In a fall season of Princeton athletics choc full of ups and downs, the field hockey team has provided some stellar consistency. The No. 4 Tigers are currently 11-2 and undefeated in the Ivy League. A large part of the team’s success can be attributed to its core nucleaus of seniors, including striker and co-captain Christina Bortz.
Bortz has started all 13 games for the Tigers, and brings an aggressive style of play that terrorizes opposing defenses. Bortz scored Princeton’s first two goals in a 4-1 win over Richmond earlier this year, and tallied a crucial game-tying goal late in regulation against American.
Bortz and back Kaitlyn Perrelle were amongst the 38 Division I seniors selected to participate in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Senior All-Star Game on November 21st. The Daily Princetonian caught up with Bortz to discuss pregame rituals, quirky teammates and everything in between.
Q: What was your “welcome to college” moment?
A: Easy. Midterms freshman year. Hello, Sugarfree Redbull.
Q: What is the greatest highlight of your sports career?
A: Hopefully hasn’t happened yet. Ask me again on Nov. 22!
Q: Who is your quirkiest teammate? Why?
A: [Junior goalie] Jennifer King is definitely my quirkiest teammate. She has more “hidden talents” than anyone I’ve ever met (singing, computer programming, Greek, Latin). It’s kind of crazy.
Q: What has been your most embarrassing moment at Princeton?
A: I had just finished a quick workout in Dillon Gymnasium and was jogging back to my room to shower before meeting some friends at the Pre-Rade. It was really crowded since everyone had already started walking up campus, and I suddenly wiped out on a curb — which I still maintain came out of nowhere. I think I was airborne for more than three seconds.
Q: What’s the best part about being an athlete on campus?
A: Sweet gear.
Q: What’s the worst or hardest part about being an athlete on campus?
A: Trying to make it to dinner before it closes!
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not practicing?
A: When I’m not practicing or studying, I like to watch mindless TV shows with my friends. “Gossip Girl” and “Vampire Diaries” are two of my favorites.
Q: If not field hockey, what other sport would you play?
A: I would play lacrosse or run track. I don’t think I could hit a 5:04-mile anymore though. I think I’d have a better chance of making lacrosse.
Q: What would you do if you were coach for a day?
A: Cancel practice and have a team bonding session at Twist!
Q: What’s your favorite class you’ve taken at Princeton so far?
A: REL 219: Business Ethics and Modern Religious Thought with Professor Miller.
Q: Who gets the most guys on the team? Who has the most game off the field?
A: We divide and conquer.
Q: Do you have a particular pre-game ritual?
A: Frist breakfast and rap music.
Q: Is there any music in particular that inspires you?
A: Lil’ Wayne and Akon. It’s deep.
Q: What’s the most embarrassing song on your iPod?
A: The “High School Musical” soundtrack. I didn’t download it, but I haven’t taken it off.
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