University of Delaware Athletics
Noelle Sabbagh
Photo by: JEFFREY A. CAMARATI
How Raising Market Hogs Helped Noelle Sabbagh Become an Impact Field Hockey Player
11/15/2022 1:45:00 PM | Field Hockey
By ROB KNOX
Special to University of Delaware Athletics
NEWARK, Del. – Noelle Sabbagh couldn't ask for a better freshman season than the one that concluded recently in the NCAA Tournament.
Among many of her highlights:
"In high school, I had the joy of raising two market hogs," Sabbagh said. "I've always loved piglets. They're my favorite animal. Because of the animal science program, I was taking classes and I got to raise a market hog to eventually show in the Delaware State Fair. I also learned a great deal of life lessons during this time.
"I learned how to take care of an animal that is completely dependent on me for survival. I built relationships with the students around me who all worked together to raise these hogs as well as with my hogs. I found this experience extremely enjoyable, and I wish I had done it every year."
Time management, responsibility, and hard-work are all life lessons that Sabbagh gained from this experience, which has helped her excel at Delaware. It also strengthened her compassion and empathy for others while helping her cherish the opportunities she has playing field hockey, a sport she started while in kindergarten because of her older sister.
"While raising the hog, I learned how to create and work on a specific, strict schedule," Sabbagh said. "From 7a.m. to 7p.m., we were given daily assignments that we had to complete and sign off on. Obviously, these assignments weren't something we could procrastinate or push off. The animals needed us to tend to their needs at very specific times of day based on the weather and when they were last fed."
Sabbagh also has a special bond with her teammates.
The Blue Hens enjoyed another memorable year by winning their fourth straight CAA Tournament title. They have made Sabbagh feel at home.
"The best part of being a member of the UD field hockey team is the relationships I've created with my team members," Sabbagh said. "I can confidently say that after spending four months with this groups of girls, I have met my life-long friends. We are truly like a family and that is what makes being part of this team so special. We are there for each other every single day through every situation imaginable. We all have the ability to grow as people because of the support from every single person. This team has something very special and I am so grateful to have connected with everyone."
Sabbagh has three more years remaining to terrorize CAA opponents.
The gifted and lightning-fast forward from Lewes, Delaware was one of six Blue Hens to finish the season with double-digit points (15). Her seven goals were second on the team behind Julia Duffhuis' 14.
Competing with a ferocious desire to succeed, the affable Sabbagh distinguished herself by earning a spot on the 2022 All-CAA Rookie Team. She was also named CAA Rookie of the Week twice. Sabbagh's seven goals were tied for eighth in the CAA. She was also eighth in the conference in goals per game (0.41).
Having a high-level talent like Sabbagh remain close to home was like pulling off a jewelry store heist in broad daylight after taking a selfie with the security guards.
"Initially, during my recruiting process, I was looking at schools outside of the CAA and at Power 5 opportunities," Sabbagh said. "However, as I was narrowing down my options, I realized that UD made the most sense to me because of their education programs, the field hockey team, and the location. Education is very important to me as I have high aspirations for my future and UD provides excellent science and medical programs that I have heard very pleasant reviews about."
Field hockey proved to be a bonus for the chemistry major, who has plans to attend medical school. Her goals are to become a dermatologist or an anesthesiologist.
"The field hockey team immediately gave off the impression that this team is about family," Sabbagh said. "Their team culture and core beliefs fit exactly with that I was looking for in my college experience. The location of UD was the final piece of my puzzle that made me realize UD was the perfect fit for me. I realized that having the chance to represent my home state was an opportunity I couldn't give up. I feel extremely proud to represent where I was raised and a program that integrates life-long lessons into their curriculum seamlessly."
Away from the strenuous classes, practices, weight sessions, and games, Sabbagh relaxes by going to the beach, watching crime mysteries with her father, and spending time with her three dogs: Maverick, a golden retriever, along with Gunther and Kirby, a pair of English bulldogs.
While Sabbagh is excited about next season, she can savor all of the memories from a special campaign.
"To be a freshman in the NCAA Tournament is an experience like no other," Sabbagh said. "Every bus ride, walk through, practice, and game is different. It creates the opportunity for growth in a wide frame of variety, on the field and in real life. To be able to play against the best teams in the country at the best facilities available is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I am extremely thankful to be a part of a team that has given me these thrilling opportunities.
"Happy, accomplished, proud, and excited are a few words I could use to describe the feeling of winning the CAA Championship. This year's team went through many ups and downs, but as a team, we took the chance to turn things around and make the best of our season. We ended up scoring 12 goals between the semifinal and final game which is an accomplishment in itself. I am so incredibly proud of everyone on this team and eternally grateful to have the opportunity to represent the University of Delaware."
Rob Knox is an award-winning professional. A member of the Lincoln (Pa.) Hall of Fame, Knox currently serves as the Senior Director of Strategic Communications for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Knox enjoyed a distinguished career as an athletics communicator for Lincoln, Kutztown, Coppin State, Towson, and UNC Greensboro. He also worked at ESPN and for the Delaware County Daily Times. Recently, Knox was honored by the NCAA with its Champion of Diversity award. Knox is a graduate of Lincoln University and a past president of the College Sports Information Directors Association of America (CoSIDA).
