Students in Lower and Upper were excited to welcome guest speaker, Keli Smith Puzo. Keli is a two-time Olympian, competing in the sport of field hockey in Beijing in 2008 and in London in 2012. Many classrooms have been discussing the Olympics as the competition is taking place. Keli visited us recently, wearing the jacket she wore at the London opening ceremony.

Keli talked with our students about how she got involved in field hockey and her journey in the sport. We learned about the four year training cycle that takes place prior to each Olympics, and the hard work required to qualify and compete. Students had the opportunity to ask about what it’s like to be a professional athlete, including the challenges, sacrifices, and rewards. They also got to ask plenty of questions about the Olympics, including the competition, residence halls, meeting other athletes and, most importantly, the food! We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Keli for spending part of her day with us.

Keli resides in Oxford with her husband, Miami field hockey coach Iñako Puzo, and her two sons. Keli is the owner and director of Field Hockey Life (FHL), an organization that offers club programs in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland for athletes of all levels, ages eight and up. Several McGuffey students have participated in the FHL program in addition to playing for the Talawanda team.

If your child is interested in field hockey, FHL is offering youth clinics this spring for students who would like to try the sport. Field hockey sticks will be provided! You can find more information here.