by Kaylee Woodward, SDA Media Relations student assistant
TEMPE, Ariz. - In the Arizona State women's lacrosse team's inaugural season, second season volunteer assistant coach Kate Pollock is looking to use her own collegiate experience to lead the team in a competitive season.
A four-year starter at the University of Notre Dame and four-time Big East Academic All-Star, Pollock graduated in 2012 and began volunteering with the Sun Devils last season.
Her lacrosse career began at the age of 11 when she was required to play at the boarding school she attended in England.
"I didn't really know much about the sport, but as soon as I started playing I loved it," said Pollock.
She went on to play on the English National Team at the age of 15 before beginning her collegiate career at Notre Dame. She attributes much of her early success in college to her experience playing on the national team.
"I was always with girls a lot older than me so I always had to bring my best to every practice. That translated over to college. As a freshman I wanted to be able to start for my team in the spring. I was used to having to fight to hold my own against older girls with more experience and not get intimidated by the challenge," Pollock noted. "A couple games into the spring of my freshman year my coach told me I was going to be starting."
Being a part of the lacrosse program at Notre Dame was "a dream come true" for Pollock. The facilities, environment and camaraderie in South Bend pushed her to compete at the highest level every day. The work ethic she was taught during her time in college is something she hopes to instill in the team this year as they begin their inaugural season.
"I feel like I am able to use what I have learned to show the players at ASU the commitment and work ethic it takes to compete with the other Division I schools," said Pollock.
This past season Pollock's knowledge and experience has made her a big asset to the team and its coaching staff.
"Kate has been a wonderful addition to our staff this past year," said head coach Courtney Martinez Connor. "She brings endless energy and intensity to practice. She is incredibly positive but has a toughness about her that carries over to the girls. She helps set a great example for the team. I believe Kate's lacrosse experiences with putting Notre Dame on the map as well as her international play with the English National team are an invaluable asset to our new program"
While a challenge lies ahead for the team establishing a competitive Division I program in years to come, Pollock has no concerns that ASU will be home to the next great lacrosse program. The culture of athletics on campus, the coaching staff and the overall environment in Arizona leave Pollock confident that lacrosse can thrive at ASU.
"They are so lucky to have Coach Connor. She has a ton of experience in what it takes to win, as a player and a coach," said Pollock. "I think I would have to mention this weather too...coming from a school in the midwest where it snows more than the sun shines, I think it makes a big difference to be able to play in the sunshine all year round!"
Looking forward to the upcoming season, Pollock says the team's main goal is to compete in every single game and establish themselves as a competitive lacrosse program. And personally, Pollock said her goal as a coach is to help in any way that she is asked.
"I really hope that by the end of the season I can look at our players and feel like I've helped them make improvements in their game."
TEMPE, Ariz. - In the Arizona State women's lacrosse team's inaugural season, second season volunteer assistant coach Kate Pollock is looking to use her own collegiate experience to lead the team in a competitive season.
A four-year starter at the University of Notre Dame and four-time Big East Academic All-Star, Pollock graduated in 2012 and began volunteering with the Sun Devils last season.
Her lacrosse career began at the age of 11 when she was required to play at the boarding school she attended in England.
"I didn't really know much about the sport, but as soon as I started playing I loved it," said Pollock.
She went on to play on the English National Team at the age of 15 before beginning her collegiate career at Notre Dame. She attributes much of her early success in college to her experience playing on the national team.
"I was always with girls a lot older than me so I always had to bring my best to every practice. That translated over to college. As a freshman I wanted to be able to start for my team in the spring. I was used to having to fight to hold my own against older girls with more experience and not get intimidated by the challenge," Pollock noted. "A couple games into the spring of my freshman year my coach told me I was going to be starting."
Being a part of the lacrosse program at Notre Dame was "a dream come true" for Pollock. The facilities, environment and camaraderie in South Bend pushed her to compete at the highest level every day. The work ethic she was taught during her time in college is something she hopes to instill in the team this year as they begin their inaugural season.
"I feel like I am able to use what I have learned to show the players at ASU the commitment and work ethic it takes to compete with the other Division I schools," said Pollock.
This past season Pollock's knowledge and experience has made her a big asset to the team and its coaching staff.
"Kate has been a wonderful addition to our staff this past year," said head coach Courtney Martinez Connor. "She brings endless energy and intensity to practice. She is incredibly positive but has a toughness about her that carries over to the girls. She helps set a great example for the team. I believe Kate's lacrosse experiences with putting Notre Dame on the map as well as her international play with the English National team are an invaluable asset to our new program"
While a challenge lies ahead for the team establishing a competitive Division I program in years to come, Pollock has no concerns that ASU will be home to the next great lacrosse program. The culture of athletics on campus, the coaching staff and the overall environment in Arizona leave Pollock confident that lacrosse can thrive at ASU.
"They are so lucky to have Coach Connor. She has a ton of experience in what it takes to win, as a player and a coach," said Pollock. "I think I would have to mention this weather too...coming from a school in the midwest where it snows more than the sun shines, I think it makes a big difference to be able to play in the sunshine all year round!"
Looking forward to the upcoming season, Pollock says the team's main goal is to compete in every single game and establish themselves as a competitive lacrosse program. And personally, Pollock said her goal as a coach is to help in any way that she is asked.
"I really hope that by the end of the season I can look at our players and feel like I've helped them make improvements in their game."