Internal load and wellness responses between consecutive collegiate female field hockey matches.

This study focused on evaluating internal load (IL) and subjective wellness responses in NCAA Division I female field hockey players during consecutive matches played over a 2-day period across a 7-week season. Internal load was measured using heart rate (HR) zones and heart rate-derived training impulse (TRIMP), while wellness was assessed via the Hooper wellness questionnaire, which includes sleep, stress, fatigue, and soreness ratings. Results showed that players spent more time in the lowest HR zone (50–60% HRmax) during the second match, with no significant differences in TRIMP between matches, and reported worsened fatigue, soreness, and overall wellness after consecutive matches compared to mid-week baseline. The findings suggest that monitoring specific wellness items alongside internal load metrics can help practitioners tailor training and recovery strategies during congested match schedules in collegiate field hockey.