There was a familiar face in Ann Arbor last weekend when the North Carolina field hockey team visited Ocker Field on Friday. Coco Courtright, the former Skyline standout, came home with her new Tar Heel teammates to take on the Wolverines.
North Carolina is the two-time defending NCAA champions and have won an amazing five titles in the last six years. The game was a rematch of the 2020 NCAA Championship game, won by the Tar Heels 4-3.
Coco, 18, is the daughter of John and Susan Courtright. Her mother played tennis at Duke and her father played baseball for the Blue Devils so the family is familiar with Tobacco Road. Her sister, Jessica, played field hockey at Ohio State.
Before she packed her bags for Chapel Hill, Courtright shared her thoughts on her field hockey journey including highlights and future goals moving forward.
Q: When/where did you first start playing field hockey and what did you like about it?
A: I started playing field hockey in 4th grade after my sister Jessica joined the Wolverines Rec and Ed team with Coach Bruce Elliott. I would go to her games and practices and she soon inspired me to play and join my own team. I joined the younger Wolverines Rec and Ed team with Coach Elliott and fell in love with it. I think what I liked so much about it at the time was the fact that I was on a team with all my best friends. Practice was so fun and we won every game – I enjoyed that feeling immensely!
Q: What club teams have you played on and what successes/highlights have you had playing club?
A: I initially started my club career with Fer De Lance FH Club here in Ann Arbor then I switched to Pinnacle Field Hockey Club, another local club, during my first year of U14 for my development. In my eyes, Pinnacle FH Club is a club like no other travel organization. It is run by a powerful and strong group of women that care about each individual’s development and goals. I would not be in the position I am in today without Pinnacle, especially Nancy Cox, the club owner and director. Pinnacle gave me the opportunity to travel nationwide and showcase my talents.
Q: What is it like to play in international competitions all over the world?
A: One of the best experiences I have had in my sport is competing internationally. I recently traveled to Belgium to participate in an international competition. When playing internationally, the tempo is much faster and it’s a different level of hockey. I am currently on the U18 USA National Team and I have also been on the U16 team in the previous years. Through the USA pipeline, I have met some of my best friends and have had the opportunity to play with some of the best players in the country. The opportunity to represent the USA and play against different countries is an experience like no other and I feel so incredibly fortunate.
Q: What were some of the highlights playing for the Skyline Eagles?
A: Skyline Field Hockey has built a strong reputation in the state of Michigan over the past seven years. For the past five years, we have made it to the State Championship game. I partly thank my older sister Jessica for being a part of that transformation. Witnessing her impact on the program when I joined the team in 2020 was truly inspiring. In just two years, we transformed from a lower D2 team to the top ranked D1 team. Coach Barrett’s guidance was invaluable during my time at Skyline, as she was always supportive of me first as a person, and second as a player. Being able to spend three months every day with the same girls made my time at Skyline both fun and extremely influential. It helped me become a better teammate both on and off the field since I was able to create amazing bonds and friendships with girls I did not know very well. There are so many highlights from my time at Skyline but I would have to say my freshman year was the best since both my older sisters, Jessica and Lauren, were on the team too. It was truly an experience having all three of us on the same team together. Of course winning the DI state title my sophomore year was a big highlight too, especially the thrilling victory in OT over Pioneer. That moment is something I will never forget.
Q: What did you learn from your older sisters – either in FH or life in general?
A: My three older sisters are my best friends. They have been there with me through the ups and downs. From winning the state championship to losing the state championship, they have taught me the importance of resilience and perseverance through it all. They have shown me that setbacks and losses are not defeats, but opportunities for growth and improvement. Their endless support has been my anchor, reminding me that even in the toughest time, I am not alone. I am beyond grateful for their belief in me. They have cheered me on from the sidelines and on the field, celebrated my successes and helped me overcome challenges. I cannot thank them enough. Their guidance has been a constant source of strength and encouragement to keep going. Thank you Jessica, Lauren, and Caroline for taking the time to love and support me with not only field hockey, but life in general.
Q: Why did you pick North Carolina?
A: I chose North Carolina because I wanted the most competitive program . I wanted the ultimate challenge in my life and I knew UNC would offer that to me both in the classroom and on the field. The coaches, the facilities, the academics, the team, the campus, and everything else in between at UNC was second to none. I knew it was the place I wanted to spend the next four years. You truly can’t beat a program like Carolina – it has such a rich tradition in field hockey and academics. I do not know what I want to study yet but look forward to taking a variety of classes to figure out my academic path.
Q: Can you tell me about the group of athletes you grew up with – some very amazing athletes/people in that group. How did you all help each other?
A: Growing up, I had an athletic group of girlfriends who loved to play a variety of sports. Our collective encouragement and support created an empowering environment where we pushed each other everyday to reach for success with whichever sport was in season. There was never a moment when settling for mediocrity was an option for us, and witnessing the hard work pay off is very rewarding. We have some great memories but a few highlights include beating our boys’ friend group in basketball in middle school at Scarlett, winning AAU State Basketball Championships, and all the many Rec and Ed elementary soccer games! Those were such fun times! Four of my closest friends are playing Division 1 sports next year. That accomplishment is crazy to me and I couldn’t be prouder to have been a part of their journey. I want to give a special thanks to Cami, my best friend, and my 5th sister. Her unwavering support and motivation have been instrumental in pushing me to be my best, whether it’s at Skyline Field Hockey, at Pinnacle, or just at the fields. I am grateful for her presence in my life and the impact she has had on my field hockey career.
Q: Both your parents played D-1 sports. How have they influenced your playing career?
A: My dad played baseball at Duke and my mom played tennis at Duke. Their experiences as elite student athletes left a big impact on me. Their journey has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the core values of hard work and determination. They understand the sacrifices and dedication required to succeed both academically and athletically. Both my mom and dad have been the most supportive people in my field hockey journey because they understand the commitment. They both support the early morning workouts, the late night practices, and the balancing of academics and sports. My parents want me to be the best version of myself that I can be so I can fulfill my dreams. Whether it’s spending endless hours at the Skyline aux field chasing balls or pushing me through sprint races at the end of each practice, their dedication has truly paid off. Thank you Mom and Dad!
