Club of the Week Wednesday: Rampage

On Wednesdays throughout 2021, USA Field Hockey will highlight an active club from one of the nine regions around the United States to shine a spotlight on what makes Member Clubs unique. From coast-to-coast, clubs big and small will be featured to increase awareness of field hockey across the country, and administrators and coaches will have the chance to talk about initiatives, training and favorite parts of the game. This week from Region 8 is Rampage Field Hockey Club.

Club Name: Rampage Field Hockey Club

History: Rampage Field Hockey Club was founded in 1993 by Starr Karl and was the first field hockey club in the Northern Virginia area. Since its start, it has provided thousands of athletes the opportunity to train, develop and compete under some of the best coaches in the area all year long.

Rampage’s mission is to teach and prepare experiences athletes with the technical and tactical elements required to compete at the next level and provide the athletes and their families the resources and network needed to navigate the recruiting process.

The club got its name after hosting a contest where the athletes submitted stories. One individual submitted Rampage after sharing a story about a train being powerful enough to blow through anything in its way.

Accolades/Awards: Rampage is currently ranked tied in 104th in the U-16 Girls division and 79th in the U-19 Girls division. They are unranked in the U-14 Girls division.

Below is a list of recent finishes:

• 2021 U-16 Girls National Indoor Tournament
  
  • Pool S, third place
• 2021 U-19 Girls National Indoor Tournament
  
  • Pool J, third place
  • Pool AA, fourth place

Karl on Club Life:

Karl said that Rampage is a family-oriented club that cares about the development of their athletes in all facets of life and hopes to use field hockey as a vehicle to aid in that development. The club serves to aspire young female players.

She continues to say that like many other clubs, Rampage is passionate about growing the game in Northern Virginia. Many club athletes are involved in helping with grass roots programs through various youth organization in the community.

Since the start 28 years ago, Rampage has sent more than 100 women athletes to play at the NCAA Division I, II and III levels. The club has also had a handful of alumni compete in the Olympic Games, be named to the Junior and Senior U.S. Women’s National Teams, win NCAA National Championships, and be named All-Americans. Some notably names include Claire Laubach, London 2012 Olympian; Ali Froede, former USWNT athlete, and Mackenzie Karl, Michelle LaForce, Christy Morgan and Taylor Stone, who were all members of Junior USWNT programs.

During the pandemic period, Rampage provided their athletes with the opportunity to continue developing in the sport and interacting with their teammates, while ensuring a safe environment.

Karl’s favorite part of being a member of the USA Field Hockey Family is attending the great events that give her athletes exposure to the opportunity to compete at the next level.