Nonprofit Spotlight: LIFT Field Hockey
In football-crazed Wisconsin, not many people have heard of the sport of field hockey, and even fewer have actually played it. But two former field hockey players are looking to change that.
Established by Co-Directors Morgan Oldenburg and Lauren Bailey in January 2014, LIFT Field Hockey, a nonprofit organization, builds leadership, sportsmanship, fitness and confidence in young girls (K5 – 12th grade) through development of teamwork and field hockey skills. In January 2017, the organization moved into its current practice and training facility on 4505 W. Woolworth Avenue. Thanks to this tremendous facility, nicknamed “The Pod,” young women in the Milwaukee metro area can play field hockey year-round. Oldenburg said she and Bailey selected the Choice Neighborhood area because of its accessibility. “Honestly, it is just a great central location. We have players from Franklin, Muskego, Brookfield, Pewaukee, Cedarburg and Fox Point. Our location is 25 minutes from anywhere in the region. We considered downtown Milwaukee, but it was too expensive and too difficult to get to. This worked out perfectly.” And while Oldenburg enjoys introducing a new player to her favorite sport of field hockey, the true purpose of LIFT is not really related to field hockey at all.
“The most important thing about LIFT is that anyone can come and feel welcome. We have seen some amazing friendships form here. I was recently asked how I define success for LIFT. It’s not about wins or losses. We look to those moments when a teammate comforts another after a tough game. Or when a shy girl is put into a captain’s role and finds her voice. Those moments are how we define success.” If you are interested in registering your daughter in LIFT Field Hockey, parents can do so online. No prior field hockey experience is necessary. Families can visit LIFT and try field hockey for free! Learn more about LIFT Field Hockey here, or like them on Facebook.
