Athlete Spotlight: Izzy Mosley

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications 

Salem, Mass. --   Salem State's Izzy Mosley was named MASCAC Field Hockey Defensive Player and Rookie of the Week for the week ending September 23. Mosley went 2-1 during the week with an .871 save average, stopping 27 shots to go with a shutout. The freshman had nine saves in a 1-0 shutout over Bridgewater State and made nine saves in 10 attempts in a 2-1 victory over Framingham State.    

The Middleborough native was surprised by winning both awards. "I was very surprised to receive not only defensive player of the week but also rookie of the week because these are very competitive awards to achieve. I was not expecting to receive both awards after I heard I received defensive player of the week as usually there is not one winner for both. The nature of the sport of field hockey has many variables and to have had enough success in my stats the past week to receive those honors is something I am very proud of."   

She expressed what it means to receive this recognition playing in her first full month of collegiate field hockey. "To me receiving this recognition only a month into my collegiate career is very exciting. I am very proud of the hard work I put in during the preseason to be at the level of play I am at. To know all of the hard work was worth it is a great feeling. It has me looking forward to how the rest of the season will unfold."   

The freshman explained the skills that she learned in high school that she transferred over to Salem State. "In high school, I traveled often with my club team and worked one-on-one with goalie coaches to achieve the level of technique I am at now. My high school years gave me the opportunity to grow and learn as an athlete. In high school, being able to compete at a high level of play through my club gave me the skills to react quickly and work with a team. My high school team taught me how to communicate with others and be a leader in not only how I play, but also in my actions." 

She has the same pre-practice and pre-game routines that will keep her locked in. "I try to keep my pre-practice routine and pre-game routine very similar cause I believe you play how you practice. I try to keep the same mindset by mentally preparing myself to play calmly and focused. I listen to 80's rock while I get ready and envision different aspects of the game whether it's me making saves or the team scoring a goal."   

Mosley, a Psychology major looked back last week when they faced Bridgewater to earn her first collegiate shutout victory. "Knowing Bridgewater was going to be a huge game I tried to come in as calmly as possible and with my game face on. I knew it was going to be competitive and that I would need to be on the money. I kept my usual routine of music and hyping up the team before the game. I went into warm-ups feeling good and carried that feeling over into the game." 

Her go-to meal is a peanut butter and jam sandwich. 

Besides winning a championship. Mosley, who started playing field hockey when she was 11 years old has a goal for this upcoming season she is looking to accomplish. "A goal I have this year is to rack up some more shutouts and make a name for myself within the conference. I hope to have a high save percentage in the 80's. Overall though, the goal is to grow and be there for my team. Adjusting to college play and achieving a winning record is my main focus for the year."   

Her mom inspired her to play the sport. "My mom inspired me to play because she played when she was younger and formed great friendships through it. In hopes I would do the same, she put me into the sport, and then everything took off from there." As far of who impacted her in her life, she mentioned it was her brothers. "My brothers have impacted me a lot in life. While they are younger than me, they are extremely dedicated to their sports and seeing how hard they work encourages me to do the same. We constantly are lifting each other up and helping one another, so their support in me being a collegiate athlete has been huge." 

She talked about what coach Atkinson means to her. "Coach Atkinson is a great coach to work with. She knows how hard it is to push us while also still being supportive. To me, the opportunity to play for her is one of great importance. She is honest and hard-working and those are the qualities that I admire in a coach. On and off the field, coach Atkinson supports us in all aspects of our lives, and I feel very lucky to have a coach who cares as much as she does."  

She has a message to those who want to pursue the sport of field hockey. "To the youth that want to play field hockey I say go for it! There is no sport that is exactly like it in its uniquenes  and it causes teams to form great bonds. It pushes you to be a better athlete. I would say, get involved in the sport and play as much as you can and most importantly have fun!" 

Mosley spoke about her idols. "Some of the idols I look up to are Jess Jecko and Megan Rapinoe. Jess Jecko is the former USA field hockey goalie and her style of play and her love for the game are truly inspiring. Megan Rapinoe is an athlete everyone can look up to. She not only has had an immensely successful professional soccer career, but her work as an activist for women in sports has changed the playing field for generations to come."  

A professional player she wants to see is Kelsey Bing. "I would love to get to see the USA Field Hockey team's goalie Kelsey Bing play. She's had great success in her field hockey career from college to now and getting to see her play would give me a lot to learn from."   

Mosley and the Vikings will travel to Fitchburg State on Friday. Game time at  6:30 p.m.