JASPERS TALK

by Caroline McCarthy & Katie Heneghan, Staff Writer & Asst. Features Editor

Senior Civil Engineering major Camryn Nici has been one of the top performing goalkeepers at the Division 1 level for women’s soccer during her final season as a Jasper athlete. As a leader both on and off the field, Nici works hard to be a role model for her teammates. We spoke with Nici to discuss her experience as a Jasper, her hopes for this season, and her future on and off the field.

The Quadrangle: How long have you been playing soccer for?

Camryn Nicci: Since I was really little, probably since I was 5 years old. I played midfield for a while but as I got older I had to choose, and I picked Goalkeeper.

TQ: How has your experience as a student athlete been?

CN: It’s been really great. I’ve definitely learned a lot on the field and off the field from my coaches and from my teammates, a lot of life lessons, so it’s been really good.

TQ: How do you find a balance between the game and academics?

CN: Honestly, any free time I have I put into my schoolwork and just making time for that is really important. When I’m at practice that’s where my mind is and I try not to worry about anything else.

TQ: Do you have any specific goals for this season?

CN: The goal is to obviously win MAAC championship, but that starts with taking it one game at a time and learning from mistakes and trying to improve.

TQ: Do you have any pre game rituals or superstitions that you follow?

CN: I do wear my Crocs every game so that’s my superstition. They’re blue I’ve had them for a while.

TQ: A few weeks ago you were leading the nation for Div. 1 in saves. Can you describe how you felt that you were leading the country?

CN: That was pretty great to find out, but it’s not an individual sport and getting individuals accolades like that is amazing, but I still want our team to do well. The first goal is always to win MAAC championship.

TQ: What are your post-grad plans?

CN: I want to get a job in construction management so I want to be on a job site.

TQ: What are some of your favorite memories as a Jasper athlete?

CN: I think making it to the conference championship my Sophomore year in Florida was one of the best times and even though we lost it was still a great experience and I’m happy that we had that that year

TQ: How do you feel about the team’s performance to date?

CN: I think we’ve been playing pretty well. We’ve been playing a lot of really great schools and we’ve been holding our own. I think once we get into MAAC’s then we’ll be all set.

TQ: Are there any major lessons you have learned from your time as a D1 athlete? What do you feel like you will take away from your 4 years here?

CN: I think I’ll really take away time management in general and also how to be a good leader and how to communicate effectively with others. There are so many different personalities on the team and learning how to communicate with them and talk with them in a way that is helpful has been one of the most important things I’ve learned.

TQ: How can you describe the team dynamic?

CN: We definitely are all really close. We all kind of have our best friend on the team, but when we all come together it’s a great time.

TQ: What does being a Jasper Athlete mean to you?

CN: I think it means doing our best no matter what. Whatever were given we try and make the best out of. Were a very small school so we try to make a name for ourselves.