Recently we had a chance to speak with Quinnipiac field hockey player Courtney Ryan. Ryan, a two-time NEC First Team All-Conference performer, helped lead the Bobcats to the NEC Title last year. The Bobcats knocked off Sacred Heart and Rider, before dropping a heart breaker to California in the 2002 NCAA Play-In game. Ryan ended the 2001 season with six points (one goal, four assists), keeping her reputation as one of the NEC’s most fundamentally sound players in tact. Her hard work, determination and consistency makes the New Hope, PA native one of the main contributing forces in QU’s run to clinch the 2002 NEC regular season title, as well as the No. 1 seed in next month’s league tournament. The senior midfielder currently leads the league in assists, racking up ten helpers in 16 games. Currently the Bobcats are in first place in the league standings (9-7, 9-0 NEC) as they seek their third NEC crown in four years.

Name: Courtney Ryan
School: Quinnipiac
Sport: Field Hockey
Year: Senior

Hometown: New Hope, Pennsylvania
High school: Council Rock
Major: Psychology, Masters in Elementary Education
Notable Award: Two-Time NEC First Team All-Conference

Favorite Music: A little of everything
Hobbies: Enjoys participating in educational programs at local schools
Favorite Class/Professor: Education course taught by Dr. Leary and a Psychology course taught by Dr. Levine

NEC: Why did you choose to come to Quinnipiac?
CR: My brother suggested that I include Quinnipiac as one of my choices. The best part about Quinnipiac is playing field hockey. I love my classes and it has a beautiful campus.

NEC: What career do you wish to pursue after graduation?
CR: I want to be an Elementary School Teacher.

NEC: How do you feel about QU’s new Bobcats nickname?
CR: I like it. Our symbol brings a fresh new look to our school and teams. It’s a good change, but I’ll always be a Brave. I came in with that nickname, so that is what I think of myself as being.

NEC: Do you think that teams are coming at you with more intensity because you are the reigning NEC Champs?
CR: Yes, I think all the schools want to knock us out. I feel that every team has gotten better including ours.

NEC: What was it like to play against California last year in the NCAA Play-In game?
CR: It was awesome, but bad that we lost. It was a great experience. California was really good, but we didn’t lose that bad, so we walked away with confidence.

NEC: What are your goals this season?
CR: We like to start off with small goals first, like winning our NEC games. Then we move onto the larger ones like winning the tournament and moving on to NCAA play.

NEC: What will it take for Quinnipiac to repeat this year as NEC Champs?
CR: We have to keep improving everyday. We need to play hard and get fired up for all our games. We can’t underestimate anyone.

NEC: What do you need to do in order to advance to the NCAA Tournament?
CR: We need to come out with confidence. We need to believe we can beat the team in the play-in game, so we can advance and win.

NEC: Who is your biggest competition?
CR: Rider is always a close game. They come out the most determined to beat us.

NEC: How do you prepare for a big game?
CR: I get to games really early to mentally and physically prepare. I’m in the training room sometimes two hours before game time. We relax and have fun on the field then pre-game warm-up is serious.

NEC: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
CR: I always wear the same kind of socks. Before games I always run on the outside of the line during our first lap on the field.

NEC: What is your role on the team?
CR: I talk a lot more this year, but I like to lead by example. I feel that people will follow the way I am playing.

NEC: How long have you been playing?
CR: Since the seventh grade

NEC: Who is your biggest field hockey influence?
CR: My mom is a big influence because she has always been there and supported me. Also, my coach (Becca Main Kohli) because of all the positive reinforcement she gives. She saw something in me and she took me to the next level.     

NEC: Describe how it felt to be nominated NEC First Team All-Conference two years in a row?
CR: It’s a great honor. I was so excited both years. I never thought I would be on it, but it was a complete team effort.

NEC: What is the best quality about yourself that you offer to the team?
CR: Determination and hard work. It is important for the team to see the captains leading by example, so they will follow in good and bad times.

NEC: What was your most memorable moment in the run to the NCAA Play-in game last year?
CR: The game versus California was the most memorable moment. It was a new experience and we had a great time. It was a big deal for the team and for the whole school.

- Interview conducted by Dawn Van Cleef, NEC Administrative Intern