Over the course of her time spent at Greens Farms Academy, everybody has gotten to watch Francesca Sullivan grow up—both literally and figuratively.
One of the school’s lifers who started in kindergarten and will graduate this fall, Sullivan has especially grown up on the field hockey field, and she has announced she will take her talents to the collegiate level next year and play for Union College in Schenectady, N.Y.
Sullivan was one of 12 Dragon student-athletes feted on Wednesday during the school’s annual Spring College Commitment ceremony held inside the Coyle Gym. Those 12 coupled with eight Dragons who committed during the National Letter of Intent signing period in the fall brings the school’s total to 20 different GFA athletes playing in college come fall.
“The second I stepped on campus I could tell the community was something I wanted to be part of,” Sullivan said. “The academics are top-notch, and I knew the small class sizes would be the best fit for me.”
Sullivan also immediately connect with the Union coaching staff’s thought process on the program.
“On my first recruiting call with Coach (Kelly) Harchetts, she explained to me that on the field hockey team, the I in Union is replaced with a 1, to show their team unity,” she said. “This struck an immediate impression on me. The girls on the team are a large part of why I picked Union, as well. At the first clinic I attended, they were accepting and welcoming more than I could even imagine. Their team culture and dynamic is so positive and healthy, and Coach Harchetts is certainly part of the reason for that. She has fostered and grown a team full of leadership, talent, and integrity. I knew that to continue to grow not only athletically and academically, but as a person, Union College Field Hockey was going to be the place for me.”
GFA field hockey coach Liz Schuellein knows firsthand that Union is getting the ultimate team player in Sullivan.
“Francesca is one of the kindest and supportive teammates I've seen in my eight years at GFA,” Schuellein said. “She out of anyone has changed the most in her time at GFA. Fran has transformed into a dynamic defender and has been an amazing two-sport athlete. She is a born leader and has learned to be such a dominant force out on the field.”
Watching Sullivan’s grow on the field was special for the coach.
“Field hockey has been a way where Fran has been able to not only find herself but find how much she can individually challenge herself,” Schuellein said. “Out of anyone I have continued to push Fran past her limits; to become what I always knew she could be. Being on this team has allowed her to become more confident and continue to keep learning more about herself as a competitor. I was beyond thrilled to know she wanted to play field hockey in college and am so impressed with her choice to continue her path at Union College! I know she will be an amazing addition to their program and I can't wait to see her succeed!"
The Dutchwomen went 11-8 this season, falling to Vassar in the first round of the Liberty League tournament.