How old were you when you first started playing?
I started playing at the age of 14. I picked up my first stick in High School and never looked back.
Who was your favorite athlete growing up? (can be any sport)
I never really had a favorite athlete that I admired growing up, but we watched lots of Baseball in my house and I was always in awe of the legacy Derek Jeter was creating.
What's your go-to pregame meal?
My go-to pregame meal is a bowl of oatmeal with vanilla protein powder topped with Strawberries, Blueberries, and cinnamon. If we're on on tour, then I'll usually substitute the fruit with Jam (don't knock it until you try it - it's delicious!)
What is your favorite pump-up song?
The Bones Remix by Dave Aude or Run the World by Beyonce - you can never go wrong with Beyonce.
Describe your playing style in no more than three words?
Simple & Relentless.
What is your secret talent?
I can change car breaks - and have - assuming I have the correct tools!
What is your favorite movie?
Finding Nemo.
What fictional character would you love to meet?
Cookie Monster because I think we'd be friends.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Hmm.. I wanted to be so many different things. I wanted to be a school teacher when I was young and had an imaginary class, an interior designer when I watched HGTV and moved around bedroom furniture, and a pediatrician when I saw my mom care for and help her patients.
What do you do when you're not playing field hockey?
When I'm not on the pitch, I'm probably trying a new recipe in the kitchen, at the spin studio, coaching, or cuddling with my dog.
What is your favorite food to cook?
I love trying new recipes, but a favorite is definitely homemade pizza.
What is your favorite motivational quote?
"We are what we repeatedly do, therefore, excellence is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Be present and have intent with anything you do.
What is your favorite place to travel to?
The Netherlands. I love the culture, the architecture, the people, and the hockey community.
Cake or pie?
Cake unless it's the holidays then it's all about the pie. Pumpkin, pecan, apple.. oh my!
Pineapples on pizza?
Heck, yesss!
Beach house or cabin?
Beach - although, I love a cozy cabin in the winter and a good fall hike, the beach is my happy place.
What is your favorite field hockey memory?
My favorite field hockey memory, although an unfortunate ending, is the second Olympic Qualifier game simply for how our team responded to what felt like an insurmountable feat. While I'm sure many spectators counted us out after our first game's 5-1 deficit, our team choose to play with hope and fight. That performance represented our team's constant reflection, growth, and work over the years. Because of the resilience and determination that group showed, I'll always hold that memory close to my heart for both its overwhelming joy and pain.