Getting to Know... Josie Owen

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Josie Owen will be a first-year on the women’s lacrosse team this spring. The Gibson Island, Md., native was a three-time high school All-American at Severn School and was named the No. 9 recruit in the nation by Inside Lacrosse. She won a World Championship in 2007 with the USA Under-19 team and was named the Player of the Match in Team USA’s win over England. Owen was the salutatorian of her graduating class and was a National Honor Society and National Spanish Honors Society member.

Question: How was your first fall ball experience? What was it like training with the coaching staff and the rest of the team?
Owen: My first fall ball experience was both exciting and overwhelming. I was initially very intimidated by how talented my teammates are and new coaches are always a new adjustment. But I couldn’t have asked for a smoother transition. By the end of fall, I felt like I had been playing with my teammates and coaches for years.

Question: How was your first semester on Grounds? What did you enjoy the most?
Owen: My first semester on Grounds was great! I love dorm life. Having so many friends and people living in such a close proximity is unlike anything I have and ever will experience. It was very different, but still great.

Question: What are you looking forward to this spring?
Owen: I can’t wait for the season to be under way. The amount of time that we have put into lacrosse up to this point is a lot and I can’t wait to see all of our hard work pay off.

Question: What is your favorite thing about UVa and being a student-athlete?
Owen: Because of the bigger size of the University, being a student-athlete has provided me with a smaller community that I have felt a part of. Instead of clubs or activities, athletics has helped me meet a lot of fun and interesting people easily.

Question: What do you miss most about high school and home?
Owen: I miss some home cooked meals and being able to have a car.

Question: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Owen: To not take my opportunities for granted and to not let it pass too quickly without appreciating it.

Question: Why did you choose to play at Virginia?
Owen: I absolutely love the university and the lacrosse program here; it is so competitive. I will be playing with, competing with and learning from the best. It was an opportunity I couldn’t give up.

Question: What do you hope to accomplish before you graduate?
Owen: I want to go to an athletic event for every single sport by the time I graduate.