“I don’t want to have any regrets”

“You can’t make a great play unless you do it first in practice.” Chuck Noll I am back in Richmond after an extended break back home, with some new classes to take this semester – introduction to expository writing, alternative photographic processes and fundamentals of music. The pressure is off for us hockey-wise somewhat, so I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the academia this term.

Our off-season training has nonetheless begun. For these few weeks, it consists of 7.15am weight sessions three times a week, and running sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There is a huge emphasis put on technique; we are learning the correct way to run, lift weights and do drills to make us stronger and more agile. This isn’t overly strenuous, but I find it hugely beneficial. Weight-lifting and running techniques aren’t exactly the most exciting aspects in the sport of hockey, but they are essential in succeeding at it. I enjoyed my time back home. While it was not without its ups and downs, I wouldn’t have been anywhere else for the Christmas period! I was very fortunate because my club, Catholic Institute, allowed me to train and play two matches with them. I always enjoy club hockey, it’s very important to me and it meant a lot to be given the opportunity to train with and play for the club again. They are a great bunch of hard-working and fun girls and I consider myself very lucky to have been allowed to line out in the wine and white while I was home! The coaches, Ger O’Carroll and Dave Passmore, make a great duo; it isn’t easy to come by people as passionate, committed and understanding as Ger is. Going back to America was tough. Even though Ryan (Elliott, Richmond Spiders assistant coach) had warned me that it would be hard, I never realised just how difficult it was going to be. I suppose having come home, been around my family and friends again and got back into a routine here made me feel like I had almost never left.

It was easier to leave the first time I left, because it was all so exciting and such an adventure; it still is now, just not to the same extent. I wouldn’t describe myself as a home bird as such, but I certainly enjoy being at home and around my family and friends. When I booked my tickets to fly back in January, I booked it one-way because I’m not too sure when I’m going to come home, and I didn’t want to be tied down to coming home on a particular date. However, the idea of getting on the plane with a one-way ticket to America was a bit daunting at the time. I did have to keep reminding myself that I wasn’t emigrating, and I was only going across the pond for a few months! I get asked a lot about homesickness. I would be lying if I said I haven’t suffered from it at one stage or another. From what I can see, the transition between second and third level education is challenging for everyone, but I guess the fact that I decided to change continents while doing so made it that little bit trickier. One of the more testing aspects of the American experience has been missing home and all it entails, but things like Facebook and Skype have made it so much easier. I can’t imagine moving to America without social networking. When I feel like I just want to be back home, I always try to remind myself of just how lucky I am to be in the University of Richmond. I firmly believe that I landed on my feet in being scouted and attending this college. It’s hard to look at the positives in times where I just want a bit of a whinge and a moan, but this could be all over in the blink of an eye. I do not want to look back on my time in America thinking that I could have enjoyed it more. I want to grasp hold of every opportunity and gain as much life experience as possible.