Senior attacker Nancy Bansbach was named as a team captain for Field Hockey last season, and was the team’s top scorer last season among those returning this year. Last season, the team won the Liberty League Championship for the first time in school history and advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight.
How did you get interested in Field Hockey?
I had played soccer my entire life up until eighth grade but the summer before freshman year of high school, I attended a field hockey camp and fell in love with the sport so I made the switch!
What have you enjoyed most about Field Hockey at UR?
I have enjoyed sharing the love of the game with my teammates and coaches. They are some of the most special people in my life now, and the memories we have created on and off the field are some I will carry with me forever.
How have you grown as an athlete over the course of your collegiate career?
I have matured and learned to play with composure and strategic defense. It was a long road, but I spent many hours with my coaches breaking down my fundamental skills and working through them.
What has been the highlight of your athletic career at UR?
The highlight of my athletic career was definitely winning the Liberty League Championship for the first time in school history with my team last year on Fauver.
What has been the most difficult aspect of being a varsity athlete?
Remembering to always put academics first even when you really really want to skip class to go to practice.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I am looking forward to having the most cohesive and talented team that UR has ever seen and putting ourselves to the test against a tough schedule and pushing ourselves to make history again this year.
Who has had the greatest impact on your playing career, and why?
Margaret McConnell. She was our assistant coach my sophomore and junior years and she spent countless hours with me on Fauver when I had to miss practice for class and taught me everything I know about defensive play. She also taught me to believe in myself and play with confidence. I not only learned a lot about the game, but also a lot about life and she gets a lot of credit for who I have become today.
Danforth, Douglass, or The Pit?
Dougie.
