INTRODUCTION: If you want to play as a defender in ice hockey and field hockey, you better have skills, you better have a vision of the field, and you better be LOUD. Elisabeth Sidorski '23 explains.
 

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When did you begin playing field hockey?
 I began playing field hockey in 7^th grade.
 
What attracted you to it?
My entire family is big on ice hockey, so I began playing ice hockey when I was four years old. I didn't even know field hockey existed until I was 11. Through ice hockey, my family became friends with the Martin family and their two daughters, Shannon and Mia, who both played field hockey and encouraged me to give it a try. At first, I wasn't the biggest fan of the sport because it was so different from ice hockey. For example, in field hockey you can only use one side of the stick and there are only right-handed sticks. As a "lefty" in ice hockey, this meant that I had to learn how to play an entirely new way. As I eventually got used to the changes and further developed my skills, I realized they weren't that different. Honestly, it took me a long time to fall in love with field hockey, but through the game, I have met some amazing people and it has taught me many life lessons through the years.  
 
You also played lacrosse and ice hockey at Williamsville South HS. Besides the summer, was there any point in the year when you were not playing sports?
 Looking back, I guess I was always busy playing a sport or two. I was playing ice hockey and lacrosse since elementary school and by middle school I was playing three varsity sports. My schedule was always hectic, especially in the spring and summer when I would have practices, games, recruitment tournaments, etc. in all three sports.
 
Were you a defender in those two sports just like you are in field hockey?
Both my brother and my dad are defenders in ice hockey, so it was only natural that I followed in their footsteps and began playing defense in that sport too. In lacrosse, I was a midfielder and took the draws which was a nice change from the constant defense in ice hockey. Before I came to Rochester, I actually played attack/midfield in field hockey, but once I got here, I was placed as a defender. I think Coach Wendy (Andreatta) liked me at defense because of my background playing it in ice hockey and I honestly couldn't imagine myself playing any other position at this point.
 
What appeals to you playing as a defender?
My love of defense comes from playing it in ice hockey for over 14 years. As a defender in ice hockey you must have good vision, so you recognize where everyone is and potential plays you can make. My ice hockey experience has forced me to see the field a lot better and predict the other teams' plays before they happen. Another thing I like about defense is that in order for your team to succeed you need to have good communication. Since defenders are the last line of defense, you're in charge of telling your teammates in front of you where the other team is, where they are cutting, and calling out players that are open for a pass.  
 
Did you have a chance to play with club teams in any of those sports? Who were the teams and where did they play?
I played on several club teams throughout my years in sports. In ice hockey, for 4 seasons I was the only girl on my boys' travel teams with the Amherst Knights and Buffalo Saints. We played games across the Northeast and in Canada. Once checking came into play, my parents made me switch to the Buffalo Bisons girls program where I played in a Canadian league for several years and spent most weekends traveling for games within the province of Ontario. I played lacrosse several years with the Buffalo Stampede. In field hockey, I started when I was 12 with the WNY Whalers based in Buffalo. Eventually, I joined A&C Academy in Toronto, Canada and would practice there and played indoor and outdoor field hockey against other Canadian teams. I traveled with A&C to the USA Field Hockey National Tournament in California. I loved playing with that team, but the two hour drive each way to practices eventually became too difficult to manage with school and my other travel teams. So, then I participated with the Buffalo Hurricanes and Williamsville Stampede field hockey clubs.  My experiences with club field hockey took me to various places in New York, Canada, Florida, Virginia, and California.
 
Your three sports – field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse – have different responsibilities for you, don't they?
I would say that each sport requires some unique skills sets and carries some different responsibilities, but some concepts are the same. For me, field hockey and ice hockey carry similar responsibilities since I am a defender in both. Lacrosse is a bit different since the role of an attacker is opposite of a defender.  
 
What skills do you need to play as a field hockey defender in college?
As a collegiate field hockey defender you must have confidence, good vision of the field, and strong communication. Since you are the last line of defense you need to be confident in every play you make and be quick in decision making and recovering after making any mistakes. It is extremely important for a defender to see the whole field and know all the possible plays that could be made for either team. Having that vision is crucial because everyone relies on the backline to make that first play that sets everything up perfectly. Lastly, being loud and communicating with your teammates is another essential skill. You have to constantly talk with everyone around you, so they know where the other team is without having to turn around every few seconds to check.   
 
Were there any surprises in your first season, making the jump from high school to college?
A big difference between high school and college was the increased level of intensity on the field. High school sports can be competitive, but a lot of people just do it for fun. Once I came to Rochester the commitment and intensity was much different. Every player wants to be here and gives 110% every practice and game. This was a nice change of pace from high school. Another difference is that a high school game consists of two thirty minute halves, while a college game consists of four fifteen minute quarters. I prefer the college game clock because it allows you to go hard for fifteen minutes and then take a break to recuperate with your team and discuss what we can work on to improve or what we are doing well.
 
You have a friend coming in from out of town and they want to see you play. The match has already started when they arrive. Where on the field should they look and expect to find you?
They would find me on the backline with two other defenders. But if they can't see me, I am very sure they would be able to hear my VERY loud voice.  
 
 
When you are home, do you work with any youth programs – coaching, counseling, working behind the scenes, etc.? What do you like about doing that?
I have been a long-time volunteer with Amherst Youth Consortium, a group that engages with children, youth, and adults in activities that promote wellness, asset building and good decision making. Through AYC, I have worked at food pantries, built houses with Habitat for Humanity, and have also worked with children at day camp programs. I have always loved volunteering and doing so has taught me many life lessons, given me new experiences, and really allowed me to open my eyes to something bigger. In the Summer, I work in my town as a sports counselor in a camp for kids aged 5-12. I absolutely love my job because I have gained many new skills working with children and they always keep me on my toes.
 
What led you to the University of Rochester? 
In 8^th grade I did an overnight summer field hockey camp at Rochester and enjoyed every minute of it. However, I was also being recruited for ice hockey and had a lot of other things going on, so I didn't really consider coming until my senior year in high school. After years of the recruiting process for ice hockey and field hockey, I was actually considering not playing a sport in college. However, the assistant coach at the time reached out to me and once I did an official visit I knew right away this was the place for me. The atmosphere of the team and the people made me feel like I was a part of a family. I also used to work on skills with Shelby Hall, a Rochester alum and she loved her time here. Coach Wendy was also a major decision in continuing to play in college because it's hard to find such an amazing coach who really cares about the well-being of their team and feels like a second mom. She also does her best in recruiting girls with incredible talent that fit right in with the entire team. Ultimately, academics was a huge decision in coming here, but Coach Wendy really solidified my decision and I don't regret my decision one bit.
 
Why did you choose Mathematics as your major?
My dad is an electrical engineer and so I considered going into engineering just like him. However, after taking AP Calculus my senior year, I knew I wanted to do something in mathematics in the future. I really love working on problems and solving them. Math is also something that is used in life all the time. As for international relations, I have always wanted to travel internationally and learning about politics and cultures in different countries interests me. I have also considered joining the Peace Corps which led me to this idea of working internationally in a different way. I also took Spanish for four years and a human rights course in high school which drew my interest to this field even more.  
 
Are you involved in any campus groups tied to your studies?
Freshmen year I joined some groups, like Habitat for Humanity, but with my schedule I didn't have as much time as I hoped to involve myself in the Rochester community. I am hoping in the future that I will be able to get more involved with different campus groups.