Mountain Hawk seniors reflect on careers
10/14/2015 2:07:00 PM | Field Hockey
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Lehigh field hockey senior class features seven individuals who have certainly made their mark in the Brown and White. As a group, they played early and often, getting into games as freshmen and making an immediate impact. These Mountain Hawks have made their mark beyond on-field statistics. They have helped their squad compete with, and beat, some of the best. They have excelled on the field, in the classroom, in the community and have made a lasting impact on the Mountain Hawks' program.
Â
With Senior Day on Sunday, Lehighsports.com caught up with the seven seniors to reflect on their careers.
Â
#3 Erin Ricker - Midfielder - Lewes, Del. - Industrial and Systems Engineering
Ricker made an immediate impact for the Mountain Hawks and has been extremely consistent, playing in every game of her collegiate career since stepping on campus. As a freshman, Ricker played in all 17 games with 12 starts, finishing third on the team with eight points (three goals, two assists). She scored her first-career goal in her first collegiate game vs. Ball State while adding goals against Towson and American during her rookie campaign. Ricker went on to play all 18 games as a sophomore (15 starts) and all 18 games as a junior (13 starts). She entered her senior season with 18 career points behind six goals and six assists. A mainstay in the midfield, Ricker is a senior captain who has played in every game once again this year, tallying a defensive save. Strong in the classroom, she owns a 3.51 cumulative GPA as an Industrial and Systems Engineering major.
Â
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
ER: Beating Lock Haven sophomore year.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
ER: Our class has become really close over the past few years. We've been through a lot and that's helped us develop the bond we have.Â
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
ER: It's crazy to think that the end of my athletic career is approaching. I've been playing field hockey since first grade, so it's been a huge part of my life.Â
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
ER: Being able to compete every day with my best friends.
What are your postgraduate plans?
ER: Working as Manufacturing Operations Support for W.L. Gore & Associates in Elkton, Maryland.
Â
#4 Alex Beatson - Defender - Wilmington, Del. - Earth and Environmental Science
Beatson played in 16 games as a freshman, starting twice - in the season opener and finale. She scored goals in back-to-back games, vs. Saint Francis (Pa.) and at Fairfield. Beatson moved into a more defensive role as a junior, playing in 16 games with 10 starts as a member of the back line. This season, she has stepped up as a center back and anchor to a Lehigh defense which has enjoyed many highlight moments. The Mountain Hawks shut-out Siena while not allowing a shot on goal for the game's final 60:13. Lehigh also held high-powered American scoreless through regulation, allowing just seven shots and four shots on goal through regulation. Beatson has been active off the field, serving as a leader of Student-Athlete Council's Adopt-A-Family community event.
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
AB: My favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory would be a tie between when we swept a weekend last year (Holy Cross and Sacred Heart) and when the Gauntlet got canceled because of the Wedding Expo.Â
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AB: Our senior class is remarkably close. We started out with 12 girls in our grade, so at first it was hard to get to know everyone, but we definitely overcame that barrier and became a really close knit group.Â
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
AB: It definitely hasn't hit me yet that that our Senior Day is already upon us. This season has really flown by. I don't think it will really hit me that my collegiate career is over until the senior class does not have to do postseason testing.Â
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
AB: What I will miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey will definitely be the team. Our team is so close and I will miss seeing and playing with them every day.Â
What are your postgraduate plans?
AB: My postgraduate plans are to get a job working at an Environmental Geotechnical company.Â
#8 Caitlin Bryan - Forward - Emmaus, Pa.. - Bioengineering
Bryan has been a steady member of the Mountain Hawks since day one, getting into double-figure games each of her first three seasons. The local product played in 16 games as a freshman, making one start, before tallying her first-career point (an assist) in 12 games as a sophomore. Bryan went on to play 13 games as a junior and seven games so far this season. She has impressed in the classroom with a cumulative GPA over 3.0 in Bioengineering, which includes several past academic honors. Bryan has been named a Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and earned a spot on the NFHCA National Academic Squad.
Â
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
CB: My favorite memories are our Halloween practices when everyone dresses in funny costumes.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
CB: We are all independent, but very close and some of these girls I know will be friends for the rest of my life.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
CB: These past four years have gone by so fast.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
CB: I will miss being with my teammates every day because we have so much fun together.
