New Trier field hockey star commits to Indiana

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New Trier North field hockey player Caroline Dellin is the central figure in a roster that numbers 28 athletes. The senior midfielder will begin her collegiate career at Indiana University next year. Her commitment solidifies a program that has grown into one of the largest in the school's history. The Trevians rely on a depth that Dellin describes as a primary source of their competitive edge.

Dellin attributes the team's recent success to a collective work ethic that extends beyond the playing field. She notes that the large squad fosters close bonds among the players. "We uplift each other. We are a complete team and all 28 have a role and are important to our success," Dellin said. This unified approach helps the team maintain high performance levels throughout the season.

Her decision to attend Indiana University followed a clinic she attended in the program. Dellin reported feeling an immediate sense of belonging during that visit. The coaching staff and current players welcomed her into the group. She specifically praised future head coach Kayla Bashore, an Olympian who previously played at Indiana. Dellin said Bashore understands the requirements for success at the highest level of the sport.

Dellin's connection to field hockey began in the first grade. Her family moved from the city to the suburbs where no local leagues existed for the sport. Her mother enrolled her in a house league program to keep her active. Both her mother and aunt played field hockey at the University of North Carolina. They wanted a third family member to pursue the sport, a role that fell to Dellin after her sister Charlotte chose soccer.

The player's most memorable experience came during last year's state championship game. The Trevians faced Glenbrook North, a team they had lost to twice during the regular season. Glenbrook North scored first in the final match. The Trevians did not score until the fourth quarter, and the opponent immediately responded with another goal. The game proceeded to overtime where New Trier North secured the victory. Dellin described the moment as a mix of exhaustion and happiness, citing the relief of their hard work paying off.

Outside of the field, Dellin plans to pursue a career in law, business, or special education. She is a member of the Enriching Life through Service club at New Trier. The club works closely with students involved in Special Olympics. Dellin currently serves on the board of that organization. She frequently interacts with classmates in these clubs and recommends them to other students interested in service.

Dellin maintains specific routines before competitions to prepare her mind and body. The night before a game, she visualizes specific plays, skills, or goals she intends to execute. During the match, she finds that her body naturally performs those actions when she recalls the visualization. Before stepping onto the field, she follows a strict order for her gear. She puts on her left shin guard and left shoe first, followed by her right shin guard and right shoe.

The player also has distinct preferences for energy and relaxation. She avoids coffee and instead consumes Bloom energy drinks in crisp apple flavor for early morning practices. She notes the drink tastes like apple juice without bitterness. For snacks, she favors Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Thins, a treat she shares with her family. If traveling, she would choose Paris to practice her basic French skills and explore the country.