Senior Lee Tortorelli."

Q&A with senior Women's Lacrosse player Lee Tortorelli
by Jen Armson, Assistant Sports Information Director

Why did you choose to attend Penn State?

I chose Penn State because of the pride and tradition that is associated with Penn State. I was immediately taken in with how well respected Penn State is, and I fell in love with the campus and how beautiful and well taken care of it is.

How did you first get involved with lacrosse and why?

I first started playing lacrosse in the seventh grade because my older sister Laurie played. I grew up watching her be a goalie and being the little sister I was, I wanted to be just like her, so I decided to give being a goalie a shot. And it has stuck ever since!

As a kid what athlete or role model did you look up to and why?

Growing up of course I looked up to and admired everything my older sister Laurie did because she was an amazing three sport athlete. Other than her, I enjoyed watching Michael Jordan play because of his passion for the game.

What are some of the things that you want to accomplish before your college career is over?

I want to help take this team to a National Championship. But first it is important to take it one game at a time and that is the goal right now.

What do you do to stay calm and focused at critical times?

I just try to focus on doing the simple things. If I can¡¯t make the save then I try to do something else like get ground balls or get any interceptions.

What are some of the biggest challenges that you've had to overcome?

Some of the biggest challenges that I¡¯ve had to overcome this year would be not having a specific goalie coach this year. Another challenge from previous years would have to be staying positive during the struggles of past up and down seasons.

What is your favorite moment during a competition and why?

My favorite moments are when we are playing at our best as a team. The best moments are found in watching my teammates create/come up with huge plays. Because it is awesome to see the improvements and the strides we have made together as a team since the beginning of the season.

What are some of the difficulties in competing in your sport at a high level that the average fan may not be aware of?

Some of the difficulties that most people may not be aware of is how much time we put into our sport. We practice and plan all year long for our season- we lift we condition all year to be in the best shape, even though our season is at the end of the school year. Also, some people may not realize how important it is for student athletes to balance academics and athletes; time management is huge.

How much do you rely on your teammates both during competition and in your life?

My relationships with my teammates both on and off the field is crucial. I rely on my teammates to have my back and they rely on me to have theirs, it goes both ways. Out on the lacrosse field we have to trust that one another is going to be there when we need them- and they are. That also transfers off the field in everyday situations where I know that I can count on my teammates/friends to help me out when I need them, in any situation. I have to trust that my teammates are going to give one hundred percent of themselves out there, and I know that they will.

What are some of your other favorite sports?

My first love was basketball, I grew up playing and played throughout high school. I also love to go on bike rides.

What do you do to kick back and unwind after a tough competition?

Usually after a tough competition I just relax with my friends/roommates; this can vary from renting a movie to grabbing some food (which we love to do!)

What is the biggest thing you have learned during competition that ill aid you in other areas of your life?

The biggest thing I have learned during competition that will aid me in other areas of my life would be time management and organization. I has been especially important to make sure that you are dedicating enough time for yourself to get your work done when you have the time after practice (which can be hard since it is mentally/physically exhausting). But it can be done!

Another thing I have learned from playing that I can carry with my through life would be that you have to take the good with the bad~ not everything is going to go your way, but it is how you adapt to the circumstances and find a way to make the best of each situation that you are presented with.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am actually in the process of narrowing down what direction I want to be heading towards. I am unsure whether I want to peruse graduate school or if I want to jump right into the world of working!

What is one thing that many people do not know about you?

One thing many people do not know about me is why people call me ¡°Lee¡± ¨C this is pretty funny but really when I was little my sister was unable to say Elizabeth so instead she called me ¡°LeeLee¡± and it has stuck in my family.