From a young age, Jordan Vradenburgh knew field hockey was her calling. She was immediately drawn to the high energy and strategic demands of the game, and though her heart was set on playing, her parents weren’t so certain—especially about the goalie position.
“Playing goalie was the one position my parents didn’t want me to try because they thought it was too dangerous,” Vradenburgh shared in an email interview.
Yet, in a pivotal moment when her middle school team’s goalie quit mid-game, Vradenburgh stepped up without hesitation, defying her parents’ concerns.
That game changed everything: she found herself fully captivated and soon joined the school’s club team.
When reflecting on her journey, Vradenburgh credits several figures who inspired her along the way.
“My initial inspiration to play came from my club goalie coach, Grace Baylis,” Vradenburgh said. “Watching her skill and dedication to the game sparked my own passion and pushed me to grow and challenge myself as a player.”
This early inspiration fueled her commitment and helped shape her path as she advanced in the sport.
Now a second-year and starting goalie for Stevenson, Vradenburgh acknowledges the driving force her parents have become in her life and sport.
“My parents are my biggest inspiration to keep going. Their constant support and belief in my abilities motivate me to keep pushing forward, even through tough practices, challenging games, and injury,” Vradenburgh said.
When deciding on where to continue her athletic and academic journey, Stevenson University quickly rose to the top.
“I chose Stevenson because of Coach Bitting’s inspiring vision for the team and the opportunity to be part of a program striving for new heights,” Vradenburgh said.
True to her hopes, Stevenson has indeed achieved impressive milestones this season, boasting a 9-0-1 start and an overall record of 14-4-1, the best in the school’s history.
Vradenburgh also spoke of her excitement to contribute to a team with clear goals and a strong dedication to growth.
“The state-of-the-art facilities on East Campus made it easy to picture Stevenson as the perfect place to develop as an athlete and a student,” Vradenburgh said. “My time here has been both challenging and rewarding. As a sophomore, I’ve had the chance to see the vision that drew me here really take shape.”
An ambitious psychology major, Vradenburgh is not only focused on field hockey, but also deeply engaged in her academic pursuits.
“I really appreciate how the classes encourage discussion and practical learning—it feels like I’m gaining real skills, not just studying theories,” Vradenburgh said.
Vradenburgh also finds time to engage with campus life beyond her studies and sport.
“Outside of class, there’s always something going on, especially with sports. I love going to other teams’ games and supporting friends,” Vradenburgh said. “Being part of a campus where academics and athletics go hand in hand really brings out the best of both worlds.”
The camaraderie on her team is another key element of her experience.
“The chemistry on our team is truly like that of a family. We’ve formed strong connections that foster a supportive atmosphere, allowing us to genuinely enjoy each other’s company on and off the field,” Vradenburgh said.
“While we definitely have fun and share many laughs, we also know how to switch gears and focus when it’s needed. When it’s time to put in the hard work, we come together and encourage one another to reach our goals. This balance creates a unique and vibrant team dynamic,” Vradenburgh said.
Vradenburgh’s impact on the field is undeniable. In her first season with the Mustangs, she appeared in 16 games, starting eight and recorded 45 saves. She set a season high of ten saves against Johns Hopkins and was named MAC Player of the Week twice. This season, she’s proven even more formidable, allowing just 15 goals in 18 games, with a career-high 12 saves in the team’s thrilling 1-0 victory over Mary Washington. She has added two more MAC Player of the Week accolades to her growing list of achievements.
With her talent and commitment, Vradenburgh is set to continue her shining role at Stevenson for the next few seasons. She embodies the spirit of her team, one that plays, as she says, “like that of a family,” and her future looks bright as she carries forward this strong foundation.
