April 29, 2005
When did you start playing water polo, and how did you get more involved in the sport?
When we moved back to California after living in New Jersey for three years, we missed soccer signups. My brothers and I were always really active and athletic, and without some sport to wear us out, we were bound to drive my mom crazy and terrorize the house ;) Luckily, a lifeguard we knew came to the rescue! He had started a water polo club for kids in the area, and asked us to give it a shot. We were hooked from the start.
What opponent would you like to beat the most?
Whichever opponent we are playing that day! Water polo games are intense and can easily go into overtime, you can never take ranking for granted. Right now, I would like to beat UCLA and USC to qualify for NCAAs.
Who is a current or former Stanford student-athlete that you enjoy watching perform?
I was at a women's lacrosse game last week, and I got a kick watching the lacrosse team's freshman goalie Laura Shane. I don't know her personally, but it's so fun to watch someone play my same position in a different sport! You'd be surprised at the similarities. Plus, we have an automatic goalie-bond.
Beyond that I enjoy cheering for football, basketball, volleyball, and all of our teams! There is a great camaraderie and support we share for each other. I grew up in a family of vocal Stanford supporters. Go Cardinal!
What is your favorite sport (to play or to watch) other than water polo?
I grew up playing anything and everything with my brothers-- flag football, soccer, snowboarding, tennis, running. If its active and outdoors, I love to do it... but I have a special place in my heart for volleyball.
What do you love most about being a goalie?
I love it when we all click together so that the defense moves seamlessly to an offensive score. After starting it off, I get the best view in the pool! Blocking breakaways and penalty shots is also the greatest. The other team thinks it's a guaranteed goal, but not if I have something to say about it!
What is your major, and how did you decide on it?
I am an IR major (international relations). It was hard for me to pick just one thing to study because I absolutely love learning, and am fascinated by a broad range of topics. I have always enjoyed languages and cultures, but coming into Stanford initially I was interested in perhaps an engineering or science major. During the course of my freshman year and over that next summer, my trajectory shifted. I realized my intense desire to learn about the world, and a few classes really sealed this for me, the most memorable of which was Resistance Writings in Nazi Germany
What is your favorite class at Stanford so far?
My favorite class thus far was a Sophomore College class called Resistance Writings in Nazi Germany. It was the most amazing intellectual experience. By the end of three weeks, it had stimulated me in so many ways, and gave me an insatiable desire to learn more. I still look at the books we read in amazement.
Do you have a favorite professor?
There are so many good profs here and they offer different things, but my favorite has been Professor Bernhart who led our Sophomore College class. She is inspiring, stimulating, and passionate about the material she teaches.
What is the best book you've ever read?
I'm a total nerd in the purest form, and I love reading. I couldn't possibly pick a favorite book. Some authors I like are John Donne, CS Lewis, Tolstoy, Thomas Hardy, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and John Irving. I also love Harry Potter!
What is one moment in history that you wish you could have seen?
I'd like to see one of the many miraculous moments of my faith.
Do you have a favorite midnight or pre-game snack?
I love coffee and chocolate, any time of the day!
Who would you like most to switch places with for a day?Eric Clapton. It'd be amazing to have that kind of music come from my own two hands.
Do you have any siblings? What are their names & ages?
4 brothers ... My older brother Will, and younger brothers Andrew and Scott and I are all very close. We were definitely active kids, but we had fun that way! I have another younger brother who passed away, but he remains in our hearts and memory.
If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I'd go to Italy because I'm taking Italian right now. I'd also go anywhere exotic, adventurous, or rich with culture or history. I'd like to live abroad to really immerse myself in different ways of life.My favorite place in the world is Scotland. My family is rich with Scottish tradition, and we are always telling stories and family lore. I went to Scotland last summer, and I'd go back in a heartbeat. It just felt like home.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In 10 years, I'd like to be a professor or diplomat. I do want to balance family and career and I know from my own relatives that this is a challenge, but it can be done.
What is your favorite quote?
"What is essential is invisible to the eye." ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (from The Little Prince)