This week's INTRODUCING ... featured student-athlete is Hood College sophomore center Katie Vu, who scored 15 goals last year, had a handful of multi-goal games and is one of the building blocks for the Blazers improving program.
What is your background in the sport you play? I started playing lacrosse my freshman year of high school. Before that, I did martial arts since I was 4. I started playing lacrosse because I wanted to try something new and fun! Once I started playing I was hooked! I loved the game, players and coaches. Since then I have grown a huge passion for women's lacrosse.
What is your favorite spot on campus? My favorite spot on campus would be the quad. At Hood College, the quad is an area of grass surrounded by the dorms located in the middle of the campus. I love the quad because it's a great place to hang around, socialize, study or get a group of people to play lacrosse.
Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in? Outside of lacrosse, I participate on a competitive cheer team in Millersville, Md. I also am a member of the computer science club as well as HSWD (helping students with disabilities). For selective students, I report as their personal note taker and tutor. Although I am very busy with my academics and lacrosse, I love being a part of other organizations. Getting to know and help others in different ways is a great start to my day.
What is the most important societal issue facing college students? The most important societal issue facing college students is being different from the "norm." When students are in high school, many find ways to clique to other people, trends and groups. When you come to college it's a different story. College is a place where students need to find themselves and believe in who and what they can be. This is very hard for students to do because it is a big adjustment from what most are used to.
What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline? My major is computer science with a minor in mathematics. One of the most important things I have learned in this discipline is that patience is key. Working with computers and numbers all day long can be very frustrating. At Hood, my professors have taught me that having patience with yourself and your work will make things 10 times easier. People make mistakes; you live, you learn and you progress.
Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life? Other than my family, which has been extremely important and influential, I would have to say that the most influential person in my life is my friend Mackenzie Moore. Mackenzie and I have grown up together finding many passions that we share in life. When we were children, we trained in martial arts along side of each other. Together, we faced almost impossible challenges and struggles. We learned that the true definition of an athlete is one who never gives up in something they love and tries 100% to be the best they can be. Mackenzie, although younger than me, has truly inspired me to be the best athlete, person and friend I could ever be. I know that she will continue to be there and support me in the future years, wherever our paths in life take us.
If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be? If I could give one piece of advice to children in elementary school it would be to never give up on their dreams and to try 100% on everything they do. This may seem very broad but it's something everyone should live by. These children should know that nothing is impossible and success is achievable at any level. All you have to do is try.
What is your favorite form of entertainment? My favorite form of entertainment is my teammates. Whether we are on the field or off, these girls have a way of making even the most simple and boring thing absolutely hilarious. Somehow we can all make one another smile and laugh without even trying.
Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team? Out of the CAC, my favorite team would have to be the Baltimore Ravens. Being from Baltimore, it's been a great team to follow and watch. I love this team because they always have great determination and strive to win each game. These boys are fun to watch and put on a great game!
Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with? If I could have dinner with any three people I would choose Walt Disney, Harry Potter and my grandfather. I would want to have dinner with Walt Disney because he has created a world of imagination and dreams that are livable through different people all around the world. The next person I would want to have dinner with is Harry Potter. Ever since the first book has been written, I fell in love with the characters and story line. Harry Potter is a character that I love to escape my schoolwork with and watch his movies all day long. The final choice I would make would be to have dinner with my grandpa. I would hands down choose him because he is one of my biggest motivations ever. Ever since I was a little girl, my grandfather has been there to watch me succeed and grow. He is one of the most amazing people I have ever come across and would love nothing more than to spend my dinner and time with him.
