Date Presented

Spring 5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Exercise Physiology

First Advisor

Dr. Sean M. Collins

Second Advisor

Dr. Paul McClure

Third Advisor

Dr. Jill M. Lucas

Abstract

Field hockey is a high-intensity intermittent sport requiring a complex interplay of aerobic endurance, anaerobic capacity, muscular power, and optimal body composition to sustain repeated bouts of sprinting, directional changes, and technical skill execution. While extensive research has examined Division I and international athletes, limited data exist on NCAA Division III players, despite over 150 Division III programs in the United States. This gap restricts evidence-based training and performance optimization within this population. PURPOSE: This research will examine various physiological characteristics of field hockey players, including power, speed, agility, time spent in maximal heart rate zones, total distance covered during competition, body composition, and VO2max. METHODS: In-game workload data will be collected using BeyondPulse monitoring devices worn during practices and competitions. Additional performance testing will occur outside of practice and will include a flying 10 sprint test for speed and a 5-10-5 agility test using Brower Timing Systems speed gates. Athletes will complete a five-minute step test to estimate VO2max and undergo full-body bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to assess muscle and fat distribution. RESULTS: Significant difference in game performance metrics by position and significant difference in body competition, VO2max, and countermovement reactive strength index (RSI) by age. CONCLUSION: While there is a lack of differences in strength, speed, and power measures, the research suggests that a generalized program may still be effective for Division III athletes.

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