To say that Rachel Dawson is great at field hockey is an understatement. Dawson, following her family's athletic tradition, tore up the New Jersey field hockey scene at powerhouse Eastern Regional High School, has helped further establish North Carolina as one of the top collegiate programs in the country, and has taken her game to the international level as a member of the U.S. National Team. On top of that, Dawson has been named to the NFHCA National Academic Squad and the ACC Academic Honor Roll three times for her work off the field.
How did you get started playing field hockey?
I got started playing around 5th grade. My older sisters, Natalie and Sarah, played and it was the only fall sport offered to girls in my elementary school, so I played to keep active.
What was it like growing up in such an athletic family?
It was really fun; athletics were just what we did. It kept us busy. I have a lot of siblings (7), so to get us out of the house we'd just go and play football matches or basketball, or any kind of sport. Competing and playing sports was just a way of life.
Can you talk a little about your experience with the U.S. National Team?
I've been really fortunate to play with the U.S. team over the past two summers and to really get to know the team. We have great team dynamics and I know we have great leadership from our coaches. It's been really exciting to be able to compete at the highest level of our sport. It's challenging, though, because it's really competitive at that level. Some days you're good, some days you just don't make the cut, so you have to bring it every single day. Also, there's a lot of disappointment that you face. Recently, we went to the Pan American Games in Brazil and we wanted to win to qualify for the Olympics and we came up short. So there's a lot of disappointment you have to deal with, but overall it's just a great experience.
What would you say is your greatest accomplishment so far as an athlete?
That's a really hard question to answer. I don't think there's one distinguished accomplishment, but the overall process of getting to where I am right now is what I'm most proud of. There have been a lot of bumps in the road, but I've overcome them.
What do you still hope to accomplish?
Obviously, I want to finish my career here at UNC. We have a strong group of seniors and there are no real limits to our season and what we can do. In the near future, I'm just looking forward to this season. I really want to compete in the Olympics, and then someday be a mom and have a career at some point too.
Who is your most influential role model?
I would definitely say my mom. She's just an amazing person with great character, great patience. She's just a great mother and I think I've learned so much from her. The funny thing is, she's probably not the most athletic person you'll ever meet, but the life lessons I've learned from her are just invaluable.
What was the best advice you have received from a coach?
I get good advice all the time, so that's hard to say! I think just to trust yourself. Sometimes when you get up to higher levels in sports, you start to over-think or try too hard. So, when a coach says, "Rach, just trust yourself," I think "Ok, I can do that!" I'm learning things every day that I play.
What was your most memorable moment in sports, whether from your own playing or as a fan?
Well, I was a huge Philadelphia Phillies fan in 1993. I think I listened to or watched every single game on the radio or TV. It was really disappointing when they lost the World Series.
What is it like playing every day in a conference that is so competitive, where every team started the season in the Top 10?
The competitive nature of the league is what makes us good. All the teams are so good because they have to be to survive, so I think it just makes us better, pushes us to new limits which I think is really exciting. Sure, some days you wish it would be an easy game, but there are no easy games, regardless of who you're playing. You just know you have to bring it every single day.
Why did you choose North Carolina?
Have you ever been here?! Why WOULDN'T you come here? What can I say, you come here and you bleed Carolina blue. I love it.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I think I'm going to try to pursue the field hockey thing with the national team for a little bit. Our program is moving out to San Diego and I'm going to move out there through the build-up to the 2008 Olympics. Hopefully we'll qualify and I'll have a place on the team.
Rachel Dawson and the Tar Heels return to the field tomorrow (9/22) when they host rival Duke at 1 p.m. The game will be streamed live online by ACC Select.
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