INTRODUCING … Dana Keller, who is a superb senior defender and captain for the Wesley College field hockey team.  A three-year starter, she led the CAC and ranked second nationally with 14 defensive saves during her junior season, when she helped the Wolverines advance to the CAC title match.  Off the field, her appreciation of reading and the N.Y. Yankees is topped only by her love of reading. 

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?  I started playing field hockey when I was in eighth grade because my sister did and I wanted to be just like her. I then played field hockey as a freshman and senior in high school and am entering my fourth season at Wesley.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  The Wolverine Stop is my favorite spot on campus. I can always find my friends there hanging out, doing homework, or just relaxing in between classes. The atmosphere is inviting and allows for a nice break in between a stressful day of class.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?   My favorite place to visit outside of campus is New York. My family originates from New York and the culture, diversity, and family history that comes from New York is fascinating to me. New York is also my favorite place to visit because I am in love with New York athletics; the Yankees, Rangers, Giants, and Knicks. Madison Square Garden is one of the most famous arenas in sports and the ambiance of the victories and events that have filled that building are indescribable.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?  Outside of school and field hockey, I have been a ballet dancer since I was five years old. I try to find time to dance as it has always been a passion of mine. I also enjoy helping out my high school field hockey team, coaching and lending a hand when I am free.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.   My most memorable experience during my collegiate athletic career was beating Salisbury in the semifinals of the CAC Tournament in 2010. This was such an accomplishment for my teammates, me, and our program. It was more than just advancing to the finals in the tournament, it was beating our rivals for the first time in 16 seasons with the best teammates I could have.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?   Peer pressure is the most important societal issue facing college students. Not only is there peer pressure in social gatherings, such as binge drinking, but peer pressure is also found in the classroom and on the athletic field. Students find pressure amongst themselves to have the highest grades, or to slack off.  Peer pressure is the most important societal issue facing college students as it is influencing students to participate and engage in activities that they normally would not.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?   If I could change any one item in the world I would change the lack of qualified teachers in the education system. It is so unfortunate that children of all ages are not receiving the education they deserve due to teachers without passion and joy for changing the lives of children. Students in all grade levels are not enjoying the love of learning through literature, hands on learning, and inquiry. All children are entitled to become the best they can be, beginning with an education they deserve. I plan to be the change.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   I am majoring in Elementary Education with a concentration in English. The most important thing I have learned in this discipline is that any individual can make a difference in this world, big or small and it all starts with one person. I have learned that as a teacher, I have the ability to greatly influence the students I will teach and that empowering these students to be the best they can be will do great justice for them.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  In my junior year of college, I was fortunate enough to take classes with Dr. Susan Cooper.  She has been the most influential person in my life from the moment I met her. Not only is she a role model as a scholar but also as an individual. Dr. Cooper has taught me to take life and make it what I want, reaching for my goals and striving to be the best I can be.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  My favorite form of entertainment is music. Music reaches individuals in multiple forms; inspiring and uplifting, comforting and consoling. I enjoy music because as a dancer, music is what makes me move and feel at peace with myself. Music is my favorite form of entertainment because it motivates me through workouts, makes me happy when I am with friends, and allows me to express my passion of dance.

What is your favorite source of information (TV, book, magazine, website, friends in dining hall, etc.)? My favorite source of information is literature. Reading books is the easiest way to connect with oneself and learn about all aspects of the world. In a literature class I took, my teacher taught my class how to become one with self and others through reading. Learning about other individuals’ problems and relating them to the world and ourselves was a huge part of the class. Books are a great source of information because they can be filled with any bits of knowledge that can be transformed into various pieces of information.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?  If I could give one piece of advice to elementary school children it would be to follow your dreams. No matter what dream, big or small, it can always be accomplished. If an individual is passionate about something, that dream is always attainable, no matter how far-fetched it may seem. “Dreams are like stars… you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you to your destiny.”

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  My favorite sports team is the New York Yankees. My family is originally from New York and there has not been a day of my life that my family has not had a discussion about the Yankees. The unity that a single baseball team has formed in my family has allowed me to love the Yankees more as I grow older. The Yankees also allow me to spend quality time with my family that I would not trade for the world.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?    The three people I would like to have dinner with are Derek Jeter, my grandmother Grace Furfaro, and E.B. White. I would like to have dinner with Derek Jeter because he has represented the New York Yankees for as long as I have known. The Yankees are a way of life for me and he has embodies the Yankee life. Derek Jeter is one of the most respected and admired athletes to ever grace a playing field. I would like to have dinner with Derek Jeter because he is a true leader and one of the greatest Yankees to ever play baseball. In July of 2007 my grandmother, Grace Furfaro, died right before my senior year of high school. I would like to have dinner with her to tell her about my accomplishments and life since she has passed. My grandmother and I were extremely close and she instilled in me many of the life lessons I live by. Dinner with my grandmother would mean excellent Italian food, great conversation, and most importantly love. I would lastly enjoy dinner with E.B. White because he wrote the story Stuart Little which has had a life changing effect on me. I read this story with my mother when I was little and learned instantly about the joy of literature and friendship. Dinner with E.B. White would allow me to get to know the author who began my love for reading.