Hannah Biccard ’22 is a forward on the Tufts University women’s field hockey team. In her second year with the Elephants, she co-led the team with six assists. She was also second in scoring, with 7 goals, including a hat-trick in a 5-1 win against Hamilton College.
During her Senior year at Hotchkiss, Biccard was co-captain of Varsity Field Hockey. That season, she led the Bearcats to a record of 12-4 and the New England playoff semifinals. She was also a member of Girls Varsity Tennis and played piano.
Varsity Field Hockey Head Coach Kaitlyn Leonard ’06 said, “Hannah was an amazing asset to the team. Her positive attitude and confidence brought everyone to another level, whether in practice or games. She has an infectious love for the game and for competition in general.
As an Upper Mid and Senior, she served as a role model for new players, both in terms of having fun and staying focused. Her impact on the field was imperative to our team’s success.”
Biccard’s advisor, Robin Chandler ’87, said, “Consistently at the top of her class, it was not surprising when Hannah was inducted into the cum laude society. Hannah is sharp-witted and full of conviction. She has a terrific presence about her, is super inquisitive, and is always honest with her thoughts and feelings—you always know where you stand. Hannah is one of those people who brings their full self to every room they are in and to everything they do.”
How did Hotchkiss help you grow as an athlete?
Being able to instantly connect with a group of girls who shared my passion for the sport has greatly impacted my life. It taught me how to carry positive team dynamics forward into college. Being surrounded by such accomplished girls and coaches also motivated me to improve, which has facilitated my success.
Why did you choose to play at Tufts?
I fell in love with Tufts during my visit—the proximity to Boston for easy international travel, prestigious academics, and personable coaches drew me in.
The recruitment process itself was challenging. I only began researching schools after my Upper Mid season, and Covid restrictions made travel difficult. Without connections to college coaches or experience on club teams, I had to be proactive in reaching out to coaches and leveraging opportunities like camps and showcases.
My teammate Lize Takoudes ’22 hosted me that summer—without her family’s generosity in sharing contacts and helping me get seen by coaches, I wouldn’t have had the chance to play in college.
What are some of the differences between NESCAC and Founders League field hockey?
While there are expected differences like increased intensity and speed of play in the NESCAC, there are also familiar faces of Hotchkiss Field Hockey alumni [Molly Donegan ’22, Lize Takoudes ’22, Grace Keefe ’22, Kiernan McColgen ’22, Mackay Bommer ’22] and students from other Founders League schools. The Founders League competition provided the foundation for us to develop in college.
What is one of your favorite memories with the Tufts team?
My favorite memory was our victorious doubleheader weekend against Bates and Williams. We knew they were top-ranked teams and had lost to lower-ranked opponents earlier in the season. We managed to defeat them both, and the thrill we felt after those wins was indescribable.
What are some of your goals for your collegiate field hockey career?
I hope Tufts can make it to the NCAA Final Four. We have progressed further in the tournament each year I’ve played here. The Final Four is the next milestone!
Describe the game against Hamilton when you scored three goals. What was going through your head?
The best part of that game was being able to play freely without expectations weighing me down. Obviously, forwards feel pressure to score, but once I scored the first goal I could just focus on playing my best. Slotting in that second goal from the top of the circle felt amazing—it’s a shot I’ve practiced extensively but never attempted in a game until then.
What would you say to athletes aspiring to play collegiate-level field hockey?
The recruitment process takes effort. Start reaching out to coaches early and utilize any connections you have. Believe in your abilities even when faced with challenges or self-doubt.
If you love field hockey, I encourage you to explore playing at the collegiate level. So far, playing in college has been incredibly rewarding for me. It provides tremendous balance and community.
