Vixen Spotlight: Ellie Donahue

Sport: lacrosse Position: center Class: senior Hometown: Richmond, Va. Major: Liberal Studies Concentration: Philosophy

What songs get you ready to compete? I always listen to "Eye of the Tiger" before I compete because it gets me pumped up and in the right mind set.

What are your pregame habits? I carb load the night before and eat a healthy breakfast the day of. I go to the locker room early so that I can clear my head and focus. I read a motivational quote and listen to music that gets me pumped up.

What is the most rewarding part about being a student-athlete? I am extremely driven by teamwork and competition so I think it has allowed me to shine in all aspects of my life.

Describe your best athletic moment at Sweet Briar. My freshman year we played against Lynchburg in the quarterfinals of the ODAC Tournament. We lost to them the week before but came back and beat them on their own turf to go to the semifinals. I had seven goals that game and left the field feeling invincible..

Why did you choose Sweet Briar? The student I stayed with, Ginger Tripp '05, was the most influential factor. She was a social and fun student-athlete in which I saw a great deal of myself. The beautiful campus and the coaches also influenced my decision.

What is your favorite place on campus? Although I really enjoy being in the comfort of my dorm room, my favorite place is the lacrosse field. It is the place where I am free of everything. I can put my problems and stresses aside and focus on my true passion.

Most challenging class? I am currently taking Senior Seminar in Liberal Studies. It is a great class but it is difficult because we are analyzing and synthesizing the four content areas taught in public elementary schools.

Best class you have taken at Sweet Briar? Last semester I took an education course in which I learned different teaching models and strategies. I believe it will prove to be the most useful once I enter the teaching world.

How did you decide on your major(s)? I had some great teachers when I was growing up and knew that I wanted to make an impact in the lives of students too.

What campus clubs/organizations are you involved in outside of athletics? I serve on the Teacher Education Advisory Committee and the Senior Campaign Committee. I am the president of Earphones and was an officer for Bum Chums in 2006-07.

When I am not participating in my sport, I enjoy... socializing with friends and family.

Most admired professional athlete? I have a great deal of respect for professional athletes but I really admire Olympic athletes. Bruce Jener and Beverly Buffini are two Olympic athletes that I admire because of their athleticism, but also their motivation and inspiration.

 

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