Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
Because it allows me to prioritize my academics and pursue other interests without sacrificing the sport I love. Field hockey is a huge part of who I am, but Division III enables me to treat it as a passion rather than a job, leaving room for other things that I find valuable.
What is the best thing about being part of the NESCAC?
The tight knit community and connections that come from being a smaller school. Wherever you go, you will see a friendly face. It is very comforting to know that you’re part of a community that always has your back. It’s also easy to push yourself when everyone around you, both on the field or in the classroom, competes at the highest level.
What is your dream job/career?
To be an OB/GYN physician and help further women’s health research, along with providing care in underserved communities or countries. I have dreamt of being in the medical field for as long as I can remember, and through personal experiences, volunteer, internship, and abroad opportunities, I’ve found a soft spot for educating and progressing the care opportunities for women.
What extracurricular activities or service activities do you participate in?
I am a Campus Ambassador for the organization Gift of Life, and have been the President of my school’s Gift of Life Club for the past three years, where we spread awareness on blood cancer and provide opportunities to join the stem cell and bone marrow registry. A few of my previous teammates were member’s and encouraged me to join, as I am interested in healthcare. In my time with Gift of Life, I’ve seen a handful of Conn. students match and give life saving stem cell donations. It has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, knowing that every meeting, drive, presentation, etc. plays such an impactful role in the lives of those in need.
I am also the Vice President of my school’s Glamour Girls Chapter, which works with the national Glamour Girls Foundation and enables young women to volunteer with local senior centers and combat elderly isolation. Our visits usually consist of makeovers, manicures, jewelry making, letter writing, and other pampering activities, helping elderly individuals feel valued, recognized, and remember the little joys of life. This club helped me realize the power in small acts of kindness, where something so simple to you can have such a beautiful effect on the lives of others.
Additionally, I have been a peer mentor and tutor for some of my favorite classes at Conn., general chemistry and biochemistry. It is an amazing way to connect with younger students who may be on a similar academic path as myself, where I can provide wisdom, support, and encouragement for their journey.
Lastly, I have engaged in several independent studies, and now an honors thesis, with a professor in the chemistry department. One of the amazing benefits of being a NESCAC is the undergraduate research opportunities, which have provided me with invaluable lessons on how the scientific world works. I even achieved my first publication this past summer!
Looking back on your college years, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the relationships I’ve grown with my teammates and the legacy we are all creating for CCFH. Placing a single brick on its own may seem insignificant. But when every hand, before us, beside us, and after us leaves a piece with purpose, we build an unshakeable foundation that outlasts us all. To know my short time on this team and my brick is a part of something so special is a feeling of pride I will never shake.
Have you studied abroad during your collegiate experience?
I spent a summer studying abroad at Stellenbosch University in South Africa! I took courses covering South Africa’s history, the HIV crisis, and surgical care in developing nations. While the coursework was eye-opening, it was our field visits to local health clinics that truly stayed with me. Seeing those challenges firsthand completely reshaped how I view healthcare and solidified my commitment to making an impactful difference in patients' lives.
What internships/research projects have you participated in?
Going into my sophomore year, I completed a hospital rotation internship where I shadowed a new specialty every day, soaking up as much knowledge as possible about patient care. Alongside shadowing, I worked with the neurology department on a research project to solve a critical issue: getting vital medical information from family members when emergency stroke patients couldn't speak. We created the 'Family Care Card,' a simple tool that allowed families to send crucial details to the ER before the patient even arrived. Through these experiences, I learned how to adapt quickly to different medical fields, think creatively under pressure, and design simple, real-world solutions that save time when seconds matter most.
What’s a class outside of your major that you surprisingly liked?
I took a course called Theater of the AIDS Epidemic, which explored the American HIV/AIDS pandemic through plays, film, and media. I initially signed up for the class because of my interest in the public health side of the disease, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed looking at healthcare through creative storytelling. Because of my science background, it was refreshing to focus on a health related topic through performing arts, ultimately giving me a new appreciation for how media shapes public awareness during a health crisis.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from field hockey is how to be a strong communicator, which stems from being a good listener and adapting to the people around me. Every teammate handles feedback differently, where some need a gentle nudge and others want brutal honesty. Learning how to adjust my approach on the spot to help different personalities thrive has made a world of difference. It’s helped me become a better listener in group projects, handle tough conversations with grace, and build genuine, respectful relationships with my classmates and professors. It is a skill that will transcend to all my future endeavors, and wouldn’t have been nearly as strong without my time as an athlete.
What is something you enjoy doing when not in class or competing in your sport?
I really like doing small craft projects! I am definitely not creative and cannot draw anything beyond stick figures and some kindergarten-like flowers, but I enjoy doing peaceful and organized crafts like paint by numbers, coloring books, or needle punch! I’ve found that these kinds of activities are great for decompressing from a stressful day, where I can get some energy out without a whole lot of thinking. A big bonus of this hobby is that I have lots of room decor that I can say I made myself!
