New Zealand native Johanna Hamblett has made an immediate impact for the Bulldogs this season.
Know Your Bulldog: Johanna Hamblett
October 17, 2016 | Soccer
Skillful surfer, avid hiker, snowboarding genius, accredited violinist, these are just a few of the titles Johanna Hamblett holds when she is not dominating on the soccer field. She has no fear, but rather a love for adventure and pursuing her passions.
For some, taking a risk may be trying a new haircut or going to the new restaurant in town that just opened up. However, Hamblett had her daredevil eyes set on a much bigger prize. She picked up her life and moved 8,148 miles from her home in Christchurch, New Zealand, to pursue her dream of playing colligate soccer.
"Here, there is so much opportunity for sport," Hamblett said. "The college sport does not exist; you play on social teams back home. I love how much more passionate fans are here at Mississippi State."
Hamblett's courage in seeking out her dreams is admirable. Hamblett had not seen nor visited Mississippi State before she signed and arrived on campus. She fell in love with the Bulldogs and Starkville through the pride of the coaches, the experiences of others and, of course, Google.
"I got a really great feeling in the beginning from just talking to Coach Aaron Gordon," Hamblett said. "I emailed Coach Gordon and told him I was on my way, hopped on a plane and started summer school the day after I arrived. It's been non-stop since."
No stranger to international travel, Hamblett participated in a German exchange program at the age of 16. Knowing some of the language upon arrival and growing to become well versed, she adjusted well to her then surroundings and has applied those skills to her new journey to the States.
However, Hamblett admitted it was hard to adjust to her new surroundings at first. With the support of her team and her Bulldog family, the transition has become much easier. She is enjoying her time in Starkville and the close community that surrounds MSU. The freshman is exited to see where her journey in the Maroon and White will go and what opportunities await her as a Bulldog.
"It is really exciting to be able to figure out what I want to do here and after college as well," Hamblett said. "I have my whole life in front of me and I'm so happy that I chose MSU."
Hamblett is the only Bulldog freshman to start in all 15 of MSU's games this season. The midfielder has logged a freshmen-high in minutes, while scoring two goals and adding one assist.Â
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For some, taking a risk may be trying a new haircut or going to the new restaurant in town that just opened up. However, Hamblett had her daredevil eyes set on a much bigger prize. She picked up her life and moved 8,148 miles from her home in Christchurch, New Zealand, to pursue her dream of playing colligate soccer.
"Here, there is so much opportunity for sport," Hamblett said. "The college sport does not exist; you play on social teams back home. I love how much more passionate fans are here at Mississippi State."
Hamblett's courage in seeking out her dreams is admirable. Hamblett had not seen nor visited Mississippi State before she signed and arrived on campus. She fell in love with the Bulldogs and Starkville through the pride of the coaches, the experiences of others and, of course, Google.
"I got a really great feeling in the beginning from just talking to Coach Aaron Gordon," Hamblett said. "I emailed Coach Gordon and told him I was on my way, hopped on a plane and started summer school the day after I arrived. It's been non-stop since."
No stranger to international travel, Hamblett participated in a German exchange program at the age of 16. Knowing some of the language upon arrival and growing to become well versed, she adjusted well to her then surroundings and has applied those skills to her new journey to the States.
However, Hamblett admitted it was hard to adjust to her new surroundings at first. With the support of her team and her Bulldog family, the transition has become much easier. She is enjoying her time in Starkville and the close community that surrounds MSU. The freshman is exited to see where her journey in the Maroon and White will go and what opportunities await her as a Bulldog.
"It is really exciting to be able to figure out what I want to do here and after college as well," Hamblett said. "I have my whole life in front of me and I'm so happy that I chose MSU."
Hamblett is the only Bulldog freshman to start in all 15 of MSU's games this season. The midfielder has logged a freshmen-high in minutes, while scoring two goals and adding one assist.Â
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Players Mentioned
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