Q & A With Field Hockey Junior Becky Manning
9/11/2006 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Sept. 11, 2006
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Becky Manning returned to the field this season following a successful sophomore campaign in which she scored three goals, good for six points. Manning has started four of the Spartans first six games, and although she has yet to score a goal this season has fired off five shots on goal showing her ability to be in scoring position. Nicknamed "BAM" by her teammates, the junior forward took time to explain why the team has so many nicknames, and how the close group is working to get back to the NCAA tournament.
Q: How have you felt about the coaching changes and additions?
A: "They went really smooth. We were able to keep a lot of our traditions. By bringing in Helen and Ashley they brought a lot of new things to the team, so it's a really good blend of old and new."
Q: What do you think the new coaches have done to improve the team?
A: "I think the new coaching staff is doing a really good job. They brought in a new attitude, so we're a lot more positive this year and more upfront with each other. That's really helping out because I don't think we have anything to hide."
Q: What are your team and personal goals for the season?
A: "My personal goal is to try to contribute as best as I can to the team both defensively and offensively, whether I am in the game or not. Our team goals are to finish top three in the Big Ten and to make it back into the NCAA tournament at the end of the season."
Q: How do you see the seniors helping the younger players?
A: "We have a really good group with a lot of experience who are good leaders on and off the field. We have two-fifth year seniors who have been through everything, and everyone is positive."
Q: Where do you see the team at the end of the year?
A: "I see us going back to the NCAA tournament and having a strong run."
Q: How have you been able to balance school work, playing and your social life?
A: Actually, it is easier to balance my school work during the season because we are on such a tight schedule. Everybody has to do the same thing at the same time, so we all study together, practice together and hang out together."
Q: Quite a few of the girls on the team have nicknames, is that a tradition?
A: There are a lot of people with the same names, there are two Becky's, so the older one is Becky and I'm BAM. We also have two Ashley's who each have nicknames, and two Megan's. Then, because Dutch girl's names are hard to pronounce we always give them nicknames too."
Q: What is your most memorable moment as a Spartan?
A: "Beating Michigan on their turf to go to the Final Four."
Q: Explain how you feel after you've scored a goal.
A: "I haven't scored in a while, but it always feels good because you work so hard. The whole team works from the front to the back and I am all the way at the top. It is a full team effort and it feels good to put it in at the end."
