Bowdoin Athletics

Friday Feature

NESCAC Friday Feature: Georgie Coetzer, Bowdoin Field Hockey

Georgie Coetzer, Bowdoin

Georgie Coetzer
Bowdoin College
Field Hockey
Senior
Johannesburg, South Africa
Major: Mathematics & Computer Science

Why did you choose to attend Bowdoin?
I was initially drawn to Bowdoin because of its strong academics and competitive field hockey program. Ultimately, however, the welcoming atmosphere I experienced when I first visited convinced me to attend.

Looking back on your college years, what are you most proud of
Reflecting on the past four years, I am most proud of my personal growth and the relationships I have formed with my classmates and teammates

What’s your go-to warmup song?
My go-to warmup song is Just a Dream by Nelly. During my first year, the seniors frequently played this song in the locker room. They were an incredible group of strong, hard-working women who I looked up to. Listening to the song reminds me of fond memories and their formative role during my first year on the team. Now that I find myself in a similar leadership position, I draw on their style of mentorship as a model I hope to replicate for the current underclassmen.

What is something you enjoy doing that you never get tired of?
Five o’clock dinners in Thorne and hanging out in the locker room

What has been your favorite class outside of your major?
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology has been my favorite class outside of my major. The class was fundamental in recalibrating how I encounter the world. As a result, I’ve learned to be more open-minded towards other cultures and perspectives.

Have you studied abroad during your collegiate experience?
I studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark during my junior spring. I took a variety of courses covering topics from Convolutional Neural Networks and Deep Learning to Arctic Geopolitics and Scandinavian crime fiction.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
The greatest lesson I have learned from being a student-athlete is the importance of having a strong support system. Over the past four years,  my family, coaches, and teammates have all been available to me as a resource. Knowing that I am able to lean on each of them for support during challenging times has helped me overcome many challenges.

What is your favorite place on your campus?
My favorite place on campus is Thorne dining hall. I love the natural light and catching up with friends over a meal there.

Who has been the most influential person to you during your time in college?
Coach Nicky and Kelly have had the greatest influence on me during my time in college. From the moment I first set foot on Bowdoin’s campus, they welcomed me with nothing but encouragement and generosity. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be coached by them. Over the past four years, they have helped me become not only a better field hockey player but also a better person.

What is something interesting about you that others might not know?
I am a triplet and have two sisters

Things on your bucket list: 
- Go surfing in Bali
- Run the Comrades Marathon
- Watch cricket at Lord’s with my dad

Favorite thing about your school: 
The people

Favorite thing about fall: 
Field hockey season

Sunrise or sunset: 
Sunset 

Dogs or cats: 
Dogs

Beach or mountains: 
Beach

Favorite quote: 
“It always seems impossible until it’s done”

Last show you binge-watched: 
The Bear

Last book you read: 
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

Favorite sports hero/figure:
Siya Kolisi

What makes you laugh the most: 
My teammates

What phrase or saying does your coach say often: 
“Start with the things you do really well”