Field Hockey Star Competes Internationally

5 years ago, sophomore Brett Eisner was introduced to field hockey by his cousin, Melina Moore, a senior on the Cal women’s field hockey team. Now a player for the men’s U-16 national field hockey team, Eisner competes in international tournaments, including the Test Series Tournament held in Santiago, Chile and the Canadian National Championship in Toronto.

“I’m so proud and happy that Brett has taken up field hockey, and how far he’s going with it,” said Moore.

Eisner has played for the U-16 national team for 2 years. The team consists of players under the age of 16 from all over the country, according to Eisner. The diversity and meeting new players are his favorite aspects of being a part of the national team. “It’s really cool to be able to relate to other players and connect on both a national and international level,” he said.

U-16 head coach Elzeth Hetzler said, “Brett is a player who strives to understand the game. He wants the best for the team no matter the cost.”

Eisner is currently preparing for another tournament in Chile and is excited to reconnect with other players. “We’re really close with the Chilean team so it’ll be cool to see those guys again,” said Eisner. He added that the team will also be on the lookout for a “redemption opportunity,” as they lost their match in Chile in 2018.

“He’s very humble about it, and I think it’s very cool what he’s doing because not only is it at an elite level but it’s also a very unique sport,” said Eisner’s friend and classmate sophomore Haley Hartman. 

In addition to field hockey, Eisner plays varsity volleyball for Campolindo. “It can be hard to multi-task, but it’s nice because sports are something that’s always there,” said Eisner. “If you’re having a bad day you can just go and hit the ball around.”

“[Eisner] is very motivated and driven, and likes to work towards a common goal,” said his teammate, sophomore Wyatt Katz.

Eisner plans to play field hockey overseas in the future, as colleges in America don’t offer NCAA men’s field hockey.