Catching up with first-year Sophie Leighton
10/3/2019 3:41:00 PM | Field Hockey
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Throughout the 2019 season, Lehighsports.com will catch up with the Mountain Hawks' first-years to get to know the newest Mountain Hawks. We continue today with Sophie Leighton.
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What was the most challenging part of preseason and the overall transition to college field hockey?
SL: The most challenging part of transitioning to college field hockey was getting used to the changes in the game. The speed of the game, as well as the surface are very different than in high school. It has and will continue to take time and repetitions to adapt to the playing style.Â
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What has the transition been like in the classroom?
SL: In the classroom, the transition has gone fairly well. Although I am faced with significantly more work than in high school, I am interested in the classes I am taking and am able to stay on top of my assignments.
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What has surprised you most about your experience thus far?
SL: Although I was aware of this coming in, I was surprised by how the team culture lacks division based on grade level. As a first year, from the moment I arrived, I felt like I was just as much a member of the team as everyone else.Â
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Which teammates have had the biggest impact on you and why?Â
SL: All of my teammates have impacted me in some way, however both Sam Nason and Maddie Monahan have had big impacts on me. Sam was my big sister, and was extremely helpful to me coming into preseason. She has become a role model to me on the field, in addition to someone who I can go to with any questions. Maddie Monahan has also had a big impact on me. She has made me feel comfortable from day one, and has become someone I feel comfortable going to with anything, on and off the field.
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What program values do you best emulate that you feel have made you a great fit for Lehigh?
SL: I think I best emulate our program's value of team0first mentality. Each time I step on the field, I try to focus on doing what's best for the team, whether it's helping prepare for a game, developing a skill or holding others accountable.
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What was the feeling stepping onto the field for your first collegiate game?
SL: I was excited to apply everything we'd been working on during preseason to game play. As a team, we knew what we had to do to be successful, and it was exciting to be given the opportunity to show what we're capable. It was definitely a little nerve racking, but I trusted that preseason had prepared me well.
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What has allowed you to become more comfortable with college field hockey as each practice and game has passed?
SL: As each practice and game has passed, I have become more aware of my strengths and weaknesses. This has helped me hold myself accountable, and understand what I need to do to grow as a player. This awareness has made me more comfortable playing at this level.
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What do you hope to accomplish during your freshman season at Lehigh?
SL: During my freshman season at Lehigh, I am hoping to contribute to the team in the most effective way I can. I am also hoping to develop a lot as a player and person, by building mental toughness, in addition to both leadership and hockey skills.
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What was the most challenging part of preseason and the overall transition to college field hockey?
SL: The most challenging part of transitioning to college field hockey was getting used to the changes in the game. The speed of the game, as well as the surface are very different than in high school. It has and will continue to take time and repetitions to adapt to the playing style.Â
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What has the transition been like in the classroom?
SL: In the classroom, the transition has gone fairly well. Although I am faced with significantly more work than in high school, I am interested in the classes I am taking and am able to stay on top of my assignments.
Â
What has surprised you most about your experience thus far?
SL: Although I was aware of this coming in, I was surprised by how the team culture lacks division based on grade level. As a first year, from the moment I arrived, I felt like I was just as much a member of the team as everyone else.Â
Â
Which teammates have had the biggest impact on you and why?Â
SL: All of my teammates have impacted me in some way, however both Sam Nason and Maddie Monahan have had big impacts on me. Sam was my big sister, and was extremely helpful to me coming into preseason. She has become a role model to me on the field, in addition to someone who I can go to with any questions. Maddie Monahan has also had a big impact on me. She has made me feel comfortable from day one, and has become someone I feel comfortable going to with anything, on and off the field.
Â
What program values do you best emulate that you feel have made you a great fit for Lehigh?
SL: I think I best emulate our program's value of team0first mentality. Each time I step on the field, I try to focus on doing what's best for the team, whether it's helping prepare for a game, developing a skill or holding others accountable.
Â
What was the feeling stepping onto the field for your first collegiate game?
SL: I was excited to apply everything we'd been working on during preseason to game play. As a team, we knew what we had to do to be successful, and it was exciting to be given the opportunity to show what we're capable. It was definitely a little nerve racking, but I trusted that preseason had prepared me well.
Â
What has allowed you to become more comfortable with college field hockey as each practice and game has passed?
SL: As each practice and game has passed, I have become more aware of my strengths and weaknesses. This has helped me hold myself accountable, and understand what I need to do to grow as a player. This awareness has made me more comfortable playing at this level.
Â
What do you hope to accomplish during your freshman season at Lehigh?
SL: During my freshman season at Lehigh, I am hoping to contribute to the team in the most effective way I can. I am also hoping to develop a lot as a player and person, by building mental toughness, in addition to both leadership and hockey skills.
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Players Mentioned
Lehigh 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
