Name:  Addie Hedge Sport:  Field Hockey Position:  Left Midfielder Class:  2015 Hometown:  Winston Salem, N.C. Major: History/concentration in American History; psychology minor

What songs get you ready to compete?

The songs that I listen to right before all my games are those songs that everyone loves to dance to; they’re the songs that your foot automatically starts to tap to and your head starts to bob. 

 What are your pre-game habits?

During warm-ups, nine times out of ten you will see me laughing and chewing on my mouth guard.  Laughing and joking around helps me loosen up before games; I try not to go into a game tense and anxious because I start to over think simple plays.  And listening to music before games helps me clear my head and get into the zone for the game.  

What things do your teammates do to get you pumped up and ready to play?

Everyone on our team has her own thing to get pumped up and ready; if you look at Saint before games, she has a face of determination and she is just so confident in our team, which that alone pumps me up.  Everyone on our team has her own special way of pumping each other up.   For example, Kim dances to our warm up CD putting everyone in a fantastic mood bringing the energy up on the field. Maddie Wilson is just amazing; I don’t think I’ve ever seen her nervous about a game, which only helps my game even more because it shows me and everyone else there is no reason to be nervous.

What is the most rewarding part about being a student-athlete?

The most rewarding part about being a student-athlete is being part of team because they’re not just the people you practice and compete with, but they essentially turn into your family.  You learn to push yourself to reach the next level on and off the field being a student athlete.  Your teammates are right beside you the whole way.  The field hockey team is just absolutely amazing and we all get along so well.  It’s hard to imagine what college would be without them.  

Why did you choose Sweet Briar?

I choose Sweet Briar because of the amazing opportunity to play a collegiate sport and the outstanding academics that are offered here.  Unlike many large universities and colleges, you actually get to know all your classmates and know your professor on a first name basis. 

Most challenging class?

My most challenging class would probably be my French class, only because languages have always been tough for me.  However, my professor is amazing and always makes sure the class understands the lesson before moving on to the next subject.

Describe a time when you have done research with a professor, spent extra time on class work, or gotten help for a class.

Since my French class is one of the more difficult classes for me, I have tried to pinpoint why I’m having difficulty in that class.  After talking to my professor and looking at previous tests, we both agreed one of main struggles in class is being able to speak and understand French when spoken to me. So to help my French pronunciations, I watch/listen to the French network on TV for 30 minutes a night to help me further capture the French accent of words.   

How did you decide on your major(s)?

I decided on my major because I’ve always loved history, especially American History, but its something that kind of runs in my family.  My dad is a huge history buff, he always use to quiz me and my sister about different things in American history, so I guess I’ve learned to love it through him. 

What are your plans for after graduation?

I would love to get in the MAT (Masters of Arts in Teaching) program and get my teaching license for secondary education.  With my license to teach, I hope to become an American History teacher and coach high school field hockey.  I would also love the opportunity to work with troubled children and teenagers in orphanages, to help make a difference in other people’s lives.   

When I am not participating in my sport, I enjoy

When I’m not playing field hockey I enjoy being outdoors and hanging out with my family and friends. 

An interesting fact about me is...

I have never had a cheeseburger or grilled cheese.