Q&A with Molly Millard

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Prior to every women’s lacrosse home game, sophomore Molly Millard sings the national anthem a tradition that was started a year ago. Following a midweek game against James Madison, Millard and the Cavaliers will return home on Saturday to host No. 4 Duke in a 3:30 p.m. contest.

Question: Is singing the national anthem something you look forward to doing at each home game?
Millard: It’s definitely something I look forward to doing because it allows me to help the team get pumped before a game. I never really understood why the national anthem was played before sports games, but after being asked to sing it I realize the kind of emotion it can instill in the athletes and the fans, and being able to be a part of that is really cool.

Question: At your most recent performance, you were challenged with a flyover by a pair of Navy jets to coincide with the start of the lacrosse and baseball games. What did it take to keep concentration? What was that moment like?
Millard: In all honesty, I think I’ve sung it so many times it must have just come out right, because I was looking at the planes the whole time. But it was cool. I got goose bumps afterward.

Question: Do you ever get stage fright, either before a performance or before playing in a game?
Millard: I always get butterflies right before I sing, but they go away after a couple seconds.

Question: When you tried out for American Idol, what was that process like? How far did you make it?
Millard: This past August I tried out for American Idol. I waited in line for 15 hours, only to be thanked for my time and sent home. I did not make it to any round nor did I meet Simon Cowell. I did meet a lot of really interesting people though, and I’m glad I did it.

Question: If you had to be in a reality TV show, which one would it be?
Millard: The Amazing Race, with Molly McClintic as my partner. We’ve actually discussed trying out after we graduate.

Question: If you could be a famous singer or the best lacrosse player of all time, which one would you choose and why?
Millard: I would say the best lacrosse player of all time, but seeing as how the music industry is a little more lucrative, I’d have to go with a famous singer.

Question: You and Whit Hagerman are the tallest players on the team. Since she’s one of the leading attackers this year, what can you learn from her and her playing style?
Millard: She’s really good at taking the ball hard to goal and changing her shot from high to low. Those are two things that I’ve tried to emulate when I’m on the field.

Question: What is your favorite part of a lacrosse game?
Millard: Winning, and the food at the tailgate afterwards.

Question: Outside of lacrosse, do you have any upcoming plays or performances?
Millard: I’m in the Virginia Belles, an a cappella group at Virginia, and our spring concert is this Friday!