BLEACHER FEATURE

Kaitlyn Kirkaldy ’14  anchored the field hockey team’s defense and has now since moved to midfield this season. With a number of new players and position changes, Blue field hockey has gotten off to an impressive start. 

Kirkaldy was named New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Defender of the Week last week. She is one of the field hockey team’s power players, and could help the team bring home the conference title later this fall. She took a few minutes out of her busy practice schedule to talk to me about her past athletic experiences and where she sees the Wellesley team going this season.

Emily Bary (E.B.): Why did you choose to play field hockey at Wellesley?

Kaitlyn Kirkaldy (K.K.):I knew without a doubt that I wanted to play in college, and I wanted strong academics. I did an overnight at Wellesley and loved the team because I could tell it was a really close group of girls, and I could see myself becoming a part of it.

E.B.: When and why did you start playing the sport?

K.K.: I started doing clinics in third grade because it looked like a really fun sport. I started playing on a team in seventh grade and really liked the addition of competitive games.

E.B.: What has been the best part of your college career?

K.K.: I love my teammates; they’re my best friends. I absolutely love being with them on and off the field.

E.B.: Do you have a pre-game ritual?

K.K.: I usually listen to music with the team while getting ready and think about my goals for the game. I remind myself that I want to have no regrets after every game. 

E.B.: What do you eat to fuel yourself before a big game?

K.K.: I actually have a pretty specific pre-game food regimen. I usually eat normal meals (breakfast and lunch), and then about two hours before the game I have a bagel with peanut butter and one hour before I eat a chocolate powerbar. 

E.B.: Where do you see the team going this year?

K.K.: We have so much potential and so far we’ve been pretty successful. I believe we’ll go very far in NEWMAC and have a legitimate shot at NCAAs. 

E.B.: What is the biggest improvement you’ve made in the past year?

K.K.: I used to play defense and this year I’ve moved to midfield, so I’d say my biggest improvement is adjusting to a new position.

Kirkaldy will be back in action for the Blue on Thursday, Oct. 4, when Wellesley takes on Trinity. She’ll also help the team prove its standing as a NEWMAC powerhouse when the Blue take on Clark at home on Saturday, Oct. 6.