Student-Athlete Spotlight
Tory Sharpless
Field Hockey
Senior
West Windsor, N.J.
November 15, 2012
A fouth-year forward for the Delaware Field Hockey team, Sharpless is a Human Development and Family Studies major with a minor in Leadership.
A native of West Windsor, N.J., Sharpless is serving as a co-captain with teammate, Sarah Scheer.
Tory just finished her career at Delaware, leading her team into the CAA semifinals. She ended the year with two goals, which brings her career total to eight. She tallied an impressive six in 2011.
1) What were your individual goals heading into this season?
To win the CAA tournament, as well as qualify for the NCAA tournament. I also wanted to enjoy my last season as a Delaware field hockey player, and finish strong.
2) What did you hope for your team to accomplish here in 2012?
I had very high expectations for the team this year. Though we did have a large freshman class coming in, I wanted us to bond very quickly during preseason and have a strong connection on and off the field as soon as we could. We all worked extremely hard last spring, over the summer and during preseason so we could all perform at our absolute best this season. I think we all recognized the talent and work ethic we have on the team and we expect some great results.
3) What are you taking from your experiences last season and implementing them this year?
Last year we focused on getting to know our new coaches and adjusting to a new style of field hockey. This year we were able to focus on getting better and taking the necessary steps forward to become a better, stronger and more powerful team. We were able to adjust to many new things but now we can focus on developing our skills and our team’s field hockey growth. I learned a lot last season and I think I have been able to mature as a hockey player and as a person.
4) What made you want to study and play field hockey at Delaware?
When I met the team here at Delaware I knew this was the school I wanted to attend. We have such a great team. We really care about each other and will do anything for anyone on our team. When I came to visit the school I felt it was a good location for me. I am from New Jersey so I am close to home and my parents get to see all my games. I loved the campus when I came to visit too. I liked the look and the size of the school. Once I took my visit and was able to meet the team I was sure Delaware was where I wanted to go.
5) What is your major and why did you choose it?
My major is Human Development and Family Studies, with a minor in Organizational Leadership. When I came to school I was not exactly sure what I wanted to study. I knew I wanted to work with people in a service or mentoring position. I decided to be a Human Service Major because of the many opportunities it provides. I also declared a Leadership minor, which I really enjoy.
6) If not field hockey, what sport would you play and why?
If I did not play Field Hockey I would play basketball. I have played basketball ever since I was a little girl. I played all throughout high school; I also played on AAU teams and travel teams. I really enjoyed it. I still love to watch basketball. I can still remember being so upset my senior year in high school knowing I was not going to get to play basketball again on a school team. When I played basketball in high school I would get really into it. I loved being out on the court and I hope I can still play just for fun when I am older.
7) What has been your favorite class to take here at Delaware?
One of my favorite classes that I have taken at Delaware was Leadership 100. This class was actually the first class I took my freshman year. In this class we got to work in groups and we did many group activities and class projects. This class put us in situations, which I know will help me in the real world. This class really kept my attention and helped me to discover the kind of leader and the kind of person I am. My class got to be so close that semester and many of us are still friends to this day.
8) What are your plans after college?
After college I want to work in student services or operations at the college level. I really enjoy working with people and I hope to stay involved in athletics. I have always been involved in sports and I would love to be a coach someday as well.
9) What are your favorite non-athletic activities to do?
Though sports really do have a huge part in my life, if I am not playing sports I still love to do anything outside. My all-time favorite place to be is at the beach. I love just relaxing down at the shore. I could honestly spend all day on the beach.
10) What has been your most memorable moment on the field here at UD?
One of my most memorable moments on the field was being able to compete in the NCAA tournament. That was a very exciting moment and I am so glad I was able to be a part of it. I also will never forget winning the CAA championship. It is so special to be able to say I was on a team that has accomplished so much. I have also made so many friends and built amazing relationships with all my teammates.
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