Field hockey is coming out of its most successful season in the program’s history, and they have started off the current season as strongly as they did last year. They are two-time New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) champions and made it to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) quarterfinals last year and are hoping to continue the streak this year. Already, Blue field hockey is undefeated, beating both Bridgewater State and Husson 4-0 and Wesleyan 3-1. In the coaches’ preseason poll, Blue field hockey was ranked first in NEWMAC, and their early streak is an indicator that this season will be one for the books. One of Blue field hockey’s most consistent scorers, captain and forward Anissa Sridhar ’16, was one of the prime contributors to the Blue’s strong performances in the first two games of the season. Last week, Sridhar scored three out of the four goals to seal the win against Bridgewater State.
Sridhar, a three-time All-American who hails from Ontario, Canada, met with the Wellesley News and discussed her journey to field hockey stardom and what to expect from Blue field hockey this season.
Laura Brindley (L.B.): Who or what inspired you to play field hockey?
Anissa Sridhar (A.S.): Growing up, I played soccer and ice hockey, and I needed to play a sport in the fall, so field hockey was the natural combination of the two. In Canada, private high schools like mine encourage students to play three sports.
L.B.: Why do you play field hockey at Wellesley?
A.S.: I grew up playing sports and could not imagine not playing sports. In high school, playing sports helped me with time management and prioritizing, and there is something about the camaraderie of being on a team that you cannot find anywhere else. The friendships that you make in sports can only be fostered by being on a team.
L.B.: Do you have any pregame rituals?
A.S.: I have the same breakfast every morning before a game. I have a piece of toast with peanut butter and banana. On game days, I make sure I listen to “The Spiteful Chant,” by Kendrick Lamar, and then I always dance with my teammates in the locker room, which loosens me up.
L.B.: Have you ever played any other positions besides forward?
A.S.: I played midfielder a bit in high school, but during my time in college, I have only ever played forward.
L.B.: What are some of your personal and team goals for this season?
A.S.: Personally, I would like to have better season totals than I did last year. We lost one of our main goal scorers last year, and I would like to contribute more goals this year. For the team, I think that we can go really far, and we have a lot of potential. I would like us to win NEWMACs and go to NCAAs and get as far in the NCAAs as we can. I would also like us to host NEWMACs because it shows consistency during the regular season.
L.B.: What has been your most memorable moment in Wellesley field hockey?
A.S.: My most memorable moment was my sophomore year and winning NEWMACs. Even though we won NEWMACs last year, the first time was such an amazing moment because it was the first time in a long time for Wellesley field hockey. It showed that our hard work had paid off, and what we thought was not possible came true.
L.B.: Do you think you will continue to play field hockey after college?
A.S.: I think so. I will try to find a league. I do not know how many there are compared to more popular sports like soccer, but I would definitely like to continue to play after college.
L.B.: What is one word of advice you would give to someone hoping to play field hockey at the college level?
A.S.: I would tell them to realize that you only have four years. As a senior, I look back at my time and realize how quickly it went by. I would say to put in the extra time and effort and do everything possible to make yourself the best athlete you can be because your time as a college athlete is so short.
L.B.: Who is your favorite professional athlete?
A.S.: Probably Pavel Datsyuk, an ice hockey player who plays for the Detroit Red Wings. He is my favorite player because he is so humble, and he is one of the best players in the world, but he does not show it, and he is very true to himself. It is really nice to see that in terms of professional athletes.
Sridhar and the rest of Blue field hockey will face Trinity at home on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 4:30 p.m.
Courtesy of Alex Berman ’16