I sat down with Claire Byrne '11 to talk about life after field hockey and her new found affinity for sleeping in.
From your perspective, how did the end of the season go?
CB: I think that we had a really great final couple of games. We lost our final game to Cornell last Saturday. We didn't play as well as we wanted to, but I think our final games demonstrated how strong we were and how well we developed.
I have to ask, how does it feel to be a "nonner"? It's your senior season and this is it. How does that feel?
CB: Ha. Are you going to say that I laughed? I know you write that I guess its only really been a week so it hasn't really settled in. I am really enjoying all of the free time. I guess when you are not playing a sport all the time, you realize how much of a luxury time is. I know that soon I will have like a panic attack or need therapy, but I am enjoying it now.
What kind of things are going to keep Claire Byrne busy during the day?
CB: Probably sleep and rest and trying to take advantage of all the things on campus. I used to play lacrosse in high school, so I might pick up club lacrosse. I really should be focusing on school. After the season, we are all playing catch-up right now, but I will take advantage of my days off, go skiing or something.
I noticed that your brother played lacrosse for Colorado College. Is he a lax bro? What's it like having a lax bro as your bro-ther?
CB: He is definitely the embodiment of a sweet lax bro. He is 26 and still a frat boy. He's a character, but just having an athletic brother to compete against instilled a competitive drive in me. It's fun competing against him, but I think he takes the persona of a lax bro, but isn't actually one.
What are some of your post-Dartmouth plans?
CB: They are all still up in the air. I worked for a company this summer, and I am still talking with them. I would like to explore the U.S. and go to a city I have never been in before. I am just trying to keep an open mind, and not close any doors. I have a little time to dedicate myself to getting my life on track right now.
Do you want to stick with field hockey after Dartmouth, maybe coach, or is this it?
CB: I would definitely be open to playing in a club league. I don't know if I would want to coach. If I were to coach, I feel like I would rather be playing. I do a lot of coaching here, and it is just so tough when you are on the sidelines trying to get people to do things and you just kind of want to get out there and play. I enjoy coaching and being around kids, but I definitely consider myself as more of a competitor.
What do you think your biggest obstacle was this year, for you as a field hockey player and as a person?
CB: Assuming the role of captain and embracing that leadership position. The other co-captain Virginia Peisch ['11] was the captain last year and she is just so poised, confident and self-assured. I think just recognizing that even though we had different leadership styles, both of us brought something to the table. I came to realize that I could be a leader by example, work ethic and attitude. I think I'm just coming to realize that there was a reason I was there as a captain.
What other kinds of things do you like to do around campus?
CB: I really enjoy volunteering, I have been a mentor for the past three years and it has been such a refreshing break from the high octane life at Dartmouth. It's really great to get off campus and spend time with someone who is a quarter of your age and just play with them and not have a care in the world. I also really enjoy spending time with my friends and supporting other Dartmouth athletes.
What is your favorite sport other than field hockey to watch?
CB: I really enjoy watching [ice] hockey, but I have not been on the past two winters. One of my roommates is Kelsey Johnson ['11], who is now a retired volleyball player and those games were just incredibly exciting and fun to watch.
Do you think you are going to bleed green after you graduate? Dartmouth fan for life?
CB: I think that once you are a Dartmouth athlete, you will always bleed green. I know that I am never going to not consider myself an athlete. I am just really happy and fortunate for my time here. Not being an official athlete has not settled in yet.