Jan. 27, 2010
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State head field hockey coach Charlene Morett announced on Wednesday the addition of freshman Natalie Buttinger to the program. Buttinger comes to Happy Valley from Kitchener, Ontario, where she was a multi-sport standout for the Resurrection Phoenix. She is already enrolled at Penn State and is taking classes this spring while working out with her new teammates.
"We are thrilled to have Natalie as a member of our Penn State field hockey family," said Morett. "She not only brings a lot of versatility, but more importantly, an enthusiastic work ethic and understanding of team play."
Buttinger, who can play multiple positions, is projected to see time at back and midfield. She has racked up a multitude of honors and awards in her high school career, including this past fall when she led the Phoenix to its first Central Western Ontario Title. She was also a District 8 All-Star for all four years along with serving as captain of the Ontario Under-18 Team that won silver at last summer's Canada Cup.
Buttinger |
"The [Penn State] field hockey program has a tradition of excellence and an amazing coaching staff," said Buttinger. "Penn State is not too far from home and my family, who had a major impact on my decision. All of these factors helped make my decision an easy one."
A multi-sport athlete, Buttinger also played ice hockey for the Waterloo K-W Rangers while winning medals in track.
"She comes from a very athletic family," said Morett. "Her father played football in Canada. She has an older sister on a track scholarship at Notre Dame and her five other siblings are very active in various sports as well.
"[Natalie's] strengths as a player are in her ability to play a variety of positions," Morett continued. "She is very coachable and is adjusting very well mid-semester to her new teammates and to our strength and conditioning program."
Buttinger, who has the distinction of being the first international student in Penn State field hockey history, is majoring in education.
"I am looking forward to playing at such a high level against not only competitive Big Ten teams, but also in nonconference play," said Buttinger. "I am really looking forward to my first year playing NCAA field hockey."
Follow Penn State field hockey on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PennStateFH.