What are your postgraduate plans?
CB: Dental school.
#9 Zoey Pacheco - Midfielder - Macungie, Pa. - Political Science and English
Pacheco has been a workhorse for the Mountain Hawks, starting all but nine games over the last three seasons. As a freshman, Pacheco saw key minutes, playing in 15 games with 10 starts. She followed by playing in 18 games with 15 starts, tallying four points as a sophomore. Her first-career goal was the game-winner in Lehigh's big win over Lock Haven while she dished two assists in 2013 as well. Pacheco went on to start all 18 games as a junior and has played in all 11 games so far this year. A key member of Lehigh's defense and midfield in her tenure, Pacheco is a two-year team captain.
Â
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
ZP: It's a tie between when we beat Towson in overtime our junior year and when the Gauntlet was cancelled before spring break thanks to the Wedding Expo.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
ZP: We have a variety of personalities that all manage to mesh extremely well together. They're some of my closest friends and I could not have asked for a better group of girls to play with the last few years.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going
through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
ZP: I can't believe how fast the past four years have gone. It really feels like only yesterday we were all arriving at Lehigh for our first preseason and getting to know each other. It hasn't really hit me yet that this is my last season playing, so I am just trying to enjoy every second of the last few weeks.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
ZP: Getting to play and hang out with my best friends every day.
What are your postgraduate plans?
ZP: Get a job and move away from Pennsylvania.
#11 Lindsey Schott - Forward - Washington, N.J. - Industrial and Systems Engineering
Schott has been a steady goal-scorer during her collegiate career, beginning as a freshman when she scored a second-half goal against Patriot League foe Holy Cross. She went on to post three goals and one assist as a sophomore then four goals and three assists as a junior. The four goals and 11 points in 2014 were good for second on the team. Schott enters the weekend with 29 career points, which includes nine points so far this year (three goals, three assists). She has goals against Davidson, Monmouth and Lafayette while dishing a pair of assists against Siena.
Â
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
LS: Before leaving for Spring Break, we had a 6 a.m. practice where we were going to run the Gauntlet. When we arrived to Rauch, there was carpet taped to the floors, so the Gauntlet was cancelled! After this, I left for Cancun, so I was really excited and happy.Â
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
LS: Our senior class has a lot of very different personalities, which makes us have a stronger bond together. We love hanging out, on and off the field. I wouldn't have wanted to spend the last four years with any other group of girls.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
LS: The fact that this is our Senior Day is hard to believe. Four years flies so much quicker than I would have ever thought. All I can think about now is trying my hardest at every practice and game as I come to the end of my collegiate career.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
LS: I'll miss spending almost every day with this group of girls. We've had made so many unforgettable memories together and have a special bond that will continue even after graduation.
Â
What are your postgraduate plans?
LS: After graduation, I hope to have a job in the industrial and systems engineering field. Following this I would also love to save all of the homeless animals in the world. I will be starting my foundation, "Lindsey with Love", which will provide shelter to all homeless animals from the secure location of my apartment. :)
Â
#14 Taylor Mygatt - Midfielder - Bridgewater, N.J. - Bioengineering
Mygatt saw immediate action as a freshman, playing in 15 games with three starts. She started all 18 games as a sophomore, scoring her first-career goal at Patriot League foe Colgate. Mygatt went on to dish an assist against Holy Cross as a junior. Now as a senior, she has come back to be a mainstay in the midfield, starting all 11 games and dishing an assist in Lehigh's opening-weekend win over Davidson. Strong in the classroom, Mygatt owns a strong 3.35 GPA in Bioengineering. She has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll on multiple occasions.
Â
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
TM: My favorite memory was when we all decided to shovel the snow off the turf because we really wanted to play. It was a lot harder than we had anticipated. It took us like an hour just to get to the twenty five, but it was hilarious and spontaneous and definitely a memory I will never forget. My second favorite memory was when the Gauntlet was cancelled because of the Wedding Expo.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.Â
TM: We all have very different personalities, which brings a lot of depth to the team dynamic. I love them all and could not imagine going through the past four years without them.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
TM: My collegiate career is ending? (I am in denial)
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?Â
TM: First and foremost, my team. I will also miss the long bus rides watching the OC.
