Q&A with field hockey player Jenn Kirby

Kirby talks about her playing career and future plans

Q: How long have you been playing field hockey?

A: I’ve been playing field hockey for four and a half years.

Q: What was your role on the team this year? How did you lead?

A: I was a captain so I was definitely in the role of a leader. I’m typically someone who leads by example but is also supportive and always there to help out others with advice. I’m also a loud voice on the field who is always giving out instructions or support.

Q: Are you going to college for field hockey? If so, which one?

A: I’m going to Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. I have a lot of random connections to that division because my dad played soccer and lacrosse at Whittenburg, a team they play. My coach played at Denison, and Sarah Goff, my old team mate, is playing at Depauw, both of which are also in the division. Rhodes went  in their conference and won the SAA division championship in 2016 and 2015.

Q: What’s something people wouldn’t know about you by just looking at you?

A: I love to cook and I’m a vegetarian.

Q: Who has influenced you the most in your playing career?

A: I’ve had a lot of amazing coaches like Britnay Benson and Kaz, the field coaches at New Trier, but my friend Ali Gregorian and I have always been very competitive in anything we do together (we’ve been on sports teams together since 5th grade) so she has really pushed me over the years to work hard and become a better player.

Q: Have you ever played any other sports besides field hockey?

A: I played soccer from first grade until freshman year. It really helped me with field hockey because the sports are very similar positioning wise. They’re both 11v11 and use the same concepts.

Q: If you could have dinner with any three people, alive or dead, who would they be and why?

A: Ryan Reynolds because he’s funny and gorgeous, my Grandma, Dhana, who passed away a few years ago and was the nicest and most caring person I know. Lastly, Rainn Wilson because I am the biggest fan of the office and I love him so much. Plus, he is a New Trier alumnus.