This week Her Campus had a great opportunity to interview one of our very own women’s freshman lacrosse players. Caroline Muller is originally from Baltimore, Maryland and intends to study Psychology at the University of Michigan.
Her Campus: How old were you when you first started to play lacrosse?
Caroline Muller: I was six years old when I started to play lacrosse.
HC: Did you always think that you would end up playing in college and if not, what were the moments when you doubted yourself?
CM: Once I started high school I knew I wanted to play, but the doubt started to sink in after I committed. I committed early, Sophomore year, and even though this certainty was exciting it also brought a lot of doubt. I did not know what to expect coming in as a Freshman, so for the rest of high school, what would happen as a University of Michigan lacrosse player was constantly on my mind.
HC: Did a Division 1 athletic school live up to your expectations, or is it different than what you expected?
CM: It definitely lived up to my expectations. You get a lot of perks like free gear, but it is also a ton of work. I feel like some people don’t even realize how hard it is to be a student athlete and only focus on the perks.
HC: How do you balance your social life, academic career, and playing a sport? Are there any tips you can give the rest of the world?
CM: I try to live in the moment of what I am doing. If I am on the field, I focus on playing my best. If I am in in the classroom, I focus on learning and exceeding. Socially, I am also trying to be a carefree freshman and have some fun. But, my best advice is to try and keep all three world separate because if not, it is easy to become overwhelmed and frustrated.
HC: Is there something you love most about being on an athletic team, and if so, what?
CM: I think that my team is what I love most. You meet girls that are different than you but all have one common goal and hobby. I am unbelievably grateful for the girls I have gotten to meet throughout this process.
HC: If you had to pick one goal for the upcoming season, what would it be?
CM: It would really be to have fun! With lacrosse being a spring sport, you put in so much work in the fall and winter that by the time season rolls around you have all the tools you need just to enjoy the sport. The huge time commitment can sometimes be overwhelming, which is why I think it is important take the positive from everything.
HC: Would you say you are nervous as the new season quickly approaches, or are you excited for the new opportunities?
CM: I think that I am both! I am nervous to be starting a whole new level of lacrosse, but that is also what is so exciting.
HC: What does your average day in season look like?
CM: My day starts with class in the morning from between 8-10ish a.m.. Then I have practice from 2-4, depending on the day. Sometimes we lift after practice and finally we eat dinner and go study for classes.
HC: Has lacrosse restricted you in any way? If so, how?
CM: Although lacrosse has given me a lot, it has restricted me from exploring a lot of what the university has to offer, due to my time constraints.
HC: Do you have any pregame rituals?
CM: Not really. I just try not to think about the game too much and get out of my head to focus on why I am playing in the first place.
Images courtesy of Caroline Muller.