Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
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cavalier sports W ith 72 caused turnovers going into this season, fourth-year defender Kaitlin Luzik is six away from moving into 10th on UVA's all-time list. A two-time All-ACC selection, Luzik was first on the team in caused turnovers (35) and second in ground balls (46) last sea- son. She was named one of three team captains in the fall. Cavalier Corner: Even though you were a three-time first-team All-American at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Va., that doesn't guarantee that you would make a major impact as a freshman. What were the factors that enabled you to start as a first year? Luzik: "A big factor coming into my freshman year at Vir- ginia was having a lot of confidence in myself as well as receiv- ing support from my teammates and upperclassmen. "The support I received from other girls enabled me to be con- fident and play my first year." Cavalier Corner: You're one of three players who were selected to be a captain in a vote by the team and coaching staff. Considering your teammates carried a fair amount of weight in this decision, what message did that send you? Luzik: "It sent me a really positive message just to see how much my teammates look up to me, both on and off the field. I credit that to the awesome leadership I've seen in my four years, both from my coaches and former captains. "Going into my fourth year I wanted to step into that strong leadership role. I think my teammates were behind me. I'm grateful for the position in which they allowed me to be." Cavalier Corner: Regardless of sport, most athletes like to play offense because that's where they get the headlines. You excel on defense. Why do you enjoy playing a less-than- glamorous position? Luzik: "I love being a defender because it takes a huge amount of teamwork to run a defense. I get so much satisfaction working with seven girls on defense plus having a plan and see- ing it work out. Defense is so important for me because I feel I'm part of that success in a special kind of way. "I love the communication and team mentality that happens on the defensive end. We're cohesive, and there's a special bond on defense that I find appealing." Cavalier Corner: You qualified for the 2018 All-ACC Aca- demic Team while majoring in global culture and commerce and media studies. Given your major, what are your long-term plans? Luzik: "I would like to go into some type of marketing. What I'm looking for is a role where I can show the leadership ability and communication skills that I've learned on the lacrosse field and in the classroom." Cavalier Corner: You participate in Athletes Committed to Education. What role do you play? Luzik: "I volunteered at the local middle school to help younger kids with their basic studies, be a presence in the class- room and show them how a student-athlete works." — Mike Scandura five questions with Lacrosse Fourth-Year Defender Kaitlin Luzik 6 CAVALIER CORNER Luzik, a two-time All-ACC selection, was named one of three team captains in the fall. PHOTO BY MATT RILEY/COURTESY UVA