Sept. 13, 2007
Washington, D.C. - Georgetown women's soccer senior defender Karen Waskewich (Laytonsville, Md./Academy of the Holy Cross) is currently tied for fifth place all-time at Georgetown with 15 career assists. Despite being a defender and not looked upon by many as an offensive threat, she has scored a goal during all three seasons thus far on the Hilltop, and is possibly the most dangerous Hoya on free-kicks and corners. Waskewich has also helped anchor a defense that last year set a new GU single-season record for fewest goals allowed. This year, she has started every game and once again, the backline for the Hoyas has been tough to score upon. In fact, Georgetown opponents have only scored twice in six games during the 2007 season. The Hoyas are off to one of their best starts ever, winning five of the first six games, and host two more contests this weekend against Saint Joseph's (Pa.) and Delaware. While getting ready for the games on North Kehoe Field, Waskewich answered some questions for the Hoya Headliner...
HH - What did you do this summer?
KW - I worked as a full-time intern at WCSN, a start-up sports networking company where I did a mixture of marketing and IT work. In addition to working, I constantly worked out and played soccer.
HH - How did you work to prepare for preseason camp?
KW - I prepared for pre-season by playing pick-up with my teammates Lindsey [Appezzato], Vanessa [Joyce], Sara Jordan, and Jade [Higgins]. In addition to playing soccer, I ran and did a mixture of workouts. During the last three weeks of summer, I ran constantly and practiced a few of our fitness tests.
HH - How excited are you for your final season on the Hilltop?
KW - It still hasn't really hit me that this is my final season on the Hilltop. Three years has already come and gone way too fast. But, out of all my seasons at Georgetown, this has to be the most exciting season yet. Our team seems to be one of our best squads and I am so excited for everyone to finally see what great talent this team has and how good we really can be.
HH - Being a senior, have you found that you've been able to be a leader for some of the younger kids on the team?
KW - I feel that I have been able to lead this team, especially on the field. Since I've played on the Hilltop for three years, I feel that I have some sense of experience that hopefully puts the younger players at ease. I hope that, since I'm a senior, my play on the field can help inspire the younger players around me.
HH - How have you changed from your freshman year to now, being a senior?
KW - I'd have to say that I've changed a great deal since being a freshman, both on the field and off. Not only am I able to handle a lot more than I ever thought I could, but I am also able to adjust to the majority of struggles or hardships that come my way. My teammates and coaches have challenged me and helped me grow and mature into the person I am today.
HH - So what does your final collegiate year have in store for you?
KW - Hopefully to make it to the game we have engraved on our wristbands everyday, November 11th, 2007, the BIG EAST finals. Also, since it has never been done before, I hope we can finally make it to the NCAA's. At the end of the season I want to be able to look back and know that we did everything we possibly could, without regrets.
HH - Who do you look to for advice when you need it?
KW - When I need advice I normally go to my parents or my brother, they always seem to know what to say. I also turn to my teammate and housemate Lindsey, who has been one of my closest friends at Georgetown.
HH - Do you have any superstitions before games?
KW - Before games, I'm not too superstitious but I do tend to listen to the same play list on my Ipod. In terms of putting on my cleats and socks, I don't really have any rituals.
HH - What song gets you pumped up before games?
KW - I like to listen to Journey and Foreigner before games.
HH - If you could be on any reality show, which one would you choose? Why?
KW - American Idol, if I actually had a good voice and a chance of winning.
HH - Who is your favorite player of all-time in your particular sport?
KW - Lionel Messi from Argentina.
HH - What would you do if you won a million dollars?
KW - I'd use it first for my apartment and bills that I would face right out of college. Then, I would invest and give some to a charity or my church.
HH - What is your favorite quote from Head Coach Dave Nolan?
KW - There are so many, it's hard to choose. If I have to pick, I'd say when he screams out "COMPOSURE"!
HH - What is the best/worst thing about living in D.C.?
KW - Living in D.C. presents you with so many opportunities that you wouldn't get anywhere else. You are able to see and participate in so many different events that are only available here, such as visiting the monuments, the Cherry Blossom Festival, the National Christmas Tree Lighting and many more. Also, I love being in D.C. because it's so close to home. My parents and brother are able to come to all of our home games and visit me anytime. The worst thing about living in D.C. would have to be the traffic.
HH - What is your "breakfast of champions?"
KW - If we have a game in the afternoon, I normally go to the breakfast buffet at the Georgetown Hotel with my teammates Sara Jordan and Vanessa. But if we have an early game, I normally eat a bowl of Special K Red Berries with some type of fruit.
HH - If you could get front row tickets to any concert, now or in the past, which would it be?
KW - I saw Jimmy Buffett perform this summer with my brother and friends. Even though the concert was amazing, it would have been even better if we were in the front row.
HH - What is your favorite holiday?
KW - I love everything about Christmas, especially in D.C. The lights, decorations, and scents all around Georgetown are so beautiful.
HH - When did you first start playing soccer?
KW - When I was about six or seven.
HH - When did you know that you wanted to play soccer competitively in college?
KW - Probably around middle school.
HH - Who is your biggest rival?
KW - Villanova because every time we play them, it is always a battle. Whether we play at home or away, this game always seems to be one of the most important. Especially since both of our BIG EAST rankings are so similar.
HH - What was the best moment in your career so far?
KW - The best moment in my career would have to be beating West Virginia at their home field my freshman year or beating Connecticut at home last year.
HH - What is a typical practice like?
KW - A normal practice consists of a 15-minute warm-up followed by a 20-minute drill that focuses on our foot skills, normally led by coaches Calabretta or Pearman. Then, we normally play possession, followed by my favorite, a full field scrimmage!!
HH - Who on the team do you rely on the most?
KW - I rely heavily on Lindsey, who always supports me both on the field and off. I also turn to my teammates Vanessa and Kirsten [Odermann] who always seem to have the right things to say and give the best advice.
HH - Anything you want to do before you graduate?
KW - I'd like to visit more of D.C. and go canoeing on the Potomac at least once.
HH - Who in your life inspires you the most?
KW - I'd have to say my parents. My parents have been there for my brother and me every minute of every day. Not only have they encouraged me and attended almost every game; they have been my backbone and support my entire life. My parents have both overcome so many different obstacles throughout their lives and achieved so much that I don't think I could have had better role models.
HH - Favorite Georgetown restaurant?
KW - I'd have to say Tombs or Booeys.
HH - What is your favorite TV show?
KW - Either 24 or Grey's Anatomy.
HH - Favorite movie?
KW - Ah, well there are quite a few that I like, but if I have to pick it would be the Italian Job with Mark Wahlberg, or the most recent Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen.
HH - If you could be any where in the world, where would it be and why?
KW - I'd have to say London for the 2012 Olympic Games because I've always wanted to visit England and what better time than during the Olympics.
HH - Any advice for anyone who wants to join soccer?
KW - That you should definitely do it. Being a student-athlete at a school like Georgetown has given me more rewards and opportunities than I could have ever imagined. Through this experience, I have made irreplaceable and long-lasting relationships with my teammates and coaches. These girls have made me into the person I am today and I cannot imagine Georgetown without them.
HH - What are your plans following graduation?
KW - Hopefully to get a job around D.C. because I would like to stay close to home.
