By Ryan Massad
Sport: field hockey
Year: junior, St. Mark's School (Shrewsbury resident)
Coach: Jodi Dolan
Notable accomplishments: Selected to Team USA three straight years for field hockey. Also selected as first-team high school All-American in 2012, as she led St. Mark's to a championship victory.
What is your earliest field hockey memory?
“My earliest memory is attending a field hockey festival while I was in the fifth grade.”
Who encouraged you to first get involved in field hockey?
“My sister Kara encouraged me to play. I remember her playing field hockey when I was younger, and I always looked up to her.”
What was the single most-special moment of your field hockey career?
“The most-special moment was when I first took the field wearing my Team USA jersey in Holland (for the world championships).”
What was it like when you first got invited to the Team USA U17 team?
“It was a great honor. Really exciting to represent our country, and be recognized internationally.”
Which coach has helped you most through the ups and downs?
“Although they aren's my coaches, I wouldn's be where I am today without my parents. They make it possible for me to attend all these practices and tournaments. They always encouraged me to be my best.”
What would you consider to be the best part of your field hockey game?
“I think the best part of my game is my stick skills.”
Do you play any other sports?
“I'se played hockey since I was 8 years old, and for St. Mark's last season, but I decided not to play this year so I can focus on field hockey. I still skate every now and then though.”
What obstacles did you have to overcome to win the championship at St. Mark's this past season?
“This year, we had a really strong team all around. In order to win the championship, we had to play our best game. We faced Cushing Academy during the season and lost by one goal. However, we beat them when it really mattered, in the semi-finals. Defeating them was one of our biggest obstacles.”
What is your favorite class in school?
“My favorite class in school is math.”
Where do you plan to play field hockey after graduating from St. Mark's next year?
“I have verbally committed to Duke University for the fall of 2014.”