Special to University of Delaware Athletics
NEWARK, Del. – Noelle Sabbagh couldn't ask for a better freshman season than the one that concluded recently in the NCAA Tournament.
Among many of her highlights:
- Scoring two goals against 10th-ranked Connecticut.
- Helping the Delaware field hockey team win a Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) championship.
- Celebrating a NCAA Tournament victory over Lehigh.
- Creating countless memories that will last a lifetime.
"In high school, I had the joy of raising two market hogs," Sabbagh said. "I've always loved piglets. They're my favorite animal. Because of the animal science program, I was taking classes and I got to raise a market hog to eventually show in the Delaware State Fair. I also learned a great deal of life lessons during this time.
"I learned how to take care of an animal that is completely dependent on me for survival. I built relationships with the students around me who all worked together to raise these hogs as well as with my hogs. I found this experience extremely enjoyable, and I wish I had done it every year."
Time management, responsibility, and hard-work are all life lessons that Sabbagh gained from this experience, which has helped her excel at Delaware. It also strengthened her compassion and empathy for others while helping her cherish the opportunities she has playing field hockey, a sport she started while in kindergarten because of her older sister.
"While raising the hog, I learned how to create and work on a specific, strict schedule," Sabbagh said. "From 7a.m. to 7p.m., we were given daily assignments that we had to complete and sign off on. Obviously, these assignments weren't something we could procrastinate or push off. The animals needed us to tend to their needs at very specific times of day based on the weather and when they were last fed."
Sabbagh also has a special bond with her teammates.
The Blue Hens enjoyed another memorable year by winning their fourth straight CAA Tournament title. They have made Sabbagh feel at home.
"The best part of being a member of the UD field hockey team is the relationships I've created with my team members," Sabbagh said. "I can confidently say that after spending four months with this groups of girls, I have met my life-long friends. We are truly like a family and that is what makes being part of this team so special. We are there for each other every single day through every situation imaginable. We all have the ability to grow as people because of the support from every single person. This team has something very special and I am so grateful to have connected with everyone."
Sabbagh has three more years remaining to terrorize CAA opponents.
The gifted and lightning-fast forward from Lewes, Delaware was one of six Blue Hens to finish the season with double-digit points (15). Her seven goals were second on the team behind Julia Duffhuis' 14.
Competing with a ferocious desire to succeed, the affable Sabbagh distinguished herself by earning a spot on the 2022 All-CAA Rookie Team. She was also named CAA Rookie of the Week twice. Sabbagh's seven goals were tied for eighth in the CAA. She was also eighth in the conference in goals per game (0.41).
Having a high-level talent like Sabbagh remain close to home was like pulling off a jewelry store heist in broad daylight after taking a selfie with the security guards.
"Initially, during my recruiting process, I was looking at schools outside of the CAA and at Power 5 opportunities," Sabbagh said. "However, as I was narrowing down my options, I realized that UD made the most sense to me because of their education programs, the field hockey team, and the location. Education is very important to me as I have high aspirations for my future and UD provides excellent science and medical programs that I have heard very pleasant reviews about."
Field hockey proved to be a bonus for the chemistry major, who has plans to attend medical school. Her goals are to become a dermatologist or an anesthesiologist.
"The field hockey team immediately gave off the impression that this team is about family," Sabbagh said. "Their team culture and core beliefs fit exactly with that I was looking for in my college experience. The location of UD was the final piece of my puzzle that made me realize UD was the perfect fit for me. I realized that having the chance to represent my home state was an opportunity I couldn't give up. I feel extremely proud to represent where I was raised and a program that integrates life-long lessons into their curriculum seamlessly."
Away from the strenuous classes, practices, weight sessions, and games, Sabbagh relaxes by going to the beach, watching crime mysteries with her father, and spending time with her three dogs: Maverick, a golden retriever, along with Gunther and Kirby, a pair of English bulldogs.
While Sabbagh is excited about next season, she can savor all of the memories from a special campaign.
"To be a freshman in the NCAA Tournament is an experience like no other," Sabbagh said. "Every bus ride, walk through, practice, and game is different. It creates the opportunity for growth in a wide frame of variety, on the field and in real life. To be able to play against the best teams in the country at the best facilities available is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I am extremely thankful to be a part of a team that has given me these thrilling opportunities.
"Happy, accomplished, proud, and excited are a few words I could use to describe the feeling of winning the CAA Championship. This year's team went through many ups and downs, but as a team, we took the chance to turn things around and make the best of our season. We ended up scoring 12 goals between the semifinal and final game which is an accomplishment in itself. I am so incredibly proud of everyone on this team and eternally grateful to have the opportunity to represent the University of Delaware."
Rob Knox is an award-winning professional. A member of the Lincoln (Pa.) Hall of Fame, Knox currently serves as the Senior Director of Strategic Communications for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Knox enjoyed a distinguished career as an athletics communicator for Lincoln, Kutztown, Coppin State, Towson, and UNC Greensboro. He also worked at ESPN and for the Delaware County Daily Times. Recently, Knox was honored by the NCAA with its Champion of Diversity award. Knox is a graduate of Lincoln University and a past president of the College Sports Information Directors Association of America (CoSIDA).
Players Mentioned
B
/ Field Hockey
F
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