Field hockey adds Klupp, Wheeler as spring additions

SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- With spring practices in full swings, the Bryant University field hockey team is getting ready to compete for a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference title in 2018. The team has many familiar faces from the 2017 campaign, but there are two new additions to the Bulldog roster: Pia Klupp (Hamburg, Germany) and Casey Wheeler (Cape Town, South Africa).

The duo gives the Bulldogs a signing class of four, as both Meghan Robinson (Haddon Heights, N.J.) and Marijn Jaarsma (Uihoorn, Netherlands) signed National Letters of Intent to play for Bryant back in November.

Klupp and Wheeler were both attracted to Bryant for similar reasons: a great reputation for academics, Division I field hockey, and a prime location.

"When I decided to study in the US, I wanted to end up in New England somewhere," Klupp said. "I received an email from Joppe and we Skyped. I really liked him."

"When I looked into the academic side, it fit in well with what I wanted to do," Wheeler said. "The hockey being in Division I, it was really the best of both for me."

Wheeler received the tip on Bryant from former volunteer assistant coach Jason Mulder, who worked with the team this past season. Despite taking a position elsewhere, Mulder still urged her to take the opportunity to attend Bryant.

"He told me about Bryant," Wheeler said. "I hadn't really found a school that I was really for, but he introduced me to Joppe."

Both Internationally-born, Wheeler and Klupp have quickly adapter to a new style of life in Smithfield. "It was scary to come to a new continent," Wheeler said, having never been to America before attending Bryant. "I had struggles, but it was fine. Everyone's been really welcoming to me when I started. It's been really nice."

"It's different than where I'm from," said Klupp. "I like the atmosphere, the people, and the way everything works."

The Bulldogs have hit the ground running in practice, looking to build upon the 2017 season. Klupp and Wheeler have been fully involved since arriving at Bryant, and the team meshed well since welcoming the two newcomers.

"We are very different characters, but all-in-all we function well together, and we value each other," Klupp said. "Everyone can be themselves. It's a very open atmosphere. I like playing with them. I feel like we're all improving and working with each other on that, which is really nice."

Wheeler shared her classmate's sentiments. "I had to catch up with the team and the training and the fitness. I had struggles, but it was fine. Everyone's been really welcoming to me when I started. It's been really nice."

The Bulldogs will open up their 2018 season in August, but the Black and Gold have already zoned in on their goals for the season.

"We want to be satisfied with our games," Klupp said. "We want to feel like we put all we have into the game be satisfied with how we've trained and practiced."

Above all else, though? For Klupp, there's one thing that stands alone.

"The big goal is winning the conference. "