Q&A with Field Hockey's Katie Robinson
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Sep 5, 2013
Senior defender Katie Robinson is one of the anchors to a veteran backfield for the Cavaliers this season. The sociology major was named to the 2012 Gladiator by SGI/NFHCA National Academic Squad and the 2012 All-Atlantic Coast Conference Academic Field Hockey Team. On the field, she earned All-ACC Tournament honors last season.
Robinson sat down with VirginiaSports.com to talk about her time at UVa and her plans and goals for the future.
What has been the biggest difference in the first two games between this year’s team and last year’s team?
I think it is teamwork. This year, I don’t think we have one or two players trying to take on the opponent by themselves. We have so much faith and trust in each other that we are each going to get the job done. I think there is this fluidity on the field and confidence in each other. I have had people come down from the stands after games and say `You guys have a lot of potential. It is just fun to watch you guys.’ It is fun to be out on the field with that kind of energy.
The back line defense is pretty much the same players as last season. How is it to be playing with the same people as last year?
It is always great to stay with the same people. You know what they are going to do and anticipate and play off of them. I think that makes us stronger and we can just keep building on that to improve. There is always room to improve on defense, even when you think you have done everything right.
What is the biggest difference in you as a player since your freshman year?
My confidence level. In high school, I was a defender. That’s where I felt most comfortable. When I came here, playing time was all about wherever there was an open spot. So I was willing to step up to that. Now that I am back in the defense, I’m just more comfortable, more competent and am relaxed and can enjoy it. I know the ropes now.
What do you enjoy most about playing defense?
As a defender, the most-exciting thing and the thing I really love is fly. It’s like a one-on-one battle in stopping the shots. I have gotten so many bruises on my arms, but it was never a goal and it was always our ball coming out. Those are always my favorite because I always think `I won’! Those are my little personal victories.
Last season, you were named to the All-ACC Tournament team. How was it for you to receive that honor?
We defenders are the unsung heroines, so I was grateful and honored to receive that honor. I just wish the outcome of that game had been different.
During your time on offense early in your career, you did score some goals. Which one of those stands out in your memory the most?
It was against UNC my first year. I remember Paige Selenski dribbling up the field and I just sat on far post. She hit a rocket in and I tipped it. When it went in, I was so happy.
You are a sociology major. What would you like to do with your degree after graduating?
I am trying to pursue counseling. I am not sure if it is going to be clinical or in the school, but I really want to work with kids in some capacity and help them and be able to coach later on in life. I love kids’ energy and their desire to learn and get better and how they break things down to the simplest level. I have known my whole life that I want to work with kids. It was just a matter of what path was going to get me there. I plan on going to grad school. If I can stay at Virginia, I would love to, but I am open to finding the best counseling program.
What made you decide to be a sociology major and what has been one of the most interesting things you have learned?
Honestly, I love people and I love building relationships. I am interested in what makes people tick and why they do the things they do. I really enjoyed studying about the changes in the way `the family’ operates, how the family dynamic has changed through the years and how it is becoming more open with so many different options and how society is changing with that.
What are you going to miss the most about UVa?
I love that there is always something to do in Charlottesville. Whether it is indoors or outdoors, going to the different festivals, the farmer’s market, climbing Humpback Rock or going to Carter’s Mountain, there are just so many things to do. I love it.