With the new year upon us, let's take a second to check in with incoming freshman field hockey player Katelyn Crist! Katelyn is a native of Limerick, Pa. The Spring-Ford graduate will be a back on this year's Nittany Lion squad for head coach Char Morett-Curtiss.
Q: Welcome to Happy Valley! What were the main reasons you chose Penn State and this program?
Crist: I chose Penn State because of the amazing atmosphere and for the opportunity to play for great coaches, a strong program, and to compete in the BIG 10. The facilities and athlete support are unmatched!
Q: With the disruption that occurred nationally from the NCAA's reaction to a virus, how have you been able to interact with your new Nittany Lion teammates prior to coming to Penn State this Summer/Fall?
Crist: With everything that has changed due to the pandemic, one positive was being able to meet and interact with my new teammates through zooms and facetime. Working in small accountability groups allowed for each of us to get close throughout the few months leading to our return to campus.
Q: What are you most excited about doing when you get on campus as an official member of the Penn State family?
Crist: I am excited to start making new connections and new friends. I can't wait to become part of the family culture and to compete with my teammates at a high level.
Q: What do you plan on majoring in and why?
Crist: I plan on majoring in Biobehavioral Health as it has an interesting mix of biology, psychosocial, and environmental sciences that can support me into a wide range of opportunities in my future.
Q: How do you plan on approaching the transition to competing athletically at this level?
Crist: I plan on keeping a positive attitude as things are changing in this transition. I want to go in confident and with an open mind in order to bring out the best in myself and others.
Q: If there is one thing you absolutely must bring with you from home to Penn State, what is it?
Crist: Something I must bring from home is pictures of my friends and family.
Q: What is the one thing you are going to miss most about not being home?
Crist: I will miss my family and friends the most, but I know they will always support me and be my biggest fans. I will especially miss the home cooked meals!!
