As one of the most popular sports on campus what would you say has been your highlight so far?
There are so many amazing things about being a member of Lacrosse: I met three of my housemates through the club; League, Cup and tournaments are all hugely exciting; the socials are the best night of the week; and the girls are so friendly; I could go on. There have been a couple of incredible socials, though, and winning the Cup semi-final last season was fantastic. Hoping we’ll go one better this year, though!
How did you get into lacrosse?
I’ve been playing since the age of 11, although I took a break from it at one point to concentrate on music and cross country. I hadn’t considered it at University level, until my Head STYC suggested it to me on a night out in Freshers’ week, and I thought I’d go along to one of the taster sessions. Everyone was extraordinarily friendly and – despite my hitting the seconds’ vice captain in the head with a ball within the first 10 minutes – I ended up staying.
What is the hardest thing about being captain of Lacrosse?
People call me ‘Captain Claire’, which drives me nuts and is so embarrassing, but – seriously – it’s keeping everyone keen and raring to go, week in, week out. My squad are always visiting people or going home at the weekends – which I can’t do, as I’m needed for training – or drowning in degree work, so I have to try really hard to make sure people stay motivated and committed. That and resisting Friday nights out; I can’t lecture girls about the dangers of getting in from Phat 5 hours before a session if I’ve done it myself…
What has been your worst Wednesday night wardrobe faux pas?
I thought I’d do the ‘zip face’ trend this Halloween, and my housemate did an amazing job on my facepaint, making my chin area really gory and bloody. Turned out I just looked like a vagina.
What do you get up to apart from Lacrosse?
Lacrosse takes up the vast majority of my time, which I love, but I’m also on the University Radio News Team, and write occasionally for Nouse, as I’d love to be a sports’ broadcaster in the future. I’m also Press and Publicity Officer for Literature Society, and play for the Leeds Penguins Lacrosse Club. Oh, and my degree.
What would you say to anyone who is keen to join lacrosse but has never played before?
Come along – plain and simple. There are so, so many girls who’d never picked up a stick before university – I was even asked what lacrosse was at Freshers’ Fair – but they come to our beginner sessions, run by our fabulous fresher coaches, who teach everyone – regardless of their experience – how to play the game. We have fresher matches across the year, where you can play against other people who are just learning, too. I cannot encourage people to come along strongly enough: the club is phenomenal, with brilliant sporting and social sides, and I’d love some people who read this interview to sign up.
Are there any cuties we should look out for on the Lacrosse team?
The boys are all lovely, but none of them come close to Andy Thomas. He’s hot stuff.