How old were you when you started playing field hockey?
I went to a camp at Gordon (College) in eighth grade; that was really the first time I'd played. I grew up playing basketball and softball. I tried out for Fenwick field hockey as a freshman and fell in love with the game.
Is it different trying to get recruited to play in college after starting at such a late age?
My coaches have been great helping me in that way. (Former Fenwick) Coach (Jill) McGinnity, who's now at Salem State, was the first person to tell me that I could really play at a Division 1 level and (current) coach (Mary Beth) Mahoney has been really helpful.
What kinds of camps and showcases have you been to this summer?
I played in the Bay State Games and the Cape Cod Classic. I also did the futures program, which is a 10-week clinic with a regional tryout. Basically, the best girls from Massachusetts go to play at Virginia Beach.
Was that your favorite vacation spot from the summer?
Definitely. My mom and I got to spend some time on the beach during the futures program. I love to go to the beach here, too, and to New Hampshire with friends. Anything in the sun.
You're planning to play field hockey in college. Is there a front-runner yet?
I really like UMass-Amherst. They have a great sports management program and a lot of other good programs if I decide to study something else.
What are you most looking forward to about the upcoming fall sports season?
It'll be great being back on the field for Fenwick and with my friends. You're in school with them, too, so that makes it better going back.
Is there a particular class you're looking forward to?
Definitely gender studies. Also government, because I love history. It's all so factual | there's no guessing or figuring out anything.
What are your favorite TV shows?
I like Big Brother a lot, and anything that's on HGTV, which has a lot of interior design shows.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions?
I'm not superstitious. I try to get zoned in and get the team focused, but I'm also not too serious because I know you could get psyched out. I try to stay relaxed but ready to go.
COMING UP NEXT: Charochak and the Crusaders open the 2008 season against Everett next Tuesday.
— MATT WILLIAMS
