Junior attacker Nancy Bansbach helped UR Field Hockey earn its first Liberty League title this Saturday after scoring two goals against Skidmore College in the conference final. Bansbach was selected to the All-Tournament team along with four other UR players and is second on the team in scoring with a nine goals.
How does it feel to have won the Liberty League title for the first time in history?
It’s better than anything I thought imaginable. Knowing that we were the first UR Field Hockey team to get our name on the plaque, and be the best team in the Liberty League is something that no one will ever be able to take from us, and it’s one of the greatest accomplishments ever.
What does this accomplishment mean for the future of the program?
It shows that the program is talented, and is one to be taken seriously. We definitely made a name for ourselves and are setting the tone for the future UR Field Hockey teams and have set the bar even higher for years to come.
What were some of the challenges you and your team faced this season?
We had a few early season losses where we struggled to put the ball in the net. We have had consistently strong defense, but we would often go into overtime because we would be tied at 0–0. We definitely hit a turning point in the season where our entire team connected all over the field and we overcame that challenge.
How have you grown as a player since coming to UR?
As a freshman I was a timid player, lacking the speed and skill required to play at the collegiate level, but my amazing coaches instilled confidence in me and allowed me to push myself to limits I never thought I would be able to achieve. They helped me be the player I am today and wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.
Who is your biggest role model and why?
Emma Watson, because she is a headstrong, intelligent person who stands up for herself and others who can’t do so for themselves. Plus, she played Hermione from “Harry Potter.”
Besides field hockey, do you have any other hobbies?
I take violin lessons at Eastman, play in the on-campus orchestra, and play the piano in my free time.
What show did you most recently binge-watch?
“Stranger Things.”
