NAME: Amanda Fleischut
POSITION: Midfielder
YEAR: Junior
HOMETOWN: Doylestown, Pa.
MAJOR: Health Sciences
CRED: Started in all 20 games during the 2011 season … selected to Longstreth/NFHCA Division I All-Region second-team … knocked in five goals and registered seven assists … ranks fourth on the team in points and shots … earned an individual game high of two assists in the 7-0 victory over Penn … received the CAA Commissioner’s Academic Award.
When did you start playing field hockey?
In seventh grade. I was a big soccer player, and I also played basketball and softball. I liked to play a sport every season. When it came to middle school, soccer and softball were at the same time [in the spring], so they asked me to try field hockey [in the fall]. At first I was like, ‘No way, I’m not going to play in a skirt.’ But it’s the same exact concept as soccer mentally.
Why did field hockey win out over soccer?
Everyone always asks me that. I think it’s because, honestly, I love challenges, and the fact that I’d been playing soccer since I was 3, I needed a new challenge. I love pushing myself.
What brought you to Drexel?
Nicky [Hitchens] and Denise [Zelenak], my coaches here, came to watch our old goalie, Jenna Phillips, play, and they saw me. It was a big joke, because I scored against Jenna and they came to my coach and asked who this Amanda girl was.
You’re a midfielder. Is that more of an offensive or defensive position, or both?
I think it is 50/50, because as much as I [move] up and play with the forwards, I really have to get my butt back and play on defense.
Do you get a bigger charge from scoring a goal, making a great pass that leads to one, or turning in a great defensive play to prevent one?
I get more excited from making the assists. I love distributing the ball. It really makes sure your head’s up and you’re always in the game thinking ahead. You really have to know where you’re going with the ball before you get it. Scoring a goal is great, but I think being the playmaker is more exciting.
What’s your personal goal this year?
Since it is going to be my senior year, stepping up to be that leader, to fill the shoes of all the seniors that left. There’s only going to be two of us this year. We’re a very young team, so I really need to step up vocally. I like to show by example, so I also need to make sure I show verbally as well.
Is there a particular athlete you look up to in terms of the way they approach their sport?
Two years ago I was on the junior national high performance team, and this past summer I was on the senior high performance team, so I got to play with Rachel Dawson from the Olympic team. We ended up winning the whole tournament. She would take the time to teach as she played. It was unbelievable watching her. She is not only amazing on the field, but she is mentally always in it. While she’s making a play or pass she is still teaching.
How do you balance academics while excelling in field hockey?
All my life I’ve been playing sports while managing school, while managing my family and clubs and different events. I’ve always had to learn to time manage. Through that I’ve definitely been able to handle school with a D-I sport. It is hard, but especially here at Drexel we have so many things to help us if we ever need it. But basically it’s a lot of time in the library.
Why do you want to become a physician’s assistant?
I’ve always been a big science and math person. I’m all about getting an exact answer. I kind of get bored easily, and the medical field is always changing. I enjoy helping people, and ever since I was little I can’t really imagine myself doing anything else.
Do you think that contributes to the fact that you like playing midfield?
I’m always involved in the play. Even if I don’t have the ball I’m always having to move, always having to look for the next pass, trying to talk to people, getting them in the right positions. You definitely don’t get bored. – By Mike Unger