Alyssa Arre / Photo Editor

In her first season at UR, freshman Cammy Edwards has excelled as a member of the hurdling team on women’s track and field. Most recently, Edwards broke a school record previously set in 1994 for the 100-meter hurdles at the SUNY Cortland Classic on April 19 with a time of 15.19 seconds.

What’s your major?
Public Health: Health, Behavior & Society.

Why did you choose UR?
I knew I wanted to go east, and UR fit all the things I wanted in a school: size, urban, I could run track here, and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study, so I thought the curriculum would be nice.

When did you start running track and field?
I started in sixth grade.

Why track and field?
I played soccer, basketball, and track throughout middle school and high school, but I chose track because I’m better at it. I also like how it’s both a team and individual sport.

How is collegiate track and field different from high school?
To be honest, it’s not too different, but the workouts are definitely harder, my teammates are more committed, I never had to lift in high school, and we travel farther to meets.

Do you have any pre-meet rituals or superstitions?
I always eat strawberry Clif Shot Bloks before a race. I either wear compression socks or no socks during a race, the hurdlers always do a little handshake before a race, and I always get into the blocks the same way.
Do you have a mentor who has helped you along the way?
My high school coach was great. He always pushed me to reach my goals and set new ones and he still keeps up with my track career in college. He’s been supportive and has definitely helped me become a better hurdler.

What is the best advice a coach has given you?
My high school coach said to run my own race and forget about the competition and other distractions because track can be so mental.

What has been your favorite track and field moment this season?
My favorite moment has either been running 400 hurdles for the first time — they only had 300 hurdles in Oregon — or breaking the school record in the 100 hurdles.
What is the hardest part of track and field?
Like I said before, track is so mental, so it’s really difficult to run well when you run a bad race the week before, or when someone who previously beat you is in the same heat, or if coach seeds you at a time you don’t think you can run, or even if you don’t wear your lucky sports bra ­— it can throw off your whole race.

What advice do you have for incoming players?
Come into track with an open mind. The coaches, workouts, and environment are going to be different than high school, but if you love to run, jump, or throw, you should stick with it because it’s a big accomplishment to do a sport in college. You’ll enjoy it more if you’re open to new things.

  Kilbridge is a member of the class of 2015.

Courtesy of UR Athletics

The UR squash team set a record by having four All-Americans in a single season. As the only team to have four players make the list, the Jackets’ honored seniors Andres Duany and Adam Perkiomaki as well as freshman Faraz Khan and Neil Cordell. Duany ranked first this season and has amassed a 47-25 career record. He also played in three Pool (A) Tournaments at the CSA Individual Championships. The Lima, Peru native ended this season as the seventh-ranked collegiate squash player.

What is your major?

I am majoring in economics and business strategies and minoring in organizational psychology.

Why did you choose UR?

UR seemed to be the perfect choice since it had the perfect balance between great academics and an exciting squash program. The squash coach, Martin Heath, formerly ranked fourth in the world, was a big part of the reason why I ended up here. He has a great reputation in the squash world, and he certainly  presented me the option of going. After doing some research about the programs, curricula, and reputation of the school, I was convinced that UR was the right place to be.

How did you get your start in squash?

I started when I was 10-years old since I felt like I wanted to play some racket sport. My dad use to play it, and he encouraged me to try. At this point, soccer was my main sport, but after a couple of years playing, squash became addictive. I was improving fast, but I wanted to be better, so I dedicated more of my time to the sport. Once you get started with squash, you won’t be able to leave it.

Are there any particular moments in your collegiate career that stick out?

Definitely one of the best moments was playing the quarter final against Ali Farag, former British Junior Open Champion and perhaps one of the best young players in the world. I managed to take the first game, and I certainly gave a big fight. Two weeks before that match, Farag had a really close one with the world number 30, to give you a a sense of the level. It is encouraging to think that pro players are not that far from the top college players, and with dedication, it’s possible to take your game to the next level.

How does it feel to be a first team All-American?

It feels really incredible, especially since the level of college squash during this season was extraordinary. There were so many great players in the draw, including some of the top American players and some former world junior champions. Being in the first team All-American really encourages me to keep working hard to become the best I can be.

What are your goals for after graduation?

I will be moving to Los Angeles to work for the Peru Trade Office, an international mission of the Peruvian government to promote trade and investments between Peru and the state of California. I would love to keep playing squash and perhaps try on the Pro Tour, but the level of squash in LA is just developing, and there won’t be much exposure to great players and tournaments. Hopefully, I’ll be able to keep myself fit and possibly represent Peru in some international competitions.

      Woodworth is a member of the class of 2015.

