Monday, February 15, 2010

Meet the First-Years: Alex Hamill '13

It's finally here - the last week of practice before a game! We are so excited and definitely ready for some outside competition. We leave on Sunday to head up to McDaniel College in Westminster, MD where we will scrimmage Bates College and McDaniel. From there we start our Feb Break trip throughout Maryland, DC and Virginia. Go Generals!

This week we're introducing you to First-Year Goalkeeper Alex Hamill (Darien, CT / Darien HS). Here's a little bit about Alex and how excited she is for our season to get underway:


1. What made you choose W&L?
Alex:
I grew up hearing about W&L because my dad went here and I have met many of his college friends and heard all about the school. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go to the same school as him, but the second that I went on my tour I knew that it was the place for me. Walking around campus I felt that everyone wanted me to be there and I felt so comfortable. On top of that I realized how much this small school had to offer along with all of the tradition that it brings. I personally like smaller classes where I can get more one-on-one attention and help with teachers and that is one of the best things about W&L. The speaking tradition is amazing; walking through the beautiful campus being greeted by everyone you walk by. Also, I really liked the idea that I could focus on my academics and still be able to play lacrosse at a competitive level.

2.How is your second semester going so far?
Alex:
Second semester has been good so far. It is great to be back in Lex with all of my friends; as much as I loved being home with my family and friends I did miss seeing everyone on a daily basis. My classes this semester are a little more challenging than fall term with a lot more reading, but I've learned how best to manage it. These past couple of weeks have been very busy with classes really picking up and lacrosse pre-season starting. Pre-season has been challenging, but every day I am seeing all of the hard work that we have put in with lifting and running pay off and I am so excited to finally put it all together in a week!

3.What is the hardest thing you’ve had to adjust to as a college freshman?
Alex:
The hardest thing for me to adjust to has been time management. I've had to learn how to best handle all of my homework and studying with lacrosse practices and meetings. It has been hard because there are some days when I am so tired and all I want to do is take a nap in between my classes, but I've realized that it is more helpful for me to get work done then and be able to go to sleep earlier that night. Also, I have Diabetes and I've had a hard time adjusting to taking care of myself. I'm used to having my parents checking up on me and kind of regulating my diet, and now I'm on my own and having to do all of that on my own.
4.Whats been the easiest?
Alex:
The easiest thing for me to adjust to has been meeting people. I've always been a very outgoing person and I love to meet new people. During O-week it was hard because I would meet so many people, but forget their faces, but after a week or two I figured it out. Even though the school is small I continue to meet new people everyday.

5.What are your hobbies outside of lacrosse?
Alex:
My hobbies outside of lacrosse at school are somewhat limited as I am still adjusting to the busy schedule I don't have a lot of time to do a lot of other things. With that said I would say homework and napping, and napping doesn't happen much. However, I really enjoy photography. Also, my biggest passion is community service. I did a lot of work with the JDRF back at home for Diabetes and would love to continue with that. I did the Lexington pre-orientation trip which was great because it showed me all of the opportunities that there are for me to help out in the Rockbridge community.


6.Where do you live on campus?
Alex:
I live in the Graham-Lees dorm on the 3rd floor! I have a huge single that looks onto the mountains. I love having a single because I have my own privacy and work space for when I don't want to have to go to the library, but at the same time I can leave my door open and am bound to have people walk in and say hey. There is always someone to talk to if you wander around the GL halls.



7.Where is your favorite place to eat in Lexington?
Alex:
My favorite place to eat in Lexington is probably The Bistro, which has amazing cheeseburgers and really good salads. I also like Blue Sky for a good sandwich and AMAZING chocolate chip cookies. Also, I have to say that the D-hall brunch on Sunday mornings are my favorite thing to look forward to before a Sunday filled with work.

8.Is Lexington a lot different than where you’re from?
Alex:
Lexington is somewhat similar to Darien. It is similar to Lex in the size and the small shops that are in the downtown area. Both are small towns where everyone knows everyone. Lex is different because it has W&L right in the middle of it and then VMI and is filled with tradition and history.



9.What are you most excited for this season?
Alex:I am so excited to play in our first game. Our team has worked and trained so hard for the past five to six months and I can't wait to see it all fall into place. Seeing how hard everyone has worked in the off season, I know that we will go far this season because we will continue with the intensity.