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Q&A with Field Hockey's Jenny Johnstone
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Sophomore goalkeeper Jenny Johnstone is in her second season as the starting goalkeeper for the Cavaliers. VirginiaSports.com recently caught up with the preseason All-ACC selection, asking the native of Paisley, Scotland some questions about the 2012 season and her experience at UVa.
For people who haven’t seen you play yet this year, describe this year’s team.
Our team is very fast up front. I think we are all really close, so that makes a big difference on the field. We are still getting used to playing with each other. With Paige and Michelle coming back from the Olympics, they obviously bring a lot of tempo and that then helps everyone else play at a much faster speed as well.
What is the biggest difference for you this year from last year?
I feel I just understand how my defense plays and how the attackers play. I understand their structure a lot better. It allows me to be able to communicate to them a bit more clearly and for them to hopefully be able to play better.
What did it mean to you to be named to the preseason All-ACC team?
I was kind of shocked, but it made me step up my game. It was a surprise, but it was really good and nice.
What is the toughest part about being a goalie?
There is a lot of pressure on you to make the right decisions at points. When it doesn’t go well, you let in a goal, it’s hard to always get yourself back up. I learned last year that there is no point in being negative about everything. You need to be positive and take something from every experience. It is also great when the team plays well and you play well. It’s fun. I like it.
What is your favorite thing about being in the United States?
Everyone is really friendly here that you don’t really get back home, just like walking the street or at a shop or something. The food is great as well. And my team. I love my team.
What is the thing you miss most about home?
Funny enough, I miss the rain from back home. When I’m home, I miss the sun and when I’m in America, I miss the rain. It gets a bit sunny and warm here and I’m not used to the hot temperatures, so I do like the rain. And my family and friends, obviously.
What made you decide to come to the University of Virginia?
I’ve always heard about older girls doing it, and I thought it would be a great experience for me personally. I don’t know what I really want to do in college, so I took the opportunity to email the coaches. When they got back to me straight-away, I knew I wanted to go to Virginia. It was one of my top choices, so being accepted here and getting to play here is really fantastic.
What are you planning on majoring in?
Right now, probably Environmental Sciences or History.
What is your favorite class so far?
I like my class on atmosphere and weather last year with Bob Davis.