What are your postgraduate plans?Â
TM: I hope to find a job within consulting, manufacturing, or IT. I am not exactly sure which direction I would like to go, but I'll see where life leads me.
#30 Kat Kneizys - Defender - Newtown Square, Pa. - Supply Chain Management, Business Information Systems and Marketing
Over her career, Kneizys emerged as a key member of the Lehigh defense. After 10 games (two starts) as a freshman, she went on to play all 36 games (35 starts) over her sophomore and junior seasons. Last year, Kneizys led the Mountain Hawks and was among the Patriot League leaders with four defensive saves. She has continued her success this season, recording a team-leading two defensive saves. Kneizys owns a strong GPA of 3.3 as a Supply Chain Management major and has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll as well.
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
KK: I have two. Every Halloween, we get to dress up in silly costumes and practice on the field. Each year, someone has an absurd costume that looks hilarious while we play. My freshmen year, Lindsey was a telly tubby and looked absolutely hysterical. Caitlyn dressed up as Ron Weasley (from Harry Potter) one year and when she ran, she would hold her stick out so it looked like she was flying on a broom. And last year, we dressed as Fruit of the Loom, and Alex was a grape with balloons all over her body, and would have to move the balloons while she ran and played in order to see. When I am at these practices, I am only laughing and having the best time. My other favorite memory is last year, when we had to run the Gauntlet before spring break. We went over the mountain bright and early at 6 a.m., and Taylor and I were the first ones to the track. We discovered that the track had been completely tarped and we wouldn't be able to run that morning. I have never been happier.Â
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
KK: My class came into our freshmen year with 12 girls, and now we are down to seven. I am so happy that these are the girls that stuck through it all, and we have become best friends.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
KK: It is a bittersweet feeling. I am sad because my life has revolved around field hockey for almost the past decade and I don't know what it will be like without it. But I am happy because I can say I ended my career after playing Division I field hockey, which most people can't say.Â
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
KK: The girls! Each class has a different personality, so there is never a dull moment when I am with them, and I will truly miss spending time with them.Â
What are your postgraduate plans?
KK: I am currently looking for jobs in Supply Chain Management, but I hope to gain experience to have my own business one day. Â
Â
Â
With Senior Day on Sunday, Lehighsports.com caught up with the seven seniors to reflect on their careers.
Â
#3 Erin Ricker - Midfielder - Lewes, Del. - Industrial and Systems Engineering
Ricker made an immediate impact for the Mountain Hawks and has been extremely consistent, playing in every game of her collegiate career since stepping on campus. As a freshman, Ricker played in all 17 games with 12 starts, finishing third on the team with eight points (three goals, two assists). She scored her first-career goal in her first collegiate game vs. Ball State while adding goals against Towson and American during her rookie campaign. Ricker went on to play all 18 games as a sophomore (15 starts) and all 18 games as a junior (13 starts). She entered her senior season with 18 career points behind six goals and six assists. A mainstay in the midfield, Ricker is a senior captain who has played in every game once again this year, tallying a defensive save. Strong in the classroom, she owns a 3.51 cumulative GPA as an Industrial and Systems Engineering major.Â
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
ER: Beating Lock Haven sophomore year.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
ER: Our class has become really close over the past few years. We've been through a lot and that's helped us develop the bond we have.Â
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
ER: It's crazy to think that the end of my athletic career is approaching. I've been playing field hockey since first grade, so it's been a huge part of my life.Â
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
ER: Being able to compete every day with my best friends.
What are your postgraduate plans?
ER: Working as Manufacturing Operations Support for W.L. Gore & Associates in Elkton, Maryland.
