Q: Where are you from, and what is your favorite part about it?
A: I’m from Northern California, Lafayette, and my favorite part about it, probably now that I’m on the East Coast, is the weather. It does not snow there, so that’s a definite perk. Not a huge fan of the snow.
Q: When did you start playing water polo?
A: I started playing water polo when I was in fifth grade. I swam and played soccer my whole life but finally decided to play water polo and liked it.
Q: What made you switch?
A: I’m not a very fast runner. I was never fast, but I was decent at swimming.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not in the pool?
A: Probably just bop around, watch Netflix and hang out with my friends. Big Netflix fan.
Q: What’s the most-watched on your Netflix?
A: I’ve gone through the whole season of “Friday Night Lights” a few times. It’s a little embarrassing but ... it’s a great show.
Q: Favorite season?
A: First one. They’re all good, but the first one was definitely the best.
Q: What other groups are you involved in on campus?
A: I go to AIA [Athletes in Action], but I’m not really [involved]. Water polo takes up a lot of time, so I’m not really involved. Sounds kind of bad.
Q: How did you end up coming to Princeton?
A: I didn’t think that I wanted to go to the East Coast. I thought I would stay in California just because the weather there is so much better. But then I visited it, and it was just a really nice campus, and I liked the people, and the water polo seemed good, and Princeton ... you can’t really go wrong academically.
Q: What has been the highlight of your year here so far?
A: I don’t know. I mean, the whole season’s been fun, just bopping around with the team, hanging out with everyone. It’s been just fun to be a part of it.
Q: Looking ahead to Easterns, what is the team — and what are you — specifically focusing on?
A: We’re hoping to win our first game — knock on wood — so we’re matched up with Hardwick, and they’re super physical, so we just need to be physical and match their brutality, I guess.
Q: How are you feeling about going to Easterns?
A: I’m excited. If we play well, we should be fine.
Q: What’s the best part of being an athlete at Princeton?
A: Best part is probably just getting to know people who are older than you. Having friends that you wouldn’t necessarily be friends with if you weren’t on a team.
Q: What’s the worst?
A: Morning practice. I’m not a huge fan of walking from Forbes to DeNunzio when it’s snowing.
Q: You really seem to hate the snow, huh?
A: Frozen hair is not fun.
Q: Who is the funniest girl on the team?
A: We have a lot of characters. Probably [freshman goalie] Ashleigh Johnson. She’s hilarious.
Q: What’s the most ridiculous thing she does?
A: Just when she makes fun of [freshman utility] Pippa [Temple]. She has a really dry sense of humor, so she’s always just cracking jokes, and it’s funny.
Q: What is your go-to pump up song?
A: Mine, personally, is probably “Party in the U.S.A.” I don’t know why; it just gets me really fired up.
Q: Are there any interesting team rituals?
A: I don’t really have any personally, but I know Pippa Temple sleeps in her suit the night before games and there’s a lot of people on our team who do weird things. A few people just like to dance around. Some people get really serious; some people just mess around and have fun.
Q: Who do you think would win if the guys’ team played the girls?
A: The guys are probably faster and stronger, but we’re sneakier, and we could probably give them a run for their money.
Q: Who would you say your idol is, either in sports or beyond?
A: [Junior utility] Katie Rigler.
Q: Why is that?
A: I mean she’s just ... why not? She’s perfect.
Q: What’s the weirdest thing people don’t know about you?
A: I still sleep with a stuffed animal named Green Bean.
Q: Is he green?
A: No, he’s a dog. I don’t know where the name Green Bean came from.
Q: If you could be on any other team, what would it be?
A: If Princeton had a gymnastics team, I feel like that would be something I would pursue. Not that I’ve ever had any experience with that, but it seems like it would be fun. Just being able to do tricks would be cool.
Read More
No. 7 women’s lacrosse season ends in NCAA quarterfinals against No. 1 UNC
Hayk YengibaryanWith the loss, the career of senior attacker Mackenzie Blake comes to an end. Blake finished her career with a program-best 231 career goals and three first-team All-Ivy selections.
With the loss, the career of senior attacker Mackenzie Blake comes to an end. Blake finished her career with a program-best 231 career goals and three first-team All-Ivy selections.
No. 3 men’s lacrosse season ends in NCAA quarterfinals after 19–18 loss to No. 5 Syracuse
Hayk YengibaryanWith the win, Syracuse advances to the final four for the first time since 2013. For the Tigers, their season ends along with the career of senior standout attacker Coulter Mackesy.
With the win, Syracuse advances to the final four for the first time since 2013. For the Tigers, their season ends along with the career of senior standout attacker Coulter Mackesy.
Preview: No. 3 men’s lacrosse plays No. 5 Syracuse in NCAA quarterfinals
Hayk YengibaryanShould the Tigers beat the Orange, they will advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2022 as they look to win their first national championship since 2001.
Should the Tigers beat the Orange, they will advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2022 as they look to win their first national championship since 2001.