Catching up with first-year Cece Slaughter
10/8/2019 5:40:00 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 Cece Slaughter.
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What was the most challenging part of preseason and the overall transition to college field hockey?
CS: The speed of the game in college is tremendously different than anything I had experienced prior to Lehigh. Preseason definitely was a huge step from my comfort zone, but you just have to go out and play each day and trust that all the hard and long days will make you a better player.
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What has the transition been like in the classroom?
CS: Luckily, I came from a high school that adequately prepared me for the demanding college courses here at Lehigh. I would say the most challenging part in the classroom is switching your mind from school mode to hockey mode.
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What has surprised you most about your experience thus far?
CS: I was most surprised about how quickly you become close with the team. After spending almost every minute of every day with my teammates in preseason, it took away all of the nervousness I felt with them and helped create chemistry on and off the field.
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Which teammates have had the biggest impact on you and why?Â
CS: Every single person on the team has helped me tremendously throughout my translation. Steph Brabender taught me to laugh at myself and not be too hard on myself when I mess up, which has been crucial. Maddie Monohan helped me get through the initial homesickness that comes with being in a new school. Drew Pecora also has been a really helpful person to push me on the field and hold me accountable, while also really being a positive presence in my experience.
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What program values do you best emulate that you feel have made you a great fit for Lehigh?
CS: Our team motto is "All In" and I constantly think about what I can do better personally to benefit the team. Whether it's on or off the field, I try to always put the team first. Sometimes it means taking a few extra reps after practice if I feel like I'm lacking in a certain skill, or running extra sprints after practice if I feel like my fitness needs work.
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What was the feeling stepping onto the field for your first collegiate game?
CS: I was terrified stepping onto the field for my first game. I had to take a step back and tell myself that I was prepared for this and to just play our team game. As soon as you touch the ball, your nerves settle and your muscle memory takes over!
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What has allowed you to become more comfortable with college field hockey as each practice and game has passed?
CS: I just try my best every practice and hope to improve one small thing each day. Everyone on the team is so supportive and they celebrate the small victories with you. Having this reassurance really helps you build confidence and knowing the team has your back allows your nerves to settle and do your best.
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What do you hope to accomplish during your freshman season at Lehigh?
CS: I hope to become more acclimated to the fast pace game and really develop my skills as a hockey player. I loved becoming a part of the team culture and I strive to continue to add to the team!
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What was the most challenging part of preseason and the overall transition to college field hockey?
CS: The speed of the game in college is tremendously different than anything I had experienced prior to Lehigh. Preseason definitely was a huge step from my comfort zone, but you just have to go out and play each day and trust that all the hard and long days will make you a better player.
Â
What has the transition been like in the classroom?
CS: Luckily, I came from a high school that adequately prepared me for the demanding college courses here at Lehigh. I would say the most challenging part in the classroom is switching your mind from school mode to hockey mode.
Â
What has surprised you most about your experience thus far?
CS: I was most surprised about how quickly you become close with the team. After spending almost every minute of every day with my teammates in preseason, it took away all of the nervousness I felt with them and helped create chemistry on and off the field.
Â
Which teammates have had the biggest impact on you and why?Â
CS: Every single person on the team has helped me tremendously throughout my translation. Steph Brabender taught me to laugh at myself and not be too hard on myself when I mess up, which has been crucial. Maddie Monohan helped me get through the initial homesickness that comes with being in a new school. Drew Pecora also has been a really helpful person to push me on the field and hold me accountable, while also really being a positive presence in my experience.
Â
What program values do you best emulate that you feel have made you a great fit for Lehigh?
CS: Our team motto is "All In" and I constantly think about what I can do better personally to benefit the team. Whether it's on or off the field, I try to always put the team first. Sometimes it means taking a few extra reps after practice if I feel like I'm lacking in a certain skill, or running extra sprints after practice if I feel like my fitness needs work.
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What was the feeling stepping onto the field for your first collegiate game?
CS: I was terrified stepping onto the field for my first game. I had to take a step back and tell myself that I was prepared for this and to just play our team game. As soon as you touch the ball, your nerves settle and your muscle memory takes over!
Â
What has allowed you to become more comfortable with college field hockey as each practice and game has passed?
CS: I just try my best every practice and hope to improve one small thing each day. Everyone on the team is so supportive and they celebrate the small victories with you. Having this reassurance really helps you build confidence and knowing the team has your back allows your nerves to settle and do your best.
Â
What do you hope to accomplish during your freshman season at Lehigh?
CS: I hope to become more acclimated to the fast pace game and really develop my skills as a hockey player. I loved becoming a part of the team culture and I strive to continue to add to the team!
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