Wellesley field hockey finished off one of their most successful seasons ever this weekend at the NCAA tournament in Salisbury, MD. The Blue started in the second round of the tournament defeating Juniata College 3-0 on Saturday. On Sunday, they moved on to the third round, narrowly losing to host Salisbury University 0-1. Throughout Blue field hockey’s historic season, they have been able to rely on goalkeeper Lucy Hurlock ’17. Hurlock finished the regular season with the highest save percentage in the NEWMAC at .825 percent. In the NCAA tournament, she recorded eight total saves, seven of which were in the Salisbury game. Hurlock hails from nearby Needham, MA, where she started playing field hockey during her sophomore year of high school. The Wellesley News sat down with Hurlock and discussed how she became a goalie, why she decided to play at Wellesley and her support for the New England Patriots.
Laura Brindley (L.B.): Who or what inspired you to play field hockey?
Lucy Hurlock (L.H.): I ran cross country in middle school, and I did not like running, so I decided to try to play field hockey. The coach saw me do a split once and said, “All right, you’re in goal!” That’s how I ended up playing goalie.
L.B.: What is the hardest part about being a goalkeeper?
L.H.: For me, there are two big ones. First, it is hard not being at the other end of the field with everyone else. I want to be with them! Second, the mental piece is very difficult. Goalkeeper is a very mental position, and you have to keep your mind in the right place at all times.
L.B.: Why did you decide to play field hockey at Wellesley?
L.H.: When I was doing the college application process, I decided that I wanted to continue playing field hockey in college. I looked at a bunch of different colleges, and in terms of academics, Wellesley is obviously really strong. Also, I really liked our coach, Julia King, and the goalkeeper coach, Emily Mercer. They played a huge part in my decision to come to Wellesley.
L.B.: What was the highlight of your season this year?
L.H.: That’s tough. The highlight of our season was probably winning NEWMACs. It’s a great feeling to win a big competition like that.
L.B.: What do you plan to do in the off-season to prepare for next season?
L.H.: I plan on taking some time off. I have a lot of injuries, so I hope to get better before next season. I will also continue to work out with the team.
L.B.: What advice would you give to a novice field hockey player or goalkeeper?
L.H.: Just keep at it!
L.B.: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
L.H.: Yes. I drink two Diet Cokes in the locker room: one while I’m getting dressed and another after I get dressed. Our team does a lot of dancing and singing, so we do a bit of “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift, and we used to do the “Wobble.” When I get on the field, I go through my warm-up and then go aside from the team for a minute and say two prayers. It mostly revolves around Diet Coke, though.
L.B.: Who is your favorite professional athlete?
L.H.: Probably Wes Welker. He is going to be my husband one day, but he doesn’t know it yet. I also really respect Rob Gronkowski. He has been through a lot of injuries, but he just keeps trying and making comebacks. He’s playing very well this season.
Photo courtesy of Alex Berman