Q&A with Elizabeth Hanks

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Redshirt freshman Elizabeth Hanks and the Virginia field hockey team continue Atlantic Coast Conference play at 5 p.m. Friday at No. 3 Maryland. Hanks, a native of Hummelstown, Pa., recently sat down with VirginiaSports.com to talk about the season, how she has grown as a player, her favorite class at UVa and what she likes to do for fun.

Question: How would you describe the season thus far?
Hanks: We have a lot of new players and had a really good preseason. We are a pretty young team. We have struggled in the beginning and had some losses that should not have happened because we know we’re better than that. I think it’s just getting used to each other and learning our system. Last weekend we played well and got a win and hopefully that will put us back on track.

Question: Does that give you momentum going into this week and facing No. 3 Maryland?
Hanks: This week in practice we have bounced back and we want to prove that we can play with anybody. In the ACC, all the teams are very good. If you can play at that level, you can play with anybody.

Question: How have you grown as a player from where you were a year ago?
Hanks: Last year at this time I was a redshirt and I was playing striker in practice. This year, I am able to contribute in some games but I am playing defense. I have changed a lot and my role is completely different this year. It’s also really different being a second year and just knowing all of the routines. It’s better in that way.

Question: What made you want to come to UVa?
Hanks: It’s obviously a perfect mix of athletics and academics. I knew I wanted to go to a big school but also get a really good education. When I came on my visit to UVa I immediately liked the team and liked the coaches. I just knew this was where I would fit. I am the only one in my family who didn’t go to Penn State. I think my parents enjoy a new place to visit.

Question: Have you decided on a major?
Hanks: I am pre-commerce and plan on applying to the McIntire School in January. So we’ll see if that’s what I choose to do. Or maybe something with economics.

Question: Do you have a career goal?
Hanks: I want to do something with business and I would love to live in a big city. I am not quite sure exactly want kind of business I want to get into but so far I have really enjoyed my accounting classes.

Question: What has been your favorite class at UVa?
Hanks: I am currently in Religion 2630 which is Business, Ethics and Society. It’s different than any class I have ever taken. Right now we are reading a lot of Greek philosophy which you think wouldn’t have anything to do with business but my professor is really good and points out so many things I would have never realized. Now we are moving into a group project where we actually come up with a mock company.

Question: What do you like to do for fun?
Hanks: In the summer, I love to spend time with my family. We go to Stone Harbor, N.J., every year so that is one of my favorite places. I like watching other sports and I like shopping. I’m also in a sorority at UVa; I’m in Kappa Alpha Theta with Lane (Smith) and Carissa (Vittese). We rushed this past January and joined the same sorority. That’s just another group of friends that I like to spend time with. Sometimes I go get lunch there and get to participate in some other activities.

Question: What is your favorite spot on Grounds?
Hanks: The McGregor Room in Alderman Library. It’s like Harry Potter. If I ever have to go to the library I always go there. Sometimes I just go there to hang out. It’s not like a normal library. Clemens is all desks and everyone is working. The McGregor Room is so comfortable.