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A dominant two-sport athlete,
senior Rachael Becker has helped the Tigers to six Ivy
Championships (four with field hockey, two with lacrosse) as
well as a 2002 National Lacrosse Title. Among her honors,
the All-American was named to the NCAA All-Tournament team,
Inside Lacrosse Magazine Defensive Player of the Year, first
team All-Ivy, Academic All-American as well as being team
captain. That's a busy woman!! The Broomall, Pa., native
spends the rest of her time pursuing a degree in psychology.
Here's how she got here....
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 Q:
Talk about your first
encounter with
sports...
A:
My earliest sports memories are
of the Villanova men's basketball games. My father is the
timekeeper so I grew up going to all of the games. I was
four when they won the national championship.
Q:
What led or motivated you to
play?
A:
My parents always encouraged me to try different things.
When I started with softball I became self-motivated because
I realized how competitive I was and at the same time it was
something I was enjoying. I also loved watching sports with
my Dad, which only furthered my interest.
Q:
In your hometown, what was the sports culture like for
girls?
A:
There is a strong history of
successful female athletes in my town so it was really great
to have role models and lots of different people to look up
to.
Q:
How did you get to where you are today and what would you
attribute that to?
A:
If you love to play, hard work and dedication become a part
of your everyday life. I have been lucky to have a great
support system and coaches who were motivating and pushed me
to the best that I could be. I also set goals for myself and
refused to settle for anything less. Being part of
successful teams and having great teammates has allowed me
to grow as an athlete and as a person.
Q:
What has playing sports done
for you?
A:
Playing sports, especially at the college level has taught
me many important life lessons and has shaped me into the
person I am today. I have learned the importance of hard
work, teamwork, and how to handle both success and failure.
I have learned to live my life as a representative of my
school and to make them proud. Student-athletes are a
statement for what your university stands for.
Q:
At what point did you
realize you wanted to go to an Ivy League school?
A:
During my junior year in high school I realized that my
future should also involve competitive academics. Princeton
was my answer to a good education, competitive sports, and a
positive future.
Q:
Is there a certain athlete you admire and why?
A:
I admire Michael Jordan, not only because he is one of the
best athletes to ever play a sport, but also because of his
competitive spirit and for his love of the game. I also
admire Lance Armstrong because of his incredible fortitude
and his ability to survive a life-threatening illness and
return to the pinnacle of his sport.
Q:
What is the significance of Title IX to you?
A:
Title IX opened up doors for all of the women athletes that
have come before me. If it were not for their persistence
and sacrifice, then I would not have had the awesome
opportunities and experiences that I have been so fortunate
to be a part of.
Q:
In your opinion, what has
been a shining moment in women's sports?
A:
Whenever I see a women's sports team that has developed a
following of people other than their parents. The US women's
soccer team is a prime example. They raised the bar and
proved that women are just as talented and can draw the
crowds just as any men's team. Personally, when our team won
the national championship, it went beyond any experience I
have ever had.
Q:
What would you tell young girls who are interested in
getting to where you are now?
A:
Work hard, and for the right reasons and the end result will
get you to where you want to go. Never give up or settle for
less than your best. Most importantly, have fun!
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