Athlete of the Week: Julie Younis

Name: Julie Younis

Graduating Class: Class of 2013

Team: Field Hockey & Lacrosse  

Field Hockey Stats:

2010 - Sophomore:  9 goals - 1 assist

2011 - Junior:          3 assists

Team Record:  2   1   0

Peer Leader and Special Olympics volunteer, Julie Younis knows how to light it up on the field thanks to her family and their passion for hockey.  From an early age, hockey- in one form or another- has been a part of Julie's life.

VF   How long have you been playing?

JY    I have been playing field hockey since fifth grade, and I was taught how to play field hockey by my coach, Joan Bannon, and her four daughters who all played in college. 

VF   What do you like about the game?

JY   What I like about this sport is that it is a fast moving game and very similar to ice hockey which is special to my family.

VF   Did you play any other sports prior to field hockey that helped you develop your skills?

JY   Prior to field hockey, I played soccer which developed my speed and gymnastics developed my strength. I also played lacrosse which helped improve my coordination.

VF   What position do you play?

JY   I  played center forward last year on varsity as well as this year.  During my freshman year on JV, I was a midfielder.

VF   What kind of conditioning or training do you do to prepare for the season?

JY   In order to stay conditioned, our whole team typically does jog/sprint workouts which help with endurance.  I also work on my upper body strength to have strong hits.

VF   What does it mean to you to be part of this team?

JY   Being on this team is a special part of my life. We are a very close knit group of girls and being with them on and off the field is so much fun. Everyone knows what they contribute to the team and does their part well which makes the team so strong.

VF   What has been your most memorable moment of play?

JY   My most memorable moment would definitely be a regular Tri Valley League game against Ashland. With one minute left in the game, Ashland scored tying the game 1-1. With 20 second left, our team had an exciting goal that put us in the lead. This showed our team that playing until the end is important and the game is never over until the last whistle.