Aug. 26, 2010
UI field hockey photo gallery | UI field hockey wraps up preseason
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- Big Ten/ACC Challenge Central
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Spengler:
“With a new team, I am looking forward to what the season holds for us. With seven new freshmen and seven sophomores we need to put all the little pieces together and see where we can get to.”
What did you work on over the summer?
Spengler:
“I really worked on my hit and stick skills to become more consistent to take quick shots on goal. I also worked on finishing at the goal.”
How have the freshmen looked during the first few weeks of practice?
Spengler:
“They have looked really good. They have had great energy every practice. They are really excited and learning a lot every day. The two exhibitions were really helpful to teach them game situations.”
You were a member of the 2008 NCAA Final Four team as a freshman, what was that experience like?
Spengler:
“It was awesome. We had really good leaders on that team that helped us get to that point. Learning from them and how they brought me along when I was a freshman is something I have really taken from that experience. Seeing that and their level of play is something that has helped me with our young team.”
Did you do anything fun over the summer, such as exciting vacations?
Spengler:
“I went to Myrtle Beach. We were in Iowa City for most of the summer taking classes but I went to Myrtle Beach for a week and that was a lot of fun. The weather was good, it was hot and sunny.”
Do you have any hobbies?
Spengler:
“I really want to get in triathlons. So this summer, I did a lot of bike training.”
You are one of three upperclassmen on this year’s team, have you taken on a new leadership role with the addition of seven freshman to go along with seven sophomores?
Spengler:
“I definitely think so. I learned a lot last year from Meg (Beamesderfer) and Tricia (Dean); the mistakes we made together or things we did well and bringing it to this season and learning from that. I also thought a lot this summer about how to help the younger players and how to explain things and how l remember learning them. I think I have had to step up my leadership role by communicating on and off the field. That is how my role has changed.”
Do you have any pregame superstitions or routines?
Spengler:
“Way too many. I have to wear the same socks for every game. I have the same routine in the locker room, home and away. I also wear the same headband.”
Being from Lititz, PA, what was the key factor in your recruitment that led you to Iowa City and the Hawkeye field hockey program? What stood out the most?
Spengler:
“When I met the team and saw how the coaches interacted with the team it just felt like a family. So being that far from home is not a big deal because you have a family away from home. That was my biggest recruitment point other than the program itself. It is really important to feel like you are welcome and to have people supporting you.”
What is it like to open the season at the Big Ten/ACC Challenge against such tough competition?
Spengler:
“It is awesome. It is a great way to begin our season and see where we are at. We have been training so hard during preseason so it is good to get a starting point; knowing where we are and how far we have to go. It is a great way to start our season.”