Crosse Checks with Jess Wasilewski
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March 5, 2007
Jess Wasilewski, a fourth-year team captain from Paoli, PA, returns home this Wednesday (March 7) as the Cavaliers face Temple. Wasilewski started on the 2004 team that won the national championship and has been one of Virginia’s most consistent contributors in the midfield since her rookie season. She has started all three games in 2007, leading the Cavaliers in the 10-8 win over Syracuse with a goal and three assists. She sits down with virginiasports.com to share some tidbits about herself.
Crosse checks first appeared in the United States Women’s Lacrosse Association’s newsletter in the early 1980’s and was the main source for information in the USA about women’s lacrosse. This column is named as such as a tribute to those women who paved the way for our sport.
My primary inspiration in sports is: my teammates
My advice to players is: Never give up until you get what you want
The best thing about the University is: The tradition, the college life, and the people.
My dream vacation would be: Italy – I’m going back this summer, woo!
The best advice I ever received is…. (and from whom): Make the most of the opportunities you are given – my parents, Den and Jeany
My favorite moment in sports history (personal): Playing for and winning the National Championship my first year against Princeton.
My favorite moment in sports history (overall): Philadelphia Eagles winning the NFC and going to the Super Bowl (even though they ended up losing)
Best lacrosse game I have been a part of: 2006 ACC Semi-Final game vs. UNC. Coming back from two goals down with 3 minutes left to tie it and then win in overtime. (note: Wasilewski won three consecutive draws after UVA went down by two goals to spark a 3-0 run and give the Hoos the lead)
Best lacrosse game I have ever seen: Virginia vs. Princeton 2003 National Championship at the Carrier Dome
Why I play lacrosse….: It’s fun to play, pretty to watch, and it has the cutest uniforms minus the goggles.
A brief summary of my early lacrosse history: I started playing in 6th grade when a lacrosse league was organized. My mom was involved in putting the league together so she signed me up to play.
If I could invite someone to dinner, it would be: My great grandfathers, both of which came to America from different countries at very young ages. I want to talk to them about their experiences and how they were able to make new lives for themselves.
Why Virginia?: It is a beautiful school with great academics, athletics, and college life.
The most important thing I learned while playing is….. If you are willing to work hard, good things will come.
Quicksticks:
What is your favorite….
Disney movie? Beauty and the Beast & The Little Mermaid
C-ville restaurant? Bang
Take-out? Basil Blackened Chicken Caesar
musician/band? I like many
food? Mashed potatoes
quote? “PUSH”
all-time favorite song? “Hold On” – Wilson Phillips
UVA class? History of the Circus
vacation spot? Sailfish Point, FL
dance move? The Nicole Richie
day of the week? Saturday
Dr. Seuss book? Oh the Places You’ll Go
Crayon color? Hot Pink
sport (other than lacrosse) Tennis to play, football to watch
TV show? Grey’s Anatomy
cartoon character? Berenstein Bears
actor/actress? Morgan Freeman & Charlize Theron
sports figure? Brian Dawkins
movie? Father of the Bride, Adventures in Babysitting
book? The Things We Do For Love, The Wedding, Angels and Demons
Bet you didn’t know that: I have two sets of twin cousins born in the same week
Groups I am associated with other than lacrosse: SAM & SAAC reps
My time at UVa has been even more than I hoped it to be. Playing for this university with this group of people has been one of the best experiences of my life.