In this episode of Untapped Stories, we sit down with Bella Bonazinga — a standout collegiate field hockey player at Gettysburg College — to talk about what real development looks like over the course of an athletic career, and why taking the long view can make all the difference.

At a time when so many athletes are focused on quick results, rankings, and instant playing time, Bella shares a powerful reminder: progress doesn’t happen overnight.

She walks us through her college journey, where she statistically improved each season and eventually earned all-conference honors while starting every game her senior year. But that success wasn’t built in one breakout moment. It was built in early morning lifts, extra stick work after practice, conditioning sessions in the off-season, and countless solo workouts during summers when no one else was watching.

Bella explains how important it was for her to see her career as a marathon, not a sprint. Where she started as a freshman wasn’t where she wanted to finish — and instead of getting discouraged, she trusted the process and committed to steady growth year after year.

From there, the conversation shifts into a common misconception about college athletics — especially at the Division III level.

Bella opens up about her decision to play D3 field hockey at Gettysburg and why it ended up being the perfect fit. While there may be fewer TV cameras and national spotlights, she found something even more impactful: a tight-knit community of teammates, families, coaches, and local fans who genuinely cared about the program.

She talks about the high level of competition in today’s D3 sports — intense practices, film sessions, strength training, conditioning, and athletes who are just as driven and committed as those at larger programs. The old myth that D3 athletes don’t take it seriously couldn’t be further from the truth.

Throughout the episode, Bella highlights the fundamentals that helped her elevate her game:

- Consistent skill work with her stick

- Improving speed, agility, and endurance for fast-paced matches

- Learning to read the field and anticipate plays

- Staying mentally patient through ups and downs

One of the biggest takeaways is that long-term success isn’t about rushing development or comparing yourself to others. It’s about showing up consistently, putting in work when no one’s watching, and trusting that small improvements compound over time.

This episode is a must-listen for young athletes who feel behind in their development, parents who want to encourage patience and growth, and anyone navigating the recruiting or college sports journey — especially those considering Division III athletics.

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