Q&A with Carissa Vittese

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Sophomore back Carissa Vittese and the Virginia field hockey team return home to the University Hall Turf Field to open ACC play at 6 p.m. Friday vs. sixth-ranked Boston College. The Cavaliers will also play host to Richmond at 1 p.m. Sunday. Vittese, a native of Cherry Hill, N.J., recently sat down with VirginiaSports.com to talk about the season, her decision to come play at UVa, her sisters Michelle and Tara and some of her favorite movies.

Question: How would you describe the season up to this point?
Vittese: Complicated. It’s been a little bit of a struggle but Friday marks the beginning of ACC play, and we are looking forward to a fresh start and a clean slate. We have to take it one game at a time and work our way back into the mix.

Question: How have you improved as a player from when you were a year ago at this time?
Vittese: Having experience playing in college is the biggest thing. Last year before each game I would always get really nervous, especially the first couple of games. That doesn’t happen anymore.

Question: What made you want to come to UVa?
Vittese: My sister (Michelle) being here was a big part of it. I really enjoy playing with her and having her around. But other than that, I really like the school a lot. It’s good academically and it’s a really pretty campus.

Question: What’s it like to be the middle sister?
Vittese: It’s a little bit stressful. Being in between Michelle and Tara is probably one of the hardest things, ever. I like being the middle sister though. I am really close with both of them. I am kind of like the glue between us. But growing up it was awful. Michelle always got the new stuff and Tara is the baby. The little ones always get the most attention. I was just hanging out. Middle child syndrome is real!

Question: Have you thought about what your major will be?
Vittese: I am thinking about psychology. I really like all of my psych classes so far; I find them the most interesting and the most fun.

Question: What has been your favorite class at UVa?
Vittese: Probably physics with Lou Bloomfield because he is a character.

Question: What do you like to do for fun?
Vittese: In the summer I’m always at the beach. I love to watch movies. I could watch movies all day. I saw the new X-Men movie and that was really good. Wedding Crashers, Old School, The Gladiator, Boondock Saints, The Departed. I like good flicks.