preserving the sense of community, camaraderie, energy, determination, and competitiveness that sets Penn State apart from other teams.

“I aim to be the driving force,” Gannon declared. “We have each other, we play for one another, we place our trust in each other, and when we are connected, we perform at our absolute best.”