The Observer sat down with junior, Bailey Aasen, to discuss her success on the women’s lacrosse team. Aasen most recently won CCIW offensive player of the week.
1. How does it feel to win offensive player of the week?
I feel surprised and honored. I feel like I have come a really long way since stepping onto the field as a freshman. As an underclassman, I had always looked up to my teammates who were receiving this award, and now it feels weird to win CCIW offensive player of the week myself.
2. What do you think contributed to you receiving the award?
With a young and small team this year, I feel as though there has been a greater sense of urgency as a player to step up and take a guiding role. I think this feeling of trying to be a role model for younger players has contributed to the work I have been putting in this season.
3. What does this mean for your team?
I think this means that even with a small, young team we still have a lot going for us and a lot we can bring to the table moving forward.
4. What will you continue to do for the rest of the season to have the same success as this?
Going on with the season, it will be important that we continue to find and grow in our connections on the field. It will be vital to continue to progress and not plateau because our competition will continue to increase, especially as we begin conference games.
5. What are your team goals for the season?
We want to maintain the name Augustana Lacrosse holds in our conference. We have worked incredibly hard year-round, and I believe that if we continue to play the game we know that this is a very achievable goal.
6. What does your team have to do in order to achieve those goals?
In order to continue on with our goals we had to not only stay focused and disciplined during practice. We also need to put in a lot of extra time outside of practice. Conditioning is key as almost all of our players will play a full game without any subs. We put in a lot of extra time with stick work, lifting, film watching, conditioning, and even physical therapy to ensure our team stays healthy and strong.
7. What can be the possible obstacles for you and your team?
I would say our greatest obstacle is our numbers. Starting the season off with only a couple subs during the games only leaves room for many injuries. Some of our players get hurt, then we don’t have any subs. Although we have worked hard in the off season to make sure we are conditioned to play a full game, this can still come as a disadvantage while facing bigger teams.
8. Did you see yourself getting this award at the beginning of the season?
I did not necessarily see myself getting this award, but I definitely saw myself stepping up more on the team this year. With only one senior this year, it is important people step into those leading positions. After losing two key players on the offensive end from last year, we knew it was time to make a confident impact on the field.
9. What are your personal goals this season?
One big personal goal I started the season off with was to improve as a defensive player. Before college lacrosse I had never worked on the defensive end, and now as a midfielder I get to play both offensive and defensive. I have improved a HUGE amount over the past couple years, but it has been a long process and is definitely something that still needs a lot of work.
11. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you to my teammates, coaches, trainers, athletic department, and family who have continued to support and push me. I have to give an extra shout out to my high school coaches as well because I would not be here without them!