Aaron Schaffer / Photo Editor

Freshman Cassie Mahar helped lead the LadyJackets to a 15-7 victory against Bard College on Saturday, March 30. The Charleston, MA native scored a career best of four goals and made one assist in the winning game. Mahar played lacrosse throughout high school and is looking forward to a promising season here at UR.

What is your major?

International relations.

How did you start playing lacrosse?

I started playing lacrosse in the sixth grade because my school required me to play a sport every season. I really got into the sport when I joined my club team freshman year of high school.

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

The most important part of my routine is writing “Believe” in Sharpie on the inside of my left wrist. ‘Believe” was tattooed on the wrist of my deceased coach and good friend, the woman who inspired me and the one who I play for. 

How is collegiate lacrosse different from high school?

High school lacrosse was difficult for me, and I always had to work hard, but now that I am playing college lacrosse, I can see it all paid off. College lacrosse is difficult because it is much more organized and requires more rigorous work, but I find it more enjoyable. In college we are a family that will help each other on and off the field, no matter what. 

What’s the best piece of advice a coach has ever given you?

“Play until you can’t run anymore and then get up and run again; push yourself to run that extra step through the line. You have nothing left to regret if you leave it all on the field. Forget about how good the other team is because you are better if you work 10 times harder than them.”

In Saturday’s game against Bard College, you scored a career best of four goals. What was going through your mind?

I was telling myself to be calm and play with confidence. Don’t let anyone distract you from your game.

What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

For the rest of the season, my goal is to play the best I can and help the team be successful, no matter the final score. Show the Liberty League that the women’s lacrosse team at UR is a force to be reckoned with.

   Woodworth is a member of the class of 2015.

Aaron Schaffer, Photo Editor

 Senior pitcher Jon Menke was awarded he Liberty League Pitcher of the Year at the end of last season, and after the doubleheader on Tuesday, March 26, he is looking to make an equally impressive mark this coming year. In game two against RPI, Menke pitched seven innings, allowing only four hits and one run.

What’s your major?

 I am a math and financial economics major.

When did you start playing baseball?

I’ve been playing baseball for almost as long as I can remember. All of my friends were playing it at the time, so I figured I should too. Turns out I have a really good arm, so I stuck with it.

Do you have a mentor who has helped you get where you are?

Jim Sakas, who has helped turn me into the pitcher I am today. I started seeing him when I was about 10 years old.

What is the best advice a coach has given you?

“Trust yourself.” At this point in my career, I have been pitching for 13 or so years. I know how to pitch. Settle down, and just throw the next pitch.

What has been your favorite baseball moment this season?

Our first game of the year has been the most exciting so far as it was an extra-inning thriller against Emory. With two outs in the top of the 10th inning, Nate Mulberg stepped to the plate and lined a base hit to center to score the go-ahead run.

What is the hardest part of baseball?

Everyone always talks about the grind of baseball. We play 40 games in about 60 days so when you get into a slump, it can be very tough to get out. 

What are your personal goals for the rest of the season?

I want to win every game I pitch. As long as we are winning games I’m happy. If I could repeat as Liberty League Pitcher of the Year I would be very happy as well.

Team goals?

My freshman year, we hosted the Liberty League Tournament because we finished first in the regular season. It would be great to do that again this year. 

What advice do you have for incoming players?

I would tell all incoming players to get in shape. If you want to be able to feel your legs after the first couple days of practice, then start running now.

What has it been like being a senior in your final year playing at UR?

Over the past four years, you play some great games and get to know some of the guys around the league. After a season ends, you realize this is the last time you’ll ever play against those guys.

Do you have any plans yet for after graduation?

Yes, actually my goal is to play baseball after college. I want to take my skills to the next level, so I  am hoping to get drafted this June.

Kilbridge is a member of the class of 2015.

Courtesy of UR Athletics

Sophomore Cara Genbauffe is continuing her success from freshman year, which she ended with the second most singles victories on the  women’s tennis team.
Genbauffe played a phenomenal match against Ithaca College on Saturday, Feb. 23. At first singles, she beat her opponent 6-0 and 3-0, contributing to UR’s 7-2 crushing win.

What’s your major?
Psychology, brain and cognitive sciences, and economics.

Why did you choose UR?
I wanted to attend a school with good academics but with DIII tennis so that I could still compete and focus on schoolwork.

When did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis in 2006, when I was in seventh grade.

Why did you choose tennis?
I originally started playing because I liked hitting tennis balls against my garage wall. I kept playing because I like the strategy in both doubles and singles, and I love all the people I get to meet through the sport.

Do you have a mentor who has helped you get where you are?
One of our previous assistant coaches, Amanda Stone, really helped me with my mental game and gaining confidence in my abilities. I still use advice she has given me when I go into matches today.

