NEXT PREP - MIDDLE SCHOOL PROSPECT CAMP

POWERED BY PREMIER STICKS

Premier Sticks hosts Next Prep – Middle School Prospect Camp, a revolutionary camp open to all players interested in perusing private secondary education. Players will have the ability to train directly with Head Varsity HS Coaches, learn more about their private institutions and their field hockey philosophies. This interactive recruitment experience is one of a kind, allowing a glance into the competitive world of high school level hockey.

Program Information

Athletes will work in clinic style 30 min station format with Head Coaches followed by small sided game competition. Open to all skill levels – Player Grade level Rising 6th grade – Rising 9th grade

Institutions will have an Admissions Information Fair on 8/12/25 for the duration of the event.

Event Detail:
Aug. 11 -12, 9:00am – 12:00pm
United Sports Downingtown, PA


On field training with Head Coaches:

  • The Hill School: Head Coach Katherine Bowie
  • Episcopal Academy: Head Coach Paul Zelenak
  • Academy of Notre Dame de Namur: Head Coach Brandi Ritz
  • Blair Academy: Head Coach Valerie Lohr
  • Springside Chestnut Hill Academy: Head Coach Emilee Ehret
  • Western Reserve Academy: Head Coach Maria Ressell

Coach Paul Zelenak

Episcopal Academy head coach Paul Zelenak has been coaching high school field hockey for the last 10 years and is entering his 4th at Episcopal Academy. While playing coach Zelenak was a part of the East Coast u18 men’s national championship team, and in college played varsity lacrosse at Drexel University.

Core Values: Compete everyday and define yourself by effort in everything you do.

Program

Episcopal Academy field hockey has competed as the highest level of high school field hockey for the better part of the last 2 decades. They have won 5 PAISAA titles over the last 10 seasons and been runner ups twice. They have also won the Inter-Ac in 3 of the last 5 seasons.

Core Values: Serves to develop athletic talent and promote values of commitment, hard work and integrity

School

The Episcopal Academy is a private, co-educational school in Newtown Square, PA, offering Pre-K through 12th grade education. Founded in 1785, it’s affiliated with the Episcopal Church and boasts a rich history, emphasizing a “Mind, Body, and Spirit” approach to education. The school is known for its rigorous academics, strong athletic program, and vibrant arts programs, all within a supportive and faith-based community.

Core Values: Mind, Body, and Spirit

Why EA?

Episcopal Academy field hockey not only offers the opportunity to compete at the highest level of high school field hockey, but also develop as a person, player, and teammate. Our goal has always been around growth of the person over player and developing the strongest team core possible to go out and compete with each fall. Great talent that has the awareness to see beyond their own abilities and are looking to positively impact their peers as a whole.

Coach Katherine Bowie

Bowie has extensive coaching experience at the collegiate, high school, and club levels. Before her coaching position at UPenn, she served as the associate athletics director and field hockey program director at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Austin, Tx., (2021-2023); the Head Field Hockey Coach at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. (2020-2021); and Field Hockey Assistant Coach at Bates College in Lewiston, Me. (2017-2020).

Core Values: Fitness, Playing hard on the field

Program

Field hockey at The Hill School dates back to the fall of 1998, the first year of coeducation at the school. Field hockey quickly became and continues to be one of The Hill’s most dominant girl sports – in 2001, the team went undefeated and won the MAPL Championship. Since then, the team has won 13 more MAPL Championships, with its most recent title in 2024. In the 2022 season, the team won the PAISAA State Championship for the first time in history. In 2024, the team was undefeated for the second time in School history and won the PAISAA State Championship!

Core Values: Team: HFHF (Hill Field Hockey Family), Playing with each other FOR each other

School

The Hill School is a coeducational college preparatory boarding and day school for students in grades 9-12 and post-graduates. Founded in 1851, it is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum, challenging academics, and close-knit community where faculty and students treat each other as family. The school emphasizes a structured yet supportive environment, nurturing students in “mind, body, and spirit”.

Core Values: The core values of The Hill School revolve around the idea of building character, self-confidence, and scholarship. These values are embodied through the school’s motto, “Whatsoever things are true,” and are lived through the school’s commitment to academic excellence, a supportive community, and a focus on student well-being.

Why Hill?

An opportunity to challenge yourself in the classroom, socially and play the at the highest level of high school field hockey in the country.

Coach Brandi Ritz

Brandi Ritz was named the 2023 National Coach of the Year after leading ND to a 20-1 season, Inter-Ac and PAISAA Championships, and the #1 national ranking in her first year as head coach. In 2024, she guided the team to an undefeated Inter-Ac title, a PAISAA finals appearance, and a #3 national ranking. Her passion lies in empowering young women to lead with integrity and pursue excellence on and off the field.

Core Values: Accountability, Confidence through preparation, Discipline and resilience, Love for the game and for one another

Program

Academy of Notre Dame de Namur field hockey programs is one of the top nationally programs in the country. The Irish earned the #1 MAX Field Hockey ranking in 2023 after a 20-1 season and a PAISAA State Championship, and followed in 2024 with an undefeated Inter-Ac play and #3 national ranking. The program is built on competitive excellence, leadership, and a team-first culture.

Core Values: Competitive excellence, Team-First Leadership, Legacy, Loyalty, and Love

School

The Academy of Notre Dame de Namur is an independent Catholic, all-girls school in Villanova, PA, founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Rooted in faith and service, the school forms young women in academic excellence, leadership, courage, and compassion.

Core Values: Faith, Intellectual Curiosity, Courage, Leadership, Service

Why Academy of Notre Dame?

Notre Dame is a place where young women are empowered to pursue excellence in every part of their lives-in the classroom, on the field, and in their relationships. It’s a place where excellence meets purpose-driven leadership, where hard work and heart go hand in hand. If you want to grow in confidence, compete at the highest level, and be a part of a sisterhood that lasts a lifetime, this is where you belong.

Important Dates

Camp Dates: Aug 11 – Aug 12

Fees

Camp Registration: $150 per player

Program Contact

Stefania Swider

sswider@unitedsports.net

(610) 466-7100 ext.104

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