Field hockey freshman Combs performing beyond her years

Quinn Casteel
Assistant Sports Editor
Commonwealth Times’ Sports Twitter

Kendall Combs is a true freshman, and she looks the part.

The Suffolk native stands barely over five feet tall and just may have another growth spurt coming. But despite her youthful appearance, Combs has the skillset and personality of a much more seasoned player.

Combs has broken onto the scene for VCU in a big way this season, racking up six points in the first seven games of her career. She scored two goals, including the game winner in VCU’s first victory of the season which came against Appalachian State back on Aug. 28.

“(Combs) has been doing a fantastic job for us,” head coach Kelly McQuade said. “Any time you can come in as a freshman and get minutes is huge, and she’s just adding to our arsenal on the front line.”

Combs is a well-rounded athlete which makes her perhaps the most versatile player on the roster. While at Lakeland High School, she played soccer, softball and ran cross country. But field hockey was always her first love, and it showed.

In high school, she was a four-time National Futures Championship selection where she performed at one of the most prestigious events in the nation for up-and-coming field hockey players. She was also named first team all-state in 2010 and earned the honor of being a Regional All-American. Her 109 career goals rank her fifth all-time in the nation according to topofthecircle.com.

Combs is a student of the game and a born leader. She is the only player on the roster listed at all three positions which speaks volumes for her versatility and knowledge of the game.

“She comes out here every day and challenges everyone with her work ethic,” McQuade said. “Her leadership on and off the field is just natural.”

And although she has already found a leadership role, Combs is constantly trying to learn new things from her teammates.

“It was really tough at first but my teammates have been there for me,” Combs said. “They’re pushing me harder than I’ve ever been pushed before, and I’m just working my hardest, and I’m seeing results so that’s great.”

Combs said she gets a lot of advice from Emilie Soares, a sophomore forward from Santa Clara, Calif., as well as Melanie Marotta, a junior midfielder from Williamsburg. She also credits her success to the VCU coaching staff, which recently added former star Marle van Dessel as a graduate assistant.

Van Dessel was an offensive force for the Rams over the last four years and ranks in the top five in career assists for a VCU player. Her advice has gone a long way for Combs as well.

But as much as her individual game is blossoming, the team has had a rocky beginning to the season.

The Rams were 2-6 in non-conference play and lost their first CAA match-up at home to Towson Friday night.

Despite the struggles, Combs’ outlook remains optimistic.

“We’ve had some really great practices, and I think we’re ready for the CAAs,” she said. “We’ve been playing amazing as a team, and I could see us coming out strong and really putting a beating on these teams.”

Combs is just one of many young players on the roster looking to make an impact this year. Of the 21 women on the roster, the only senior is goalkeeper Erin Jablonski. With so much young talent to pick from, McQuade has a lot of players to be excited about, but Combs ranks among her favorites to watch.

“It’s been fun to watch her progress,” McQuade said. “She’s already developed so much.”