What is the best advice a coach has given you?
Don’t worry about the score, just play your game. When I don’t focus on the score and instead focus on my strokes and strategies, I end up having much better results.

What has been your favorite tennis moment this season?
Winning the match against Ithaca. Even though our number-one singles player (and my regular doubles partner) Frances Tseng was sick, we still won the match 7-2, and everyone from UR who played won at least one of their matches.

What has been your favorite tennis moment at UR?
Definitely when our team won the match against Whittier in California last spring break. Their team, and even their coach, were being very rude and unsportsmanlike, but we managed to pull out the match 5-4. I can still remember how happy everyone was at the team dinner after the tough win.

What is the hardest part of tennis?
Definitely the mental game. Being out on the court alone, the outcome of every point is up to you, so it can be a lot of pressure. However, learning to deal with that pressure in a constructive way makes you not only a better tennis player, but a stronger person. I really look up to my teammate Rachel Suresky for her mental strength in matches.

What are your individual goals for the remainder of the season?
I just want to keep improving and working my hardest in every match.

What are your team goals?
I hope our team ends the spring season with a winning record.

What advice do you have for incoming players?
Playing hard in practice and putting in extra time really pays off. You’ll definitely notice it in the three-set matches.

      Kilbridge is a member of the class of 2015.

Courtesy of UR Athletics

Senior John Dibartolomeo has had an amazing four years at UR and is looking to end his college career on a high note. Among other awards, Dibartolomeo has been honored as First Team ALL-UAA, NABC All-American, and most recently, UAA Player of the Year. Considering playing overseas after he graduates, however, Dibartolomeo is focusing on the upcoming 2013 NCAA Championships this weekend.

What’s your major?
Financial economics.

Why did you choose UR?
My interest in UR didn’t start until I was recruited by the assistant coach at the time, Jim Driggs. Once I found out more about UR it was an easy decision because it was a great academic school with a good basketball tradition, which were two of the most important factors I looked for in a school.

When did you start playing basketball?
I’ve been playing basketball for as long as I can remember. My parents tell me I started when I was two-years old on a mini hoop.

Why basketball?
I tried a bunch of different sports growing up but always had the best time playing basketball. I think I found it the most fun because it was very active. Other sports like football and baseball had too many stops during games for me.

Do you have a mentor who has helped you get where you are?
I’ve had so many people help me throughout my time playing basketball from my parents, to coaches, to friends. It’s hard to say one person specifically was my mentor, but if I had to name someone, I’d have to say my brother because he’s the most supportive and positive person to me.

What is the best advice a coach has given you?
That basketball teaches you things beyond the sport and to try to take the most out of the game.

What has been your favorite basketball moment this season?
Even though it was during the middle of the year, it was a great accomplishment to be ranked first by d3hoops.com.

What has been your favorite basketball moment at UR?
Playing in and hosting the Sweet 16 my sophomore year.

What is the hardest part of basketball?
Dealing with frustration. It happens a lot during games where there is a stretch when things don’t go your teams’ way, and it’s hard to continue to stay positive enough to overcome their momentum and your struggles.

What are your individual goals for the remainder of the season?
Just to help our team play our best basketball of the season.

Team goals?
Win a NCAA tournament game and make a deep run in the tournament.

What are your future plans for basketball after college?
I’m hoping to play overseas somewhere.

What advice do you have for incoming players?
Enjoy college basketball because it’s an experience unlike any other.

    Kilbridge is a member of the class of 2015.

Amanda Klug, Staff Photographer

The women’s basketball team defeated Carnegie Mellon University in a tough battle on Friday, Feb. 15. with the help of sophomore Ally Zywicki. Pitted against the Tartans, Zywicki scored a career-high 24 points and scored seven points in the last three minutes of the game to secure the Yellowjackets another win.
Only in her second season at UR, Ally Zywicki has made a tremendous impact on the team as a crucial player and leading scorer.
As a freshman, Zywicki’s drive and passion for basketball showed when she played in all 25 games and earned honorable mention All-UAA at the end of the season. Zywicki’s freshman sucesses only encouraged her to work harder sophomore year.
As the UR women’s basketball team comes to the end of its regular season of play with only one game left, Zywicki has proved herself to be a key player for the ’Jackets. Not only did Zywicki score 24 points against Carnegie Mellon, she tallied up a total of 255 season points after UR’s game against Case Western Reserve University on Sunday, Feb. 17.
Zywicki began playing basketball when she was only four years old with the support of her father who was both a mentor and a coach for her throughout her childhood.
“We used to play on a little hoop in my basement, and he coached my teams growing up” said Zywicki.
A naturally competitive player, Zywicki played soccer as well but always loved basketball and decided to focus on her basketball career after injuring her knee in high school.
Zywicki knew she wanted to play basketball at UR, but she also came here for the biomedical engineering program.
Zywicki says that one of the hardest parts about playing basketball is the long season.
“Towards March, your body starts to wear down, and it’s hard not to feel drained,” she said.
Despite the lengthy season, she has big goals for the team and the rest of their season and hopes to win the UAA because “we haven’t won in a decent amount of time.”
For now, however, the Ladyjackets are looking ahead to their next game against Emory University, with whom they are currently tied for first place in the UAA. As a team player whose favorite part of basketball is the camaraderie she has found on and off the court with her teammates, Zywicki hopes to make sure everyone gets involved and has the opportunity to take the best shots they can against Emory.
For any incoming freshman hoping to succeed as well as Zywicki has in these past two seasons, she offers some advice:
“Work as hard as you can, and enjoy your time here while you have it because it goes by faster than you think,” she said.

