Additional Athletic Experiences
Lacrosse
Senior year at the State Semi-Final Tournament game
Lacrosse is a sport I started later in life but picked up on quickly. My first day playing lacrosse was my first day of tryouts in high school. I played my first two years as part of the girls Junior Varsity team. Here, I was able to develop my skills and have ample playing time. I then moved up the ladder as a junior to play varsity and became a powerful force as part of the Pinkerton Academy Astros defense.
Lacrosse is a sport that took a substantial amount of hard work and determination to become a skilled player, especially since I was so far behind compared to my teammates. It was, however, a sport that I quickly fell in love with.
Lacrosse ended for me when I chose to develop my running career in college rather than build a lacrosse career. Running by the Keene State College Womens' Lacrosse team always made my heart ache a bit. I have recently begun my journey back into the Lacrosse world, not as a player but as an official with US Lacrosse.
Lacrosse is a sport that took a substantial amount of hard work and determination to become a skilled player, especially since I was so far behind compared to my teammates. It was, however, a sport that I quickly fell in love with.
Lacrosse ended for me when I chose to develop my running career in college rather than build a lacrosse career. Running by the Keene State College Womens' Lacrosse team always made my heart ache a bit. I have recently begun my journey back into the Lacrosse world, not as a player but as an official with US Lacrosse.
Soccer
MISL Attack NH Premier Soccer Team
I have always enjoyed playing soccer. When it is nice out, it isn't uncommon to find me outside juggling, passing around, or even playing a small pickup game with friends. Through my freshman year of high school, I played for MISL Attack Soccer Club, a New Hampshire Premier Soccer team. It was a great experience bonding with girls from around the region and traveling all over the northeast competing in tournaments.
I played one year for Pinkerton Academy and was named captain of the school's freshman soccer team. Each winter after that, I played in a U-18 Co-Ed Indoor Soccer League with my friends on a team called, Corn off the Cob (COTC). We were tournament champions two out of four years, but we were always a serious contender. It was competitive and fun playing in a co-ed league -- co-ed is a term I use lightly -- I was one of two girls on my team and there was usually only one other girl on teams we played against.
I played one year for Pinkerton Academy and was named captain of the school's freshman soccer team. Each winter after that, I played in a U-18 Co-Ed Indoor Soccer League with my friends on a team called, Corn off the Cob (COTC). We were tournament champions two out of four years, but we were always a serious contender. It was competitive and fun playing in a co-ed league -- co-ed is a term I use lightly -- I was one of two girls on my team and there was usually only one other girl on teams we played against.
Team huddle
In college I was a competitive member of my intramural soccer teams. In my first year, we were runners-up in the tournament, and in my second year we were named 2009 Intramural Soccer Champions. After that season, however, I have been cautious participating in intramurals due to my history with concussions.
Horseback Riding
Championships East in Lexington, VA
I began horseback riding when I was six; I thought it was the coolest thing. I was fearless, which became a big factor in what made me successful. I enjoyed horseback riding, especially jumping (the higher the better). When I was eleven, I began riding competitively, which made it much more thrilling for me. It was then that I started riding as a member of the United States Pony Clubs (USPC). The USPC was an amazing experience where I was able to try many different disciplines such as dressage, show jumping, eventing, polocrosse, games and tetrathlon.
I moved up the ladder, though I have taken a bit of a hiatus in my college years. Horseback riding is perhaps one of the most demanding sports in which I have ever competed. Horses have challenged me every step with an ever-increasing repertoire of antics that consistently elevated my skills as I learned to work through each test my horse threw at me. Horseback riding has taught me to keep composure -- nothing good gets accomplished when frustration sets in. It has helped me to develop skills to overcome problems myself, enjoy small successes, and reflect upon each situation in order to improve for the future.
In my horseback riding career thus far, I have competed at Championships East in Lexington, VA three times and Nationals in Lexington, KY once in 2007, all of which for Show Jumping. In 2007 I placed 4th in the Horse II Division. I am a C-3 (Upper Level) member. In 2008, I tested for my B and did not pass, perhaps I will try again in the future.
As of recently, with the help of one of my students I have connected with a near by horseback riding club where I have been volunteering for the last year. This opportunity has lead to me teaching as well as getting back in the saddle every so often.
I moved up the ladder, though I have taken a bit of a hiatus in my college years. Horseback riding is perhaps one of the most demanding sports in which I have ever competed. Horses have challenged me every step with an ever-increasing repertoire of antics that consistently elevated my skills as I learned to work through each test my horse threw at me. Horseback riding has taught me to keep composure -- nothing good gets accomplished when frustration sets in. It has helped me to develop skills to overcome problems myself, enjoy small successes, and reflect upon each situation in order to improve for the future.
In my horseback riding career thus far, I have competed at Championships East in Lexington, VA three times and Nationals in Lexington, KY once in 2007, all of which for Show Jumping. In 2007 I placed 4th in the Horse II Division. I am a C-3 (Upper Level) member. In 2008, I tested for my B and did not pass, perhaps I will try again in the future.
As of recently, with the help of one of my students I have connected with a near by horseback riding club where I have been volunteering for the last year. This opportunity has lead to me teaching as well as getting back in the saddle every so often.
Outdoor Activities
Kayaking out on Lake Masscebesic in Auburn, NH
Simply said, I love being outside and trying new things . In college I broadened my repertoire of activities. We live in a world that provides so many natural beauties, and I think it is important for people to learn how to enjoy and appreciate them. When I do outdoor activities, there is a sense of freedom and pride I experience. I can gain this from being out on a lake alone with my thoughts, by challenging myself mentally and physically to climb a mountain, or maneuvering through Mother Nature's snowy winter blanket. This freedom and pride is much different from that which I gain in competitive atmospheres. Enjoying my surroundings through activity is something I do to feel balanced. It is this feeling I want so many more people to experience. In my future physical education programs, I plan to promote such outdoor activities. So far I have been able to incorporate cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and mountain biking!
Post-Collegiate Running