A multi-sport athlete in high school on Long Island, it’s not surprising the Chip Pittard focused his college career on men’s lacrosse, and Mary Washington has been the benefactor of his contributions.  A full-time midfielder for four seasons, Pittard has found the back of the net 24 times in just over three years, added 22 assists and been solid on defense in helping Kurt Glaeser’s Eagles compile a 36-18 overall record.  Pittard and the Eagles are a sparkling 6-0 this year and ranked 17^th in the country, tying last year’s best mark as the highest ranking in team history.  INTRODUCING … Chip Pittard.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?  My parents put a lacrosse stick in my crib when I was born, so lacrosse has been a part of my entire life.  I am a currently a Senior Midfielder for the Eagles.  

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   I am a Political Science major at UMW.  Political Science has forced me to become a better public speaker and writer.  However, critical thinking is the most important thing that I have learned.  Being able to analyze and process information is not only useful in politics, but will be helpful in most any field of work that I go into in the coming years.

What is your favorite spot on campus?   My favorite spot on campus is the Library.  I know its cliché, but being constantly on the go with school, work and lacrosse makes the library a necessity.  It allows me to get down to work, away from the distractions of home and to enjoy something to eat after a long day on the go.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?   I enjoy skiing, specifically in Vermont.  My family has gone skiing since I was very little.  I enjoy the rush of bombing down the slopes.   

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?   I am a member of the school’s SAAC program, which included attending the APPLE Conference for two years.  For a few days a week, I also intern for Guinness World Records by answering emails and providing support to the Commercial Team. 

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.   My most memorable experience in college athletics was our CAC semi-final game last year against Salisbury University.  We played the heavily favored Sea Gulls to a close game going into half.  After halftime, it fell apart and Salisbury went on to win big. This loss, when I thought we had the opportunity to win, has been the motivating factor to become a better player going into my final season.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?   There have been too many people in my life that have influenced me to pick just one - teachers, friends, coaches, neighbors have all played a key role in my life.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?   I believe the most import issue facing college students is debt.  Most students have to borrow some money in order to pay for books, meal plan, tuition etc.  With the price of all of these going up, I believe something needs to be done to better help students so they are not paying back college bills for decades to come.

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 thing in the world it would be to increase concussion awareness and screening.  In the last few years especially, much more research has been done and advances in helmet technology have been made.  I still believe that much more needs to be done to help prevent athletes from playing through these head injuries that potentially affect quality of life for years down the road.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  My favorite form of entertainment is motorsports racing, specifically NASCAR and Formula 1.  As a car enthusiast, I think it’s awesome to watch cars lap a track at high speed, drivers maintain control and the crews change four tires and change fuel in as little as 2.7 seconds.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   My advice to elementary school children would be to have fun.  I think too many students and athletes do things to please others.  When you truly enjoy what it is that you are doing, I believe, you will be most able to love what you do.

Outside of the CAC, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?   I am huge fan of the New York Jets football team.  On Long Island, you’re either a Giants or Jets fan.  Many of my friends were Jets fans when I was little, so naturally I became a Jets fan.  Rooting for a team in the same division as the Patriots, makes you appreciate wins that much more.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?    The three people I would have dinner with would be: Bill Clinton, Steve Jobs and Adam Sandler.  Bill Clinton because whether or not you like his politics, he is a smart guy who still has enormous clout today.  Steve Jobs because he went from college dropout to the head of one of the most influential tech companies in the world.  Adam Sandler because he played Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison.