Club of the Week Wednesday: Delaware Sharks

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 7 is Delaware Sharks.

Club Name: Delaware Sharks

History: Delaware Sharks was founded as a single team in 2000, with a goal of providing an indoor field hockey opportunity for multi-sport athletes. Twenty-one years later, it has evolved to a year-round club carrying about 165 athletes within their travel program.

Delaware Sharks offers playing opportunities to athletes with all levels of experience, including recreational programs for first through eighth graders and the competitive club teams.

The club’s name was chosen because sharks are a fierce animal!

Accolades/Awards: Delaware Sharks are currently ranked 49th in the U-14 Girls, 55th in the U-16 Girls and 107th in the U-19 Girls USA Field Hockey National Club Rankings.  Sharks had 4 athletes selected to Nexus regional events, and 1 to the National Event.

Below is a list of recent finishes:

• 2021 U-12 Co-Ed Girls National Indoor Tournament
  
  • Pool D, fourth
• 2021 U-14 Girls National Indoor Tournament
  
  • Pool I, fourth
  • Pool J, fifth
• 2021 U-16 Girls National Indoor Tournament
  
  • Pool C, fourth
• 2021 U-19 Girls National Indoor Tournament
  
  • Pool D, sixth
  • Pool H, third
• 2021 U-16 Girls Regional Club Championship, Region 7
  
  • Fourth

Coach Zuck on Club Life:

Jen Zuck, Delaware Sharks co-director, said that Delaware Sharks pride themselves on finding a spot for athletes of all development levels. The club’s recreational programs give younger or less experienced players a place to grow their skills and enjoy the game in a fun and relaxed environment. She notes that many recreational players then graduate to the travel program where they get strong competition at local and national events.

Zuck emphasizes that the club on also focuses on character development, including self-advocacy and sportsmanship. Growing strong individuals is just as important as growing technical field hockey skills.

Delaware Sharks has had a handful of athletes involved within USA Field Hockey’s Olympic Development Pathway, including Dru Moffett who was selected this past year to attend the AAU Junior Olympic Games as well as the RISE Camp in December/January. They also have a high rate of college placements with athletes participating in Division I, II and III. Delaware Sharks currently have athletes at Alvernia, Amherst, Davidson, Franklin and Marshall, Immaculata, Kutztown, Limestone, Neumann, Stevenson, Washington College, Washington and Lee, and more!

Delaware Sharks recently completed a school supplies drive for a local elementary school and is queued up for their first Delaware Sharks GO PINK! Breast Cancer benefit game in October.

During the pandemic, Delaware Shares held virtual skills and conditioning training. They also had several social media contests to keep their athletes engaged and active, giving away prizes like sticks, HocSocx, and free t-shirts!  The most important part of the pandemic programming was keeping a strong sense of family and team!