Crosse Checks with Claire Bordley

Story Links

March 26, 2007

Claire Bordley won a world title as a member of the USA Under-19 national team that won the championship in 2003. Since that time she has earned a starting position on the Virginia women’s team and has helped the Cavaliers win an ACC title in 2006. One of the Cavaliers’ line defenders, Bordley has helped the Hoos rank in the top-five nationally in scoring defense and to the best record in the nation through today.

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.

Virginiasports.com sat down with Bordley to learn more about her.

My primary inspiration in sports is: To compete at the highest level possible and constantly strive to become a better player/athlete.

My advice to players is: To work hard but more importantly savor the friendships forged with teammates and enjoy youth sports because it doesn’t last forever.

The best thing about the University is: That it is a top notch academic school yet fosters an enticing “work hard, play hard” mentality.

My dream vacation would be: To go on a safari in South Africa.

The best advice I ever received is…. (and from whom):Never give up, even if your team is down by in insurmountable number because at the end of the day, all you will be left with is your character. – My dad

My favorite moment in sports history (personal): Winning the U-19 World Championship in Baltimore.

My favorite moment in sports history (overall):1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup when the U.S. beat China in penalty kicks.

Best lacrosse game I have been a part of (and any details):2006 ACC Title Game vs. Duke

Best lacrosse game I have ever seen:Landon vs. Prep OT IAC Championship Game in May 2002

Why I play lacrosse….:Because it’s a great mix between soccer and basketball, which are my two other sports of choice.

A brief summary of my early lacrosse history (introduction to the sport, etc):My dad is a high school coach so I first picked up a stick in first grade. I would pass around with my brothers using a boys stick until fourth grade when I joined my first youth lax team.

If I could invite someone to dinner, it would be (and why):It would be Condoleezza Rice because I would want to hear first hand what it was like to have been the first female national security advisor. In 2004 and 2005, Forbes magazine ranked her as the most powerful woman in the world.

Why Virginia?:I chose Virginia because of its superior academic reputation and its history of athletic excellence.

The most important thing I learned while playing is…..To constantly push yourself to become better because this type of attitude is contagious and will lead to success in other aspects of life.

QUICKSTICKSWhat is your favorite….

…movie? Home Alone

…Disney movie? Bambi

…C-ville restaurant? Continental Divide

…musician/band? Rascal Flatts

…food? Spinach

…song? U2 – “One”

…UVA class? Civil War with Gary Gallagher

…vacation spot? Sydney, Australia

…dance move? Too many to name

…day of the week? Saturday

…Dr. Seuss book? The Lorax

…Crayon color? Lightening

…sport (other than lacrosse) Basketball

…TV show? 24 and Two-a-Days

…cartoon character? Care Bears

…Sportscenter anchor? Chris Berman

…actor/actress? Kiefer Sutherland

…sports figure? Cal Ripken Jr.

…book? The Prince of Tides

Something that makes me unique:I love to complain

Groups I am associated with other than lacrosse:SAAC

Any community service that I do:Help tutor at HD’s middle school. Just started this semester.

Please write a quote about your time here at UVa with the school and the team:I am forever indebted to the University and the women’s lacrosse coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to play for one of the country’s most successful teams all the while earning a degree that will I will cherish for the rest of my life.