NATIONAL GIRLS & WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY
"February 3, 2021, marks the 35th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). Every year, this celebration inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognize the importance of staying mentally and physically healthy during challenging times. Whether virtual or other, we invite you to safely celebrate NGWSD in your community and to join the Women's Sports Foundation as we Lead Her Forward in 2021." -www.womenssportsfoundation.org
Since we are unable to visit local schools or host a free sports clinic on campus this year, we hope to inspire young female athletes by sharing the stories of our current student-athletes. We posed the same five questions to members of our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and will feature their answers and photos every day during NGWSD week.
When did you realize you had a passion for your sport?
After my first game. I was a freshman in high school and was the varsity goalie. I had never played before but the rush after my first game was when I knew this was going to be my new thing.
At what age did you start playing sports/your sport?
I started playing sports at the age of 4, which was soccer. I played everything from soccer, softball, basketball, karate, swim, and eventually field hockey. I started playing field hockey my freshman year of high school when the coach approached me and said they needed a goalie. I tried it out and here I am today.
Who is your biggest fan?
My biggest fans are my parents. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have parents that support me every step of the way. When I stepped away from playing soccer to play field hockey, I thought they were going to think I was crazy. Instead they were there every step of the way encouraging me and pushing me to be better. After the hard games they are my shoulders to cry on and after the good games they are there to pat me on the back. Being from out of state if tough because it means they have to travel to see my games, but that doesn't stop them. They have driven countless hours, rented many hotels, and lost lots of sleep coming to see me play. I am so thankful for them.
Why do you play?
I play for the feeling. The feeling of making a save that keeps us in the game. The feeling of cold air rushing through my lungs as I step out onto the field. The feeling of a sore throat after a tough game of communicating with my defense. The feeling of putting my equipment on. The feeling of my heart racing as I watch the clock run down with a 1-0 lead. It's all about the feeling.