Â
#4 Alex Beatson - Defender - Wilmington, Del. - Earth and Environmental Science
Beatson played in 16 games as a freshman, starting twice - in the season opener and finale. She scored goals in back-to-back games, vs. Saint Francis (Pa.) and at Fairfield. Beatson moved into a more defensive role as a junior, playing in 16 games with 10 starts as a member of the back line. This season, she has stepped up as a center back and anchor to a Lehigh defense which has enjoyed many highlight moments. The Mountain Hawks shut-out Siena while not allowing a shot on goal for the game's final 60:13. Lehigh also held high-powered American scoreless through regulation, allowing just seven shots and four shots on goal through regulation. Beatson has been active off the field, serving as a leader of Student-Athlete Council's Adopt-A-Family community event.What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
AB: My favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory would be a tie between when we swept a weekend last year (Holy Cross and Sacred Heart) and when the Gauntlet got canceled because of the Wedding Expo.Â
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AB: Our senior class is remarkably close. We started out with 12 girls in our grade, so at first it was hard to get to know everyone, but we definitely overcame that barrier and became a really close knit group.Â
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
AB: It definitely hasn't hit me yet that that our Senior Day is already upon us. This season has really flown by. I don't think it will really hit me that my collegiate career is over until the senior class does not have to do postseason testing.Â
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
AB: What I will miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey will definitely be the team. Our team is so close and I will miss seeing and playing with them every day.Â
What are your postgraduate plans?
AB: My postgraduate plans are to get a job working at an Environmental Geotechnical company.Â
#8 Caitlin Bryan - Forward - Emmaus, Pa.. - Bioengineering
Bryan has been a steady member of the Mountain Hawks since day one, getting into double-figure games each of her first three seasons. The local product played in 16 games as a freshman, making one start, before tallying her first-career point (an assist) in 12 games as a sophomore. Bryan went on to play 13 games as a junior and seven games so far this season. She has impressed in the classroom with a cumulative GPA over 3.0 in Bioengineering, which includes several past academic honors. Bryan has been named a Patriot League Academic Honor Roll and earned a spot on the NFHCA National Academic Squad.Â
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
CB: My favorite memories are our Halloween practices when everyone dresses in funny costumes.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
CB: We are all independent, but very close and some of these girls I know will be friends for the rest of my life.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
CB: These past four years have gone by so fast.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
CB: I will miss being with my teammates every day because we have so much fun together.
What are your postgraduate plans?
CB: Dental school.
#9 Zoey Pacheco - Midfielder - Macungie, Pa. - Political Science and English
Pacheco has been a workhorse for the Mountain Hawks, starting all but nine games over the last three seasons. As a freshman, Pacheco saw key minutes, playing in 15 games with 10 starts. She followed by playing in 18 games with 15 starts, tallying four points as a sophomore. Her first-career goal was the game-winner in Lehigh's big win over Lock Haven while she dished two assists in 2013 as well. Pacheco went on to start all 18 games as a junior and has played in all 11 games so far this year. A key member of Lehigh's defense and midfield in her tenure, Pacheco is a two-year team captain.Â
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
ZP: It's a tie between when we beat Towson in overtime our junior year and when the Gauntlet was cancelled before spring break thanks to the Wedding Expo.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
ZP: We have a variety of personalities that all manage to mesh extremely well together. They're some of my closest friends and I could not have asked for a better group of girls to play with the last few years.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going
through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
ZP: I can't believe how fast the past four years have gone. It really feels like only yesterday we were all arriving at Lehigh for our first preseason and getting to know each other. It hasn't really hit me yet that this is my last season playing, so I am just trying to enjoy every second of the last few weeks.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
ZP: Getting to play and hang out with my best friends every day.
What are your postgraduate plans?
ZP: Get a job and move away from Pennsylvania.
#11 Lindsey Schott - Forward - Washington, N.J. - Industrial and Systems Engineering
Schott has been a steady goal-scorer during her collegiate career, beginning as a freshman when she scored a second-half goal against Patriot League foe Holy Cross. She went on to post three goals and one assist as a sophomore then four goals and three assists as a junior. The four goals and 11 points in 2014 were good for second on the team. Schott enters the weekend with 29 career points, which includes nine points so far this year (three goals, three assists). She has goals against Davidson, Monmouth and Lafayette while dishing a pair of assists against Siena.Â
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
LS: Before leaving for Spring Break, we had a 6 a.m. practice where we were going to run the Gauntlet. When we arrived to Rauch, there was carpet taped to the floors, so the Gauntlet was cancelled! After this, I left for Cancun, so I was really excited and happy.Â
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
LS: Our senior class has a lot of very different personalities, which makes us have a stronger bond together. We love hanging out, on and off the field. I wouldn't have wanted to spend the last four years with any other group of girls.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
LS: The fact that this is our Senior Day is hard to believe. Four years flies so much quicker than I would have ever thought. All I can think about now is trying my hardest at every practice and game as I come to the end of my collegiate career.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
LS: I'll miss spending almost every day with this group of girls. We've had made so many unforgettable memories together and have a special bond that will continue even after graduation.
