Sports Editor Matthew Yannie recently sat down with first-year, two-sport phenom Clare Nelson-Johnson ’13. The starting midfielder has led all first-years in goals scored, as well as shots on goal. She is currently fourth on the team in points, and second in shooting percentage of those who have attempted 35 shots. Wooster will look to improve to 6-0 in NCAC play as they travel to Kenyon College tomorrow
MY: Looking back at the nine game winning streak, with the last regular season game tomorrow, what has contributed most to the successful season?
CN-J: Just the fact that we are really close as a team, both on and off the field. In the past, I have been on multiple teams where that hasn’t been the case and we haven’t been successful. Coming to Wooster and being on this team is so different from high school. If you are good, you are going to play.
MY: With a game against Kenyon College being the last game of the season and maybe the toughest NCAC match, what needs to be done to make sure the team finishes the regular season unblemished in the conference?
CN-J: When we come together as a team and everything is going according to plan we are almost unbeatable ó nearly unstoppable. We just need to remain consistent. That has been one of our biggest problems. We have to play together, not focusing on individual efforts, but playing to win.
MY: This team has benefited greatly from the play of 13 underclassmen ó how have you and the others been able to contribute so effectively to the continued success of the Scot lax tradition?
CN-J: I think every single person has found a way to contribute to the team. Having the seniors and other upperclassmen be so welcoming really helped the underclassmen feel comfortable. Coming into the program and seeing how fast paced the game was, they were very ready to help in whatever ways they could. All of the first-years have a great attitude when it comes to supporting the team in every way as well as looking out for one another.
MY: After the graduation of Jamie Dannenburg ’09 the goalie position was a big question mark coming into the season ó how have the two first-years, Shawna Ferris ’13† specifically, stepped up to continue this program’s winning ways?
CN-J: I think they have both done an amazing job in a really tough position. Being a field player is one thing, but having the pressure of goals resting on your shoulders I would imagine would be scary. I know I wouldn’t be able to do it. Shawna has really stepped up. She knows exactly what she has to do in the net. She has done a great job and is a perfect player for the role.
MY: You are currently fourth on the team in goals and points, and boast a robust 54 percent shooting percentage (second highest of players on the team with over 35 shots) ó what has been the key for you in your success as a first-year?
CN-J: Playing on a team where everyone wants to win just as badly as I do makes me want to work harder and play better. I love the fact that there will always be someone trying to beat me in practice, it makes me better. I have never worked this hard in a sport in my whole life and I welcome the challenges. I just hope to continue to meet expectations and get better every day.