Marymount senior women’s lacrosse defender Kelly Smigen has enjoyed her collegiate career – not just athletics, but everything that comes with being a college student in the Washington, D.C. area.  That’s the beauty and benefit of being a Division III student-athlete – the opportunity to participate in a wide range of events and activities.  INTRODUCING … Kelly Smigen.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?   I started playing lacrosse in 2004 when my hometown first started a youth program for girls.  I was in fifth grade.  After that, I don’t think I missed a spring, summer, or winter season.  I played lacrosse through high school and knew that it was something I wasn’t ready to give up during college. 

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   I’m majoring in communications with a minor in business.  The most important thing I’ve learned is that communication is key to everything.  This principle is true in businesses, sports teams, and relationships alike.  

What is your favorite spot on campus?  My favorite spo t on campus is our backfield.  There have definitely been countless hours spent out there practicing, conditioning, and just playing for fun.   

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?  I enjoy Washington, D.C.!  D.C. will always be a part of my college memories.  I don’t think there’s a monument I haven’t run around with my teammates.  From the annual Cherry Blossom Festival to the second inauguration of President Obama, I don’t think there’s a major event we’ve missed either. 

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?  I’ve spent my last two summers as an Orientation Leader for my school.  I’m also a member of our Senior Class Gift Giving Committee.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.   It’s hard to choose just one memory, but the common factor for everything is spending time with my team.  Throughout my four years, we’ve had a lot of girls come through this program from all different backgrounds.  Each one of them has taught me something.  My team is the most memorable part of my collegiate athletic career, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. 

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?   I’ve always looked up to my coaches.  Throughout college, I’ve been fortunate enough to have three amazing coaches who have shown full support and dedication to our team.  They’ve helped me work through so much, on and off the field. 

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?   The most important societal issue facing college students is definitely the cost of education.  I’m so fortunate to be going to a four-year university that I love.  But it’s also been one of my biggest sacrifices; I’ll be paying back my student loan debt for many years to come.  I have friends who weren’t able to attend university because of the costs.  I have other friends who had to choose where they went to school based on the price instead of basing it which school will help them achieve their goals.  The limits college students face due to these expenses are so sad to me.  The value of a college education far outweighs any price stamp you can put on it. 

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?  I don’t think anybody should be denied a higher education for monetary reasons.  My above answer really relates to this.  I don’t know how I would solve this problem, but I think once we do it’ll really make a huge impact on society. 

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  Besides hanging out with my friends, which I feel like is too obvious an answer, I’ve always loved to read.  My favorite book right now is called “The Happiness Project,” by Gretchen Rubin.  It’s about choosing happiness.  I would definitely recommend it to anyone.   

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?  Be kind.  There’s always going to be room for more kindness in the world. 

Outside of the CAC, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?   My favorite is Derek Jeter! Besides my biased opinion being a Yankees fan, I truly believe Derek Jeter represents exactly what it means to be a professional athlete.  His actions on and off the field have demanded respect ever since he first stepped up to bat in his rookie season.  He’s a true role model to sports fans everywhere. 

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?  

First, I choose my grandparents.  I love them and miss them so much.  They taught me so many lessons about life and love.  If I could have dinner with them just once more, I would thank them for that and I would make sure they know how much they’ll always mean to me.

Second, I would really love to have dinner with Ellen Degeneres.  She’s absolutely hysterical and such a great person.  I love how much she stands for kindness, compassion, and making people happy. 

Third, I would absolutely love to have dinner with Tim McGraw!  Anyone who knows me knows how much love I have for country music.  Tim McGraw is my favorite… so yeah, dinner with him would be fantastic.