Â
What are your postgraduate plans?
LS: After graduation, I hope to have a job in the industrial and systems engineering field. Following this I would also love to save all of the homeless animals in the world. I will be starting my foundation, "Lindsey with Love", which will provide shelter to all homeless animals from the secure location of my apartment. :)
Â
#14 Taylor Mygatt - Midfielder - Bridgewater, N.J. - Bioengineering
Mygatt saw immediate action as a freshman, playing in 15 games with three starts. She started all 18 games as a sophomore, scoring her first-career goal at Patriot League foe Colgate. Mygatt went on to dish an assist against Holy Cross as a junior. Now as a senior, she has come back to be a mainstay in the midfield, starting all 11 games and dishing an assist in Lehigh's opening-weekend win over Davidson. Strong in the classroom, Mygatt owns a strong 3.35 GPA in Bioengineering. She has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll on multiple occasions.Â
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
TM: My favorite memory was when we all decided to shovel the snow off the turf because we really wanted to play. It was a lot harder than we had anticipated. It took us like an hour just to get to the twenty five, but it was hilarious and spontaneous and definitely a memory I will never forget. My second favorite memory was when the Gauntlet was cancelled because of the Wedding Expo.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.Â
TM: We all have very different personalities, which brings a lot of depth to the team dynamic. I love them all and could not imagine going through the past four years without them.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
TM: My collegiate career is ending? (I am in denial)
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?Â
TM: First and foremost, my team. I will also miss the long bus rides watching the OC.
What are your postgraduate plans?Â
TM: I hope to find a job within consulting, manufacturing, or IT. I am not exactly sure which direction I would like to go, but I'll see where life leads me.
#30 Kat Kneizys - Defender - Newtown Square, Pa. - Supply Chain Management, Business Information Systems and Marketing
Over her career, Kneizys emerged as a key member of the Lehigh defense. After 10 games (two starts) as a freshman, she went on to play all 36 games (35 starts) over her sophomore and junior seasons. Last year, Kneizys led the Mountain Hawks and was among the Patriot League leaders with four defensive saves. She has continued her success this season, recording a team-leading two defensive saves. Kneizys owns a strong GPA of 3.3 as a Supply Chain Management major and has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll as well.What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
KK: I have two. Every Halloween, we get to dress up in silly costumes and practice on the field. Each year, someone has an absurd costume that looks hilarious while we play. My freshmen year, Lindsey was a telly tubby and looked absolutely hysterical. Caitlyn dressed up as Ron Weasley (from Harry Potter) one year and when she ran, she would hold her stick out so it looked like she was flying on a broom. And last year, we dressed as Fruit of the Loom, and Alex was a grape with balloons all over her body, and would have to move the balloons while she ran and played in order to see. When I am at these practices, I am only laughing and having the best time. My other favorite memory is last year, when we had to run the Gauntlet before spring break. We went over the mountain bright and early at 6 a.m., and Taylor and I were the first ones to the track. We discovered that the track had been completely tarped and we wouldn't be able to run that morning. I have never been happier.Â
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
KK: My class came into our freshmen year with 12 girls, and now we are down to seven. I am so happy that these are the girls that stuck through it all, and we have become best friends.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
KK: It is a bittersweet feeling. I am sad because my life has revolved around field hockey for almost the past decade and I don't know what it will be like without it. But I am happy because I can say I ended my career after playing Division I field hockey, which most people can't say.Â
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
KK: The girls! Each class has a different personality, so there is never a dull moment when I am with them, and I will truly miss spending time with them.Â
What are your postgraduate plans?
KK: I am currently looking for jobs in Supply Chain Management, but I hope to gain experience to have my own business one day. Â
Â
Players Mentioned
M
/ Field Hockey
F
/ Field Hockey
D
/ Field Hockey
M
/ Field Hockey
M
/ Field Hockey
M
/ Field Hockey
F
/ Field HockeyLehigh Sports Central: Field Hockey
Wednesday, September 24
Field Hockey vs. Temple
Sunday, September 14
2025 Lehigh Field Hockey Season Preview
Wednesday, August 27
Field Hockey vs. UAlbany
Sunday, October 13
