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ATHENS, Ohio – In her first season with the Ohio field hockey team, freshman midfielder Pauline Hartlieb (Leverkusen, Germany) made an immediate impact. She earned First Team All-MAC and All-Freshman Team honors after she ended the season as Ohio's second leading scorer. 

However, Hartlieb didn't have an easy path to the top half of the conference. The midfielder had to jump out of her comfort zone. 

"The first week we met each other, the seniors had to give us freshman advice. I remember one senior saying become comfortable with being uncomfortable. I feel like that led me through this whole semester so far. Just sometimes being here in a different country, it's outside of my comfort zone. So I think that really helped me to get through it because I just know probably everyone isn't in their comfort zone." 

Hartlieb had to adjust to a new way of life before the season started. She had to get used to the dorms and campus life while also adjusting to a new culture. However, Hartlieb wasn't alone in the shift. She had a strong support system behind her. 

Her roommate, freshman forward Johanna Hildebrandt, is also from Germany. The two bonded over trying new foods at the dining hall and spent time with the other international student-athletes to adjust to Athens. 

It was overwhelming at times, but Hartlieb found her grounding in her team and her sport. The coaching staff and veterans were always there for her. The connection between the team is part of what drew Hartlieb to Ohio's program in the first place. She knew she would be able to thrive on and off the field with Ohio. Hartleib saw the beautiful campus as an added bonus. 

Once the season started, Harleib was right back in her element. She quickly became a staple in Ohio's lineup.

"The confidence level with being the youngest and then a new team and then playing the center role and all those things, her transition to be vocal and the way she sees the game is really, really, really impressive. She can see the game very well," head coach Ali Johnstone said. 

Hartlieb never felt like a freshman on the field because she was integrated into the game early on. Her teammates held an open line of communication and allowed her to contribute. The Bobcats allowed her to be brave early on, and that led to her growth and success.

In 16 games, Hartleib tallied strong numbers. She had the 12th-most goals in the MAC with six and 11th-most points with 15. Hartleib also contributed three assists on the season while splitting time with junior Bodhi Littlefield (Oakland, Maine). 

Johnstone noted that there's something special about the way Hartlieb plays the game because she is not afraid to put herself out there.  

"At the end of a game, I just look at Pauline and I'm just like, that was really good. Your hustle. You know, it's work ethic too. She doesn't quit, you know, It's the same with Bodhi, and those two working in that same spot. She's a little spark plug and her effort to get back on defense and then also join the attack. She's fun to watch," Johnstone said.

Hartlieb's first season at Ohio was one to remember, but now that she's found her feet, there's no stopping her. 
 

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