Second-year Meaghan Kramer is a forward/midfielder on the field hockey team. An international student from the Netherlands, she is planning on double majoring in Biology and Neuroscience and minoring in Chemistry.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

How were you introduced to field hockey?

I’m the youngest of three, and my older brother is six years older, and my sister’s five years older. They are both really good field hockey players. When I was a couple months old, my mom put me on the list for certain clubs that are hard to get into. I started officially playing when I was six years old. But I also really grew up by the field. I would go to my sister’s and brother’s games and get on the field during halftime. I grew up playing the sport and I love it so much. Back home, the stakes were really low because I played club. We don’t have high school teams. I had two practices a week, a game every Saturday, and that was it. 

How big is field hockey in the Netherlands?

It’s the biggest sport. The Dutch teams are 2024 Olympic champions, both men’s and women’s. It’s incredibly big. If I look at my high school class, most people play field hockey.

What was it like coming from a place where field hockey is the biggest sport to here, where it is secondary to bigger sports such as football, baseball, and basketball?

It’s definitely different. Some plays we have are different from back home, but the sport stays the same. I come from a club where there’s 11 teams of people my age and an age group above and below me. Now we have one college team, and that’s it.

What was it like being the youngest one in a family that all played field hockey?

My family’s competitive, but we’re not super intense about it. I would go to some of their games and they would come to some of my games. My parents would always be at my games. I always played with my siblings outside. It was never like, “Oh, my brother’s better,” or “Oh, my sister’s better.” We just all played.

You are the only player who was recruited internationally. What has it been like to be surrounded by teammates who are all from America?

I really like it because I came to the States for the experience here. When I’m with my team, I do not mind being international at all. I love my teammates; we are so tight, like a family. Sometimes I struggle. Especially at the start of last year, some of the terms on the field, I didn’t know the English words for them. But everyone was so helpful to me. They don’t care about me asking questions, they just want to help.

How helpful were your teammates in helping you make that transition here? 

Very helpful. I’m very close with teammates in my class. My roommate last year was also one of my teammates — they made the transition super easy. Being in preseason on campus before everyone else gets here, you have a built-in friend group.  

What was the moment when you knew Oberlin was the school for you?

The team. I also looked at Kenyon College, for example, and I just really liked being included in the team from day one. Head Field Hockey Coach Jess West was super intrigued by my life. I could tell her stories, and she would ask about my day. I just knew that Coach West could be kind of a mom figure for me away from home if I needed something. And then I was so close with the players. Some of the team added me on BeReal after my prospect visit. It was awesome. Also, the school itself played a major role. It has a good education and good programs that I want to do. Some classes I attended on my visit had student research. I also just wanted a little college town instead of a city where it’s just all spread out. It was literally perfect for what I wanted. 

What does your relationship with your coach look like today?

She’s still my coach; I respect her and she tells me what to do on the field. I know if I have problems with anything, I can call her at 3 a.m. and she’ll answer. That’s a thing within the team that’s established.

What advice would you give to other international students who are considering coming to Oberlin?

I would encourage them to do it! Bring some suitcases with clothes and some decorations from home, but other than that just enjoy the new cultural college experience. If you are able to contact some people from Oberlin during the summer, I would recommend that.