University of Toronto Athletics

Updated: August 2025

In selecting athletes as members of the Varsity Blues field hockey team, the coaching staff will consider the information listed below through observational and written evaluations. Considerations factored into the selection process include:

Technical / Tactical / Physical:
 

• Agility, Speed, and Endurance.
• Effectiveness and efficiency in basic skills like Push, Trap (Static/Dynamic), Hit (Forehand/Reverse), Sweep (Forehand/Reverse), 3D skills, Aerial Distribution, Aerial receptions, Eliminations (dribble) and Defending (Tackling – 1v1 and 2v1 / 3v2).
• Knowledge of the Game with regards to Tactics & Hockey Intelligence and the willingness to learn and implement.
• Positional needs and positional suitability, short term/immediate vs. long term/future program needs.
• Exhibits a balance between offensive and defensive skills as well as the ability to play different positions and with different players on the field.
• Exhibits consistent growth and development in both technical and tactical skills.

Commitment – Emotional / Psychological / Mental

• Positional needs and positional suitability, short term/immediate vs long term/future program needs.
• A team-first approach with a willingness to accept a role that leads to team success. Contributes to the team atmosphere with a shared purpose of creating a successful team.
• Demonstrates the desire to compete during training & competition.
• Treats others with respect, exhibits enthusiasm and support of program and teammates. Make choices that reflect a winning attitude both on and off the field for the team, the program, the Faculty and the University of Toronto.
• Demonstrates good communication skills and interactions and willing to work through and resolve conflicts that might interfere with the success of the team.
• Exhibits an ability to adjust to various situations, dealing with adversity, and reacting appropriately. Accepts responsibility and is accountable for actions and learning. Takes initiative and is self-directed.
• Attendance at training: makes off-season and in-season training and competition a priority when scheduling classes and activities.
• Other intangible considerations that affect the dynamics and performance of the team.

It is the belief of the Varsity Blues women's field hockey staff that considering the mix of selection criteria listed above, which includes subjective as well as objective measures in evaluation of performance ability, will result in selection of the best athletes who will work together as an effective team and contribute to team success. The coaching staff, and ultimately the head coach, is responsible for making all athlete selections.

Cassius Mendonca
cassius.mendonca@utoronto.ca