May 8, 2009

- The Georgetown University campus is a flurry of activity leading up to the May 16 graduation ceremonies. However, for members of the women's lacrosse squad, it is business-as-usual as the team prepares for its first round NCAA Tournament game on Sunday against Princeton in between studying for exams and packing up their dorm rooms.

Senior co-captain Megan Bloomer is in the midst of both finals and lacrosse season, but on the horizon is the anticipation of leaving Georgetown and heading out into the real world. While many of the seniors are packing up and filling out applications, Bloomer has already secured a job and is searching for apartments in New York City.

"It's bittersweet, because I've had a great time for four years and it will be sad to part with my classmates," Bloomer said. "I hope I'll be able to come back and catch a game every now and then. Even though it will be sad to leave, I'm excited to move on and start a new stage in my life."

The new stage she references is not just a part-time summer job. Instead, it will be the culmination of four years of hard work paying off. The economics major has accepted a position in the trading division of Barclay's Capital, a great start for any new grad.

Bloomer referenced her teammates and Georgetown staff for helping her land her first job, however, most would argue the credit belongs to her and the countless hours of studying. Last summer, she built a relationship with the firm by interning with Barclay's.

"Last summer was hectic, but it really made me appreciate this year that much more," she laughs.

After starting with a solid foundation, Bloomer looked to her on-field connections and even within the athletic department to get another foot in the door at Barclay's.

"Actually, playing sports helped me through the entire process. One of our alums, Megan Ellis, works there so she helped me get the internship. I'm also one of the veteran leaders (in the Georgetown Leadership Academy) so (Assistant Athletic Director) Augie (Maurelli) really helped me out, he knew one of the people I met with. The actual interview wasn't that bad since they came to campus."

Lacrosse played a role in that interview as athletes are often sought after for jobs on the trading floor.

"They said they like to hire athletes since it can get pretty intense on the trading floor and that is something we are used to. It really is a perfect fit for me."

Finding a balance between school, lacrosse and her social life is something Bloomer has been forced to do over her four-year career on the Hilltop. Like any athlete, keeping up an outstanding GPA (she is a four-time BIG EAST Academic All-Star) while still excelling on the field can be difficult.

"My freshman year it was tough. Luckily I found a major I really like which made it less stressful. Time management is something I have perfected or at least improved upon. (Head Coach) Ricky (Fried) and the rest of the coaching staff are great about school andrealize it is a priority."

With the real world looming, Bloomer can now reflect on how she has grown at Georgetown.

"I've come a long way and I know I've matured on and off the field. Looking at seniors as a freshman, I learned a lot about how to take on leadership role. But I would say the biggest improvement in my time here was learning how to take criticism which is something I'll use the rest of my life."

On May 16, graduates will cross the stage and receive their diplomas marking the end of their Georgetown career. Bloomer is hoping not to be one of them. If the Hoyas win on Sunday the next game would be the following weekend meaning the seniors would miss the graduation ceremony. However, in the past the administration has held a more intimate ceremony the following week when the squad has advanced in the NCAA Tournament.

"It's tough knowing that I might miss graduation but we have to get through Princeton first. Even though it would be sad, I've experienced the separate graduations we've held in the past and it is more meaningful. You're surrounded by your teammates, families and coaches so you're with all of the important people."

Bloomer and the rest of the Hoyas will finish up finals just hours before getting on the bus to head to Princeton, N.J. These true student-athletes are examples of what it means to achieve both on the field and in the classroom. After a sigh of relief with the finals out of the way, the team can concentrate on their next step in the NCAA Tournament.

"Practice during finals, missing graduation, its all tough but I wouldn't trade anything for a national championship."