   Kilbridge is a member of the class of 2015.

Courtesy of Rochester.edu

The women’s basketball team defeated New York University 57-54 Friday, Feb. 3 at the Coles Sports Center in New York. Junior forward Danielle McNabb topped all scorers in the game with 17 points. As UR’s only double-figure scorer, McNabb scored several layups and three-pointers to bring Rochester ahead for the win.

What’s your major?
I am double majoring in political science and health policy.

Why did you choose UR?
I chose UR based on its academic excellence and its competitive basketball program. Plus, the girls were insanely awesome when I visited, so I had to come here.

When did you start playing basketball?
Fourth grade.

Why basketball?
I actually wanted to be the next Mia Hamm, but my dad thought it would be wise to sign me up for basketball since I had a six-inch height advantage over most girls.

Do you have a mentor who has helped you get where you are?
My parents.

What is the best advice a coach has given you?
“Leave everything on the court or you all are a bunch of marshmallows.” What emotions do you feel while you are on the court?
I feel as if I am exactly where I should be.

What has been your favorite basketball moment at UR?
Competing nationally in Barbados last year.

What is the hardest part of basketball?
Choosing a new pair of shoes.

What are your individual goals for the remainder of the season?
Not to foul out of anymore games.

Team goals?
To win a national championship like every year, but first we have to beat Chicago this Friday.

Woodworth is a member of the class of 2015.

Courtesy of UR Athletics

Senior Elliott Lasher of men’s swimming and diving had an unprecedented performance this weekend. Lasher, also UAA Athlete of the Week, posted national qualifying marks on both the one- and three-meter boards, breaking three school records along the way. Scott Richardson originally set the three-meter, 11-dive record in 1988, which Lasher broke by 12.2 points. The other records were Lasher’s own from earlier in his UR career.

What is your major?
Mechanical engineering.

How did you get involved in diving?
Having been a swimmer my entire life, I joined the swim team at my high school.  Our pool was always frigid, and the divers had a large tub of hot water.  Within a week, I asked my head coach to try diving.

How long have you been diving?
Eight years.

Do you have a favorite dive?
Inward one-and-a-half pike ­— a very consistent dive for me.

Do you prefer the one-meter diving event or the three-meter?
I’m better at the three-meter event, by far. However, diving one-meter is a much more relaxed board for me as all the dives I do are easy in comparison to the high board.

Do you have any pre-meet or pre-dive superstitions?
Pre-dive: I try to find a balance of being dry but not too dry.  If I’m dripping too much water, I could slip out of some of the harder dives.  If I’m too dry, the same thing could happen.

When in the meet did you realize that you had a chance of breaking a school record?
In the 11-dive Ithaca Invitational, my coach called me over before my last two dives to let me know how I was doing.  I needed at least 70 more points to break the record, and I ended up breaking it by 13 points.

Did you think these records were attainable?
The first two records seemed breakable.  As I improved over the next year, I re-broke these records several times.  A month ago, I thought getting the third record was nearly impossible.

How does it feel to have three out of the four men’s diving records at UR?
It feels unreal. I’ve put in a lot of effort diving for UR. To have my work rewarded by means of the school record is such an honor.
Are your eyes set on the fourth record for the upcoming UAA Championship meet at the University of Chicago?
Since one meter isn’t my strongest board, I don’t have a goal to break it.  If it happens, I’ll be speechless.

Now that you have these school records, what are your individual goals for the remainder of the season?
I hope to get as consistent as I can before the UAA championship meet.  With the quality of the competition, I hope to make it to finals and place as well as I can. I’ll continue to train after the meet to prepare for the NCAA Division III Regional meet.

And your hopes for the team as you progress through championship season?
Because the UAA is such a fierce competition, I really hope to see everyone do their personal best.  It would be awesome to see a couple more NCAA cuts.

Woodworth is a member of the class of 2015.