TOWSON, Md. - The Towson University women's lacrosse team has been hard at work preparing for the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament which begins May 2 at William & Mary. While waiting to find out who they will face in the first round, TowsonTigers.com sat down with senior midfielder Kelly Murkey to talk about this season and her career. Murkey is one of the Tiger captains and is a double major in elementary and special education.
1. What's it like to have been part of this year's senior class? What's your favorite memory with this group?
Our senior class has put in a lot of time and hard work as a unit. My favorite memories with them include our two CAA Championship wins that we won here at home.
2. Your senior class has been part of a great amount of success at Towson (having won four straight CAA Regular season titles, making three straight appearances in the CAA title game and winning the CAA Championship in back-to-back years). What's it been like to have that much success and to know you've played a key role in developing a pattern of tradition and legacy?
We talk a lot about what it is like to leave a "legacy" here and I think our class has really done that. We have followed in the footsteps of those before us and have laid the ground work for those behind us. I think it leaves an expectation that the younger classes can follow. It is now expected that the Tigers are the dominant team in the CAA and should put fear into any team in the NCAA. It's awesome to know that my class was a part of keeping the CAA title in Towson.
3. What's been your favorite memory of the 2014 season so far on the field? Favorite memory off the field?
My favorite memory this year was definitely beating Team USA. Yes, this was only a fall ball game, but it showed us just how good we can be and gave us something to strive for this season.
My favorite memory off the field was our trip to California. For most of us, this was our first time in the San Francisco area, so it was neat being able to experience it all together. I think spending a whole week together brought us a lot closer and ultimately contributed to great team play on the field.
4. As one of the team captains, do you find yourself to be a more vocal leader or a leader by example? Why?
I have been more of a leader by example. I am more of the type to just go out on the field and do what needs to be done. I think it is important for the rest of the team to have someone to look up to in terms of work ethic and determination. Especially for the underclassmen, it is important for them to see the intensity level that needs to be at practice. I think that is something that needs to be demonstrated by someone they respect. I also think it is important for them to be able to depend on you to do that each and every day, so that is something I strive to do.
5. What's the mentality of this team heading into the CAA Championship? Are the captains doing anything special to keep the team focused?
Our mentality is great right now. We are keeping everyone focused on one game at a time and not getting ahead of ourselves. I think a key to success will be maintaining motivation through two straight weeks of practice, which can be a tough thing to do. We need to focus on what we, as individuals, can do better, and then put them together into the team as a whole.
6. With the Women's Lacrosse National Championship being played in Unitas Stadium, does that give the team even more motivation to get into the NCAAs? What would it be like to have a chance to play for a national championship on your home field?
We have been talking about this all year and it has been a team goal to be back in "Johnny U" playing for a National Title. It would be awesome to do that and it is extra motivation every day when we are out there practicing. To know that we practice every day on the field where the greats of our sport will be in just a few weeks is awesome and we definitely expect to be there.
7. What's it been like to play for Head Coach Sonia LaMonica during the last four years?
It has been great playing for Sonia for the past four years. Right when we got here four years ago, she instilled in us that we can be great and that we should expect to be among the best teams in the country and to not expect anything less. Right off the bat, we were successful, and we have continued to grow each year. We have become the dominant team in the CAA and instead of being the underdog, we became the team with a target on our backs.That is a huge testament to what Sonia is building here at Towson. The future looks so bright for this team and I am excited to see what they can accomplish.
8. How hard has it been to balance life as a lacrosse player with a challenging double major of elementary and special education?
The biggest challenge is time management, but once you figure that out and you can get yourself in a daily routine, it gets easier. I was able to establish this with myself early on in my career, so it allowed me to be successful in school. I am a firm believer that academics are extremely important, so it was essential that I find out how to balance my life. I love my major and the road I am choosing for myself, so that is extra motivation to get my work done and made it a lot more enjoyable.
9. What's the biggest thing you'll take from your experience at Towson when it is over?
There are many things I will take away from my experience here, from time management skills to leadership skills. I have been so blessed to be able to be a part of this team and experience this journey with them. We really are a family and I will take away all of the memories and friendships I have made.
