York junior Katie Vautier is a two-time first-team All-CAC women’s lacrosse defensive standout who has been one of the building blocks for the Spartans’ program that rose to a Top 10 team in NCAA Division III this season.  A team captain, Vautier helped lead the Spartans to a team-record 14 wins and berths in the CAC Championship Game and NCAA Tournament – first-ever accomplishments for the seven-year old program.  INTRODUCING … Katie Vautier.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?   I started playing lacrosse when I was in 7^th grade.  I had just moved to Maryland since my parents were in the Navy and all of my friends, with whom I played soccer and basketball with, played that sport in the spring.  I soon loved playing and continued to play for a recreation team (Central Freedom) and my middle school team (St. Anne’s) up to high school.  I joined the club team CCLax in 9^th grade and played all four years in high school at Archbishop Spalding High School.    

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   I am majoring in Chemistry with a double minor in Criminalistics and Mathematics.  The most important thing I have learned is how to manage my time.  Between all of my classes, lab times, and playing lacrosse, I need to be able to manage my time to keep my grades up and play well on the field.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  My favorite spot on campus is definitely the Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center.  It has everything from basketball courts to a rockwall to a racquetball court to a weight room filled with plenty of workout machines.  I end up spending a lot of time there either working out or playing games with friends.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?  My favorite place to visit is Ocean City, New Jersey.  My family has been going there for vacation ever since I was born.  I love going to the beach to lie out in the sun or go surfing in the ocean.  It’s also fun to go to the boardwalk to go shopping or play a game of mini-golf.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?  I am a member of SAAC and the York Chemistry Society.  I also give tours to potential recruits for all sports and help out in the chemistry labs.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.  Going to St. Croix for our lacrosse trip last year was definitely memorable.  Not only was it beautiful down there, we won both of our games becoming 4-0 for the season and I scored my first goal against RIT. 

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  The most influential person in my life is my club coach Fran Russell.  He was my first lacrosse coach when I started playing and he has been my mentor ever since.  He always encouraged me to do my best and gave me great pointers on how to improve my skills.   He was the only coach back then who saw my abilities and made me believe I could play in college.  He was also responsible for my selection to the All-Galaxy team two years in a row.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  My favorite form of entertainment is listening to music.  It helps pump me up for our games and it can also help me relax as I do my homework.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?  Never be afraid to take a risk or try something new, you never know what you will like or be good at until you try.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  Mia Hamm is my favorite athlete.  She is such an incredible athlete and I loved watching her play for the U.S. soccer team.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?    One person I would like to have dinner with is Cindy Timchal, the head women’s lacrosse coach at Navy.   She is the first coach in NCAA (both men’s and women’s) history with 400 wins.  She is such a good coach and I feel she could teach me a lot about lacrosse.  Another person I would like to have dinner with is Abby Sciuto from the TV show NCIS.  I plan on having a career similar to hers when I graduate so I have a lot of questions I would like to ask her.  A third person I would like to have dinner with is Jim Halpert from The Office.  He is such a funny character who constantly is pranking his coworkers.  I could definitely use some of his ideas for pranks on my little sister.