At just 16 years old, Jane Baldy has already made major decisions for her future as an athlete. As a junior at Centennial High School, Baldy recently committed to playing Division I field hockey at the University of Delaware, following in the footsteps of her siblings, Centennial alumnis, who also pursued college sports. Baldy’s journey from the start of her career in club field hockey to her current accomplishment of earning a spot on a Division I team can’t be described as anything but inspiring.
However, Baldy’s field hockey career has come with its own set of challenges and setbacks. As a goalie, she has had to overcome many things, including waiting her turn to prove herself on the field. Now, she looks forward to pushing herself even further at Delaware. “I’m looking forward to advancing my play and creating a bond with my future teammates,” she shared, ready for the next chapter of her field hockey career.
Baldy began playing field hockey at the age of 7, starting in Freedom Field Hockey club. By the time she reached eighth grade, she realized that her love for the sport had grown. “I really started to enjoy the level of competition and realized I wanted to continue playing as long as I could,” she said.
Baldy has been a crucial part of Centennial’s field hockey program, consistently delivering notable performances as the team’s goalie. Her ability to make key saves during high-pressure moments has led her team to numerous victories, often serving as the backbone of Centennial’s defense. Baldy’s impact extends beyond the high school field, as she has consistently played at a higher age group with her Freedom Field Hockey club team. Always pushing herself against tougher competition.
Her dedication both on and off the field is evident “As a teammate I’ve seen her push through every obstacle with relentless effort and inspire us all to do the same,” Junior Claire Pilcher states. If she’s not practicing with her team, Baldy is conditioning, ensuring she’s ready for any challenge that comes her way. “I always try to push myself, whether it’s training or keeping my head in the game. There’s always something I can improve,” she states.
Off the field, Jane is just as committed. She goes above and beyond to ensure her grades are strong, balancing the demands of a student-athlete with an impressive work ethic. “Academics have always been just as important to me as athletics,” she said, noting that staying disciplined in the classroom is key to maintaining her success in both areas.
Choosing the right college wasn’t an easy process, with multiple offers on the table. Ultimately, it was the University of Delaware that won her over. “Delaware was the school that did it for me,” Baldy said, adding that she was drawn to both the academic and athletic opportunities.
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