FARMVILLE, Va. – Longwood University sophomore Kacey Norwood/Chantilly has been named this week’s Longwood University Female Athlete of the Week for her efforts in the squad’s season-opening wins against Howard on February 17 and against George Mason on Feb. 20. Norwood tallied career highs of four goals and three assists for a new personal-best seven points against Howard. The midfielder recorded the game winning goal and also caused one turnover in the Lancers’ decisive 22-2 victory. Against George Mason, Norwood notched three goals and one assist for three points in the 12-9 win. Through two games, Norwood is shooting 46% (6-13) and has a .692 (9-13) on-goal percentage.
Question and Answer Session with Kacey Norwood and Bethany Drury
BD: Why did you choose to play lacrosse?
KN: Well at first I was a basketball and soccer player and I swam, too, but sometimes after being in the same sport for a really long time, like your whole childhood, you just get bored of it. So in eighth grade, I picked up a stick and just fell in love with lacrosse. I like how fast paced it is. I had some friends that were older who helped me, and my older sister helped me a lot because she played lacrosse, too. I was kind of just a natural at it in eighth grade and then in high school my coaches were really good. I just fell in love with it because it is so face paced and high scoring. It’s so intense.
BD: Why did you choose Longwood?
KN: I chose Longwood because I could play a Division I sport and the sport that I love, and because of the education program here. I want to be a teacher.
BD: What is your favorite Longwood tradition?
KN: I like the Chi walks and I also really like that in the beginning of the year we all rally together and go up to the soccer game.
BD: Do you have any role models?
KN: My dad because he’s so patient with things. Plus, he’s really competitive, really smart and he thinks through things. He reminds me to stay calm in situations and he’s just a nice genuine person. I strive to be a person like him.
BD: What are your goals for the season?
KN: Well as a team, we want to win the Big South, but personally I want to keep having an avid role on the attack and defense since I was injured last season. I want to get better at coming off the draw, making assists and scoring goals.
BD: Do you have any advice for aspiring athletes?
KN: Work hard and if you’re faced with any kind of adversity just try and overcome it with a positive attitude.
BD: Are there any teammates that you admire or look up to?
KN: I would say Kathleen Battle because she works hard on and off the field and when she’s at practice she gives one hundred and ten percent a hundred percent of the time and she knows the game really well defensively. She’s one of the leaders on the team and she’s always aware of everything and she gives really good advice. She’s always there for you on and off the field and is always sending out messages reminding the team what to wear and we have a bunch of leaders like that but I feel like she is one I really look up to and we work well together.
BD: What is your favorite thing about Longwood Lacrosse?
KN: The team, it is like a second family. We work so hard and we’re always together. All the girls are always there for you to talk to when you need them. A lot of schools aren’t lucky enough to have that and that’s one of the things I look for in a team.
BD: Who is your favorite athlete?
KN: I like Shawn Johnson a lot. I’m really into gymnastics.
BD: What is your favorite food?
KN: I’m obsessed with Hibachi.
BD: What is your favorite movie?
KN: I like classic movies. I like The Sound of Music a lot, my mom and I watch it.
BD: What is your favorite song?
KN: End of Time by Beyonce
BD: What is your favorite book?
KN: Akata Witch
BD: Are there any interesting facts about you?
KN: I’m half allergic to bananas, and I unknowingly swam with sharks in Turks and Caicos.
BD: Do you have any superstitions or pregame rituals?
KN: I listen to the same playlist before games and I watch the Northwestern highlight reel, then I just bounce around and blast music.
