Aug. 29, 2002
CHATTING WITH 'NOVA SENIOR BACK KRISTEN STROCEN Story by Megan O'Leary
Last season Kristen Strocen helped anchor a defense that led the Villanova field hockey team to the championship game of the Big East tournament, an accomplishment that she believes is not out of reach for this year's team. Here's what she had to say about getting started with field hockey, playing at Villanova and her plans for the future:
MO: "Depending upon where you grow up, a lot of kids don't have the opportunity to start playing field hockey at an early age...How did you get started?"
KS: "I actually started my freshman year in high school. My high school had soccer in the spring instead, I couldn't play in the fall, so I decided to try out for field hockey."
MO: "Did you ever think that you'd continue on to play in college?"
KS: "Not at first. I really liked it, but I always thought I'd continue on with soccer."
MO: "What defined you deciding to pursue field hockey, as opposed to sticking with soccer?"
KS: "I guess it was because I just learned it, and it was still really new and exciting for me. I felt like there was so much more for me to learn and improve on, and I really picked it up quickly. Another four years of it would still be a new experience, and that was really exciting."
MO: "As you got more excited about field hockey, what factored most in your decision to attend Villanova?"
KS: "I wanted to go to a school with a high academic reputation, and of course you want to go to a school that has the college experience you're looking for...the coach, the team, academic standing. I got along great with the coach and the team, and a Villanova degree is a prestigious one to have."
MO: "You mention the coach and the coaching staff, what were your feelings on the coaches and the recruiting process?"
KS: "The coaches were so nice. They were very energetic. They seemed like they were there for their team and very excited about what they were doing. They made me excited about the idea of coming here."
MO: "Coming off a successful season last year, what are your main goals for this year?"
KS: "Make it to the championship again....and this time, win it."
MO: "How is this year's team looking so far?"
KS: "Good. Really good. We lost a few key players that we can't replace, but at the same time, uderclassmen are stepping up...upperclassmen are stepping up even more and taking on the roles they need to fill. We have some very talented freshmen that will be able to contribute also."
MO: "How do you view your role on the team?"
KS: "As a captain, I want to show leadership. I want to lead by example, I want to put 100% into everything I do, so that motivates the rest of the team to do the same thing. Everyone makes mistakes on the field, but the way you respond to making a mistake can impact games."
MO: "In regards to making to the Big East championship game last year, what do you think were the major difference between last year's team and teams before that?"
KS: "Last year, we played so much more like a team. Everything that we did was more together. We had some really strong leaders on the team last year that really knew their roles and that kept the team cohesive."
MO: "Do you have any special pre-game rituals or superstitions that get you ready for a game?"
KS: "Actually, as a whole, our team does "taps". As the warm-up clock is running down and hits two minutes, we all put our sticks down, and everyone goes somewhere to focus on the key things you want to work on during the game, whether it's just winning or doing anything to get there, or if it's personal goals, like staying with your girl the whole game. It's like guided imagery almost."
MO: "You're graduating in May...any ideas on future plans?"
KS: "I'm going to have a marketing degree and an Italian minor. As of right now, I would like to do something with sports marketing or sales...something where I'm working with people and not necessarily sitting behind a desk all day."
MO: "Just for fun, do you watch American Idol?"
KS: "I've only seen that show twice...but I think I like Justin."
