Indiana University Athletics
Q&A with Katie Griswold
10/25/2011 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Oct. 25, 2011
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - IUHoosiers.com recently checked in with senior co-captain Katie Griswold. The 5-6 forward from Solana Beach, Calif., became the Hoosiers' single-season assists record holder when she assisted on a goal vs. Iowa on Oct. 15. She currently owns 12 assists on the season and ranks third in the Big Ten.
Q. What made you decide to come Indiana?
A. I wanted to play for a Big Ten school. I really connected with Amy Robertson, the head coach of the field hockey team and decided to take an official visit. After 48 hours in Bloomington, I fell in love with IU. After my visit it was a no-brainer that I was coming to play for Indiana. Just a week later I called Amy up and committed with 100 percent confidence that IU was the place for me! And now looking back on my career, I couldn't be happier! IU was the perfect fit for me.
Q. With this being your fifth and final year at IU, what have you learned from your time in Bloomington?
A. I've learned so much. When I think back to my freshman year I feel like I've grown into a completely different person. I think that's the best part about college ... you grow and learn so much about yourself. Over these last five years I've learned who I am and what I want. I've developed a strong sense of identity and gained confidence in who I am and the kind of person I want to be. I'm graduating college and moving on with a head full of business knowledge, but more than anything with a strong sense of self. I'm excited for the future and eager to see where my path leads!
Q.When you first got to Bloomington, did you have any culture shock coming from Solana Beach?
A. Of course! The Midwest is very different. But there was something about the Midwest that I was attracted to from the very beginning. I wanted to experience seasons and the amazing people and good values the Midwest engenders. I know most people think I'm crazy to say this, but I wanted to get out of California and have a totally new experience. When I visited IU, I fell in love with Bloomington instantly. I think Bloomington is such a cool, funky, and curious little town. I love everything about Bloomington! I love how Bloomington has a unique liberal twist in the middle of the Midwest and how there is really no place like it. It was the best culture shock I could have ever asked for!
Q.What makes this year's team unique to any other team that's come through since your freshman year?
A. We had eight newcomers. For us, that's a lot! Initially we were worried that it would be a challenge to integrate all eight newcomers into our team culture. But it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened and exactly what we needed! These eight newcomers have provided the perfect influx of new energy. Their excitement pervaded through the team instantly and gave us the energy burst we needed to start the season off.
Q. What are your plans after college?
A. My plan is to move back home to Solana Beach and do Real Estate with my Dad and brother. I've grown up around the business and love the idea of working with my family. My brother and Dad are eager for me to come home and join the team! And I am too!
Q. Missing all of last season with an injury, what were you able to take from the year on the sideline?
A. Being sidelined with an injury is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. But, without a doubt in my mind, I would never take the experience back. It was truly a blessing in disguise. I learned so much about the game and gained a tremendous amount of perspective. I was able to take a step back and instead of focusing on myself, I could focus on my teammates. I learned how to lead off the field and be a part of the team even though I wasn't playing on the field. I learned what its like to watch a game and never get to play. I learned how to learn by watching and become a critic of the game. Although it was a challenge every day, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I would never take it back.
Q. What is your favorite thing about Bloomington?
A. I think Bloomington is the perfect college town. I love the small town feel of a close community combined with IU's Big Ten college feel and Hoosier pride. I love how Bloomington is so unique and different. It has such a curious liberal twist in the middle of the Midwest. It's the best combination! I love it here.
Q. What will you miss when you leave IU?
A. So many things! I love Bloomington and I have had the most amazing college experience. I will miss the small-town, college-town feel of Bloomington and the beautiful IU campus. I will miss walking to class and studying in the union with a warm cup of coffee. And most of all, I will miss being a part of a team. I will miss my IU family and the feeling of being a part of something greater than myself.
Q. Has there been a moment in your career that stands out over the rest?
A. My greatest memories have everything to do with being a part of such an amazing team and program. It really is a journey. When I look back on my career I think about the experience as a whole, the journey we made together, and the evolution of a team over the course of five years. Instead of a specific moment or two that really stand out in my mind, I can't help but look back and love every bit of it.
