Unh Field Hockey Player Whitney Frates

Being on a team is like being on a family. We are here for each other. We have each other's backs no matter what. We play for each other, and I think we're doing unbelievable this year which is a really good way to end my senior year. I have to say I love it. Whit Frates is in a league of her own. She is by far one of the best Division One players this year. She has progressively been putting herself in positions to excel. She has just grown immensely on the field in her skill. But more importantly, Whit has grown as a person and a leader. That's what I'm most impressed by. I'm trying to work with kids when I graduate. And either be a mentor or a teacher. or eventually own my own daycare. I worked at the CSBC for a semester with kids not yet in kindergarten but a little younger. It gave me a different experience than I'm used to. And it made me want to work with kids when I'm older even more. Being a Division One athlete and going to school is the same as anyone who would choose to work full time, 40 plus hours, and go to school full time. And most adults don't do that. Most people never do that. And that's what we're asking these kids, 18 to 22 year olds to do. What they're doing is impressive in managing it all. You just have to manage your time and be ready for what's going to come. I mean being a senior, I've kind of gotten used to it. It was difficult my freshman year, but you come here to play a sport. And so you have to be ready for it. I definitely got ready for it after my freshman year. But I mean I love playing a sport. I couldn't imagine not playing it. And especially for this team, I couldn't ask for anything else. It's by no mistake that we're able to be in the position we're in this year. It's because of the people around our program. The team around the team are the alums, and those they get involved with our program. The group of people that are willing to step up and be a part of what we have going on, they're people that give on all levels. They're people that give of themselves, give their time, and then those that are very generous in giving their money and giving us opportunity. I am very thankful for what I've had. It makes me want to play harder every single day. And I am given the opportunity to come to an amazing school and be able to play and not worry about certain things that other people might have to worry about. All I need to worry about right now is graduating and our team. And so I couldn't thank them enough for what they've done for me and given me this great opportunity.