GETTING TO KNOW: SOPHOMORE MELANIE MAROTTA

RICHMOND, Va. - The VCU field hockey team is off to a great 5-3 start heading into conference play this weekend. 

VCU Athletic Communications Student Assistant Andrew Phillips was able to catch up with sophomore Melanie Marotta, before the team's trip to Delaware, to see what she does with her time off the field.

AP: Why did you choose VCU?
MM: When I was looking at different schools, VCU instantly caught my attention. I was really captivated by the idea of being a part of an up-and-coming team. I also loved the coaching staff and the teammates made me feel at home!

AP:  What are your off the field hobbies and interests?
MM: Mostly I spend my time catching up on school work. I am in the School of Business and I eventually want to study Hospital Administration. Other than that, I mostly sleep and hang out with friends!

AP:  What is the best advice you have received?
MM: My dad always reminds me to do what I love and work hard because hard work always pays off!

AP: Highlight of your VCU career thus far?
MM: Definitely beating the University of Richmond in overtime this season! We were on an overtime losing streak and to see how our team really worked hard together to come up with the win was really exciting!

AP: Goals for the rest of the 2010 season?
MM: Win the CAA championship and do work in the NCAA!

AP: Who influenced you to get involved with field hockey? 
MM: My sister. She was a field hockey goalie growing up so I always looked up to her athleticism.

AP: Who is your funniest teammate?
MM: Hmm. So far I would have to say Emilie Soares. She is the only person I know who will wear a giant, oversized sweatshirt with a depressed cat face on the front and legitimately think it is cute!

AP: Place you would most like to vist/or favorite vacation spot?
MM: I've never been out of the country, so I would definitely have to say somewhere tropical like the Caribbean or Fiji.

Quick Hits

Favorite Place to eat in Richmond? Sadly, Chipotle.

Movie? How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

TV show? Glee…I am a Gleek for sure!

Band/group/singer? Dave Matthews Band or John Mayer.

Place to play in the CAA other then VCU? JMU because the field overlooks the mountains.

Pro Sports Team? New York Giants!

Athlete? I've got to go with my boy, Eli Manning.

Favorite VCU team to watch other then field hockey? Men's Basketball, duh.