Virginia field hockey's senior back Lauren Elstein had a busy offseason, interning at the Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Ore. for 10 weeks during the summer, where she was responsible for analyzing Nike's expenditures and determining where the company could save money.
Upon returning to Charlottesville, Elstein had a new task ahead of her. Unlike previous seasons, she needed to learn how to play a new position as she made the transition from forward to back.
"Defense has always been where my strengths are," Elstein said.
This natural inclination toward defense combined with her previous experience in coach Michele Madison's high press system, which demands a defensive effort from every player, eased Elstein's switch to back.
"She is a versatile player," sophomore back Rachel Jennings said. "She is a really good defender in general and she adds a lot of dynamic to defense."
Despite losing several key players from last year's team to graduation, the defense has arguably been the most impressive aspect of the Cavaliers' 6-0 start. Virginia has recorded four shutouts, recently defeating Ohio University 5-0, and is second in the ACC in goals allowed, giving up only three thus far. Unlike many successful collegiate defenses, which consist primarily of upperclassmen, the Virginia squad features several underclassmen and newcomers.
"It has been great working with a cohesive group," Elstein said. "I feel like Floor [Vogels], Shelly [Edmonds], Charlotte [van den Broek], Taylor [Swezey] and myself all have good chemistry."
Elstein, one of the two seniors on the team, also is one of only two athletes living on the Lawn. The experience has allowed Elstein to meet other students on Grounds.
"It is a cool opportunity to interact with leaders of different student organizations," Elstein said.
It's just another transition that the field hockey captain has gotten used to by now.
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