Fielding Questions with Michaela McDermott
9/24/2008 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Numerologists believe that the numbereight is associated with influence, leadership, balance and the idea that you get what you put in. While Michigan field hockey fans might not grasp with the science behind it, they are sure to recognize those traits in their own No. 8 -- senior captain Michaela McDermott. A veteran in the backfield, McDermott has faced adversity throughout her career -- dips in playing time, injury -- and persevered through it all, becoming a better player and better leader for it. Now midway through her final season, she has started 31 consecutive games for the Maize and Blue and over the stretch has registered the bulk of her collegiate scoring. Last season as a key member of the Wolverines' penalty-corner unit, McDermott posted a career-high nine assists. This season, although she is still without a helper, she recorded her first collegiate goal when U-M defeated Stanford 5-1 in its home opener on Sept. 5.
As the Wolverines prepare to kick off a four-game homestand and open Big Ten play against conference rival Northwestern, Michaela took a minute to chat about her role as a captain, the competitiveness of the Big Ten Conference and her future plans as a teacher.
On her role as a senior captain ...
"I think what I've learned so far is that it's just a day-to-day process. You really need to work with your other captains and other upperclassmen to take the lead, because you really can't do it all -- on the field or off the field. We all bring strengths and weaknesses. We complement each other; Steph [Hoyer], Sarah [Wilhite] and I all bring something. Sarah is a competitor. She's very vocal and passionate when she plays, and I think that can, in turn, motivate people. It's contagious. Steph really leads in the classroom and off the field, and she is a really good role model in that sense. She's a very hard worker. Fitness-wise, she's top on our team and really sets the standard high. I would say that I'm somewhere in the middle. I really have made an effort to reach out to people, and I'm always there for my teammates to talk to. I've experienced it all, so I can relate to just about everyone on the team. So, while it's not an easy role, it is very enjoyable and I wouldn't have it any other way."
On how the Wolverines' competitive schedule prepares them ...
"You have to look at it like that. You can't get down or complain about it. We have to take it as a positive or else it might affect the rest of our season. It definitely shows us where we need to be, and I'd rather experience that recognition in the first few weeks than the last few weeks. I think it builds character. It's a good gauge of determining what we need to work on. It does help us, especially in preparing us for the Big Ten schedule."
On the toughness and parity of the Big Ten Conference ...
"I really think coming off the season we had last year, in which we went undefeated in that conference, being a part of it and raising the level of play in the Big Ten is a huge compliment. But it leaves big shoes to fill this year. There are a lot of other schools that have been building and progressing. It's just nice to get some recognition and not be taken too lightly. Not that we were, but we definitely have a presence now. Other conferences and schools can look at any team in the Big Ten and think of it as a tough game."
On the growth of field hockey in the Midwest ...
"I do get excited about seeing the Midwest excel. Growing up around all these Pennsylvania and New Jersey girls -- they were really the cream of the crop. While I wouldn't say that Nancy took a risk with me, but she was willing to look outside the box. I hope I've shown her that it was worth her while. She isn't enough recognition of the Midwest, and there is some talent there. It's good to see that it's being recognized -- not just in college but in high school as well."
On the best thing about playing for Michigan ...
"I can't really pinpoint one thing -- just the experience. It really teaches you a lot about yourself, about working with other and persevering through tougher times, whether it be physical injuries or mental obstacles. You can't teach that to someone; you have to experience it yourself. It's different for everyone. I think it really shapes you for what's to come next, which can be scary. But I feel like I'm prepared after four years of doing this, working with other, winning, losing."
On her future, post-graduate plans ...
"I'm going to graduate in the spring with a psychology major, and I'd really like to do Teach for America. I've met with some people here on campus, and I'm going to start the application process in November. So, I should find out around the holidays. If I do get selected, I would like to teach 4-6 grade, social studies or English. I'd love to be in the San Francisco/Oakland area, Chicago, Denver -- just someplace different. For me, I wouldn't feel enough separation between me and the high-school age quite yet. I don't know if I quite have the patience for really young kids. So I'd like somewhere in the middle. I loved my fifth-grade teacher; looking back, she was probably my favorite. So, I have a good memory of that time."
Free Hits
First CD ever... TLC, Crazy Sexy Cool
Favorite reality show... Project Runway
First car ... Red Taurus station wagon
Song you're tired of hearing... Leona Love, Bleeding Love
Guilty food pleasure... potato chips
Guilty pleasure TV show... The Hills & Gossip Girl
The best dish I cook is ... a mean PB&J
I can't live without ... friends and family
E-mail, text or phone... Depends on the situation. I'm fluent in all.
Sport I play the worst... Soccer
Best karaoke song... These Boots are Made for Walking, Torn, Stay (Lisa Loeb), etc.
What did you want to be when you were 10... Pro Softball Player
Person you'd love to be interviewed by... Oprah
Favorite ice cream flavor... Peanut butter chocolate
Favorite Gatorade flavor... Glacier Freeze
Favorite reality show... Project Runway
I'm afraid of ... failure
People say I look like ... a combination of my mom and dad
