Delaware Sports Blitz is about to get wild as in Wildcat Wednesdays, as we feature student-athletes from Wilmington University every Wednesday.
The next interview is from Wildcats junior lacrosse goalkeeper Noah Given.
Last season, Given played 789:01 minutes, allowed 151 goals, 11.48 goals-against average, 160 saves and an 8-7 record in 15 games.
Before attending Wilmington University, Given went to Appoquinimink High School where he helped lead them to the 2016 DIAA State Championship game.
Given talks about everything from how he started playing sports and how being benched helped him become a better teammate and player.
Check out it below!
How did you start playing sports?
“I started playing sports at a young age. Being an active child, my parents wanted me to put my energy into something, which made me fall in love with the competition and aspect of sports.”
What adjustments did you have to make from the jump of high school to college, regarding the sport you play?
“I had to make sure I stayed on top of all my classwork and academics going from high school to college. Regarding my sport, it was an extreme jump from high school because of the hours that we have to put in.”
How do you keep yourself in game shape in the offseason for your sport?
“I am constantly running, working on my footwork and hand-eye coordination in order to stay in shape for the season.”
What has a former or current coach taught you, that you still use today on or off the playing field?
“I have learned not to take things personally and to not be afraid of keeping people accountable by being vocal.”
What is a typical day for you when the season is in full force?
“I generally have classes three days a week, along with practice and workouts every day. Following practice, I am usually in the training room receiving treatment or taking an ice bath because of all the bruises I get during practice.”
What do you feel is your greatest strength?
“I feel that my communication skills are my greatest strength that benefits me on and off the field.”
What do you feel you are weakest at and how do you work on to improve it?
“Overthinking and being my own worst enemy is my weakness, but staying positive and having a short-term memory with any doubts I have will help work on improving that.”
Describe some of the highlights of your athletic career.
“In high school, I was a three-time First Team All-Conference player, as well as being named First Team All-State my senior year. In college, I made Second-Team All-Conference during my freshman year.”
What is the best part of playing on a team?
“I think team bonding and having a band of brothers you can rely on is the best part about being on a team.”
How do you stay motivated during the highs and lows of a season?
“I have goals that I set in place for myself and the team in order to help drive me throughout the season, as well as just being highly competitive.”
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced and how did you overcome it?
“The biggest challenge I have faced was being benched, but I overcame that by staying positive and working harder than I did before. I also came to realize that it is a team sport and it is not all about me and the moment, but it’s what’s best for the team.”
Why did you choose to play at Wilmington University?
“I was between schools and my travel coach was hired to be the head coach here, so once I found out he was hired, I decided to come to Wilmington, and it was a great decision.”
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