The Snapper

Most college freshmen find themselves struggling to adjust to their new atmosphere, while attempting to balance  college academics with extracurricular activities. Tackling even one college sport may be vigorous, but freshman Amie Mowery has been participating in two since beginning her career at Millersville as an Art Education major and student athlete.

“I did it in high school also,” Mowery said. “College may demand more time from you, but I think I have done a pretty good job managing.”

Coming fresh from New Oxford High School, Mowery is a member of both the field hockey and swimming teams. In high school, she earned MVP status for both teams as well as earning academic recognition within her sports. While participating in both sports at New Oxford, Mowery was coached by her mother, so the switch to two completely different coaches was an adjustment for her.

Mowery doesn’t seem to be having much trouble juggling her two sports along with her academics.

“It‘s nothing special, it‘s just one more thing,” she said. “I guess other people realize that it’s a lot of time and other people may just do the one they really love, but I couldn’t choose so I chose to do both.”

The women’s field hockey team finished the season with an overall record of 7-11, where Mowery ended the season playing defense.
Literally, right after the field hockey team ended their season, Mowery dove right into the pool and began swimming.

“It was a bit of a shocker going right from field hockey to swimming. Field hockey ended on a Saturday and that Monday we went right into swimming,” she said. “At times, I get a little stressed, but I love both of them so I don’t think I could ever give one up.”

Mowery swims in both the individual medley and butterfly events for the Lady Marauders, who began their season on Nov. 1 with two wins in a dual meet against Cabrini and Juniata. The team is currently 3-0, also winning against York College.

As far as the social transition into college, Mowery feels participating in these sports has helped her to make friends.

“I found it easier because I was here a little earlier and I got to know a group of people being a part of a team. It was easier because I didn’t need to make all new friends, because I made new friends on the hockey team,” she said. “Also when swimming started, they welcomed me with open arms, and I made other friends outside of sports because I felt more comfortable.”

Since Mowery has been participating in both of these sports since a young age, she feels very strongly about her decision to participate in them both, and feels that “dedication and heart for your sport” makes a successful athlete.

“I love both of my sports equally and I never could have chosen between them when I decided to be a college athlete,” Mowery said.

As far as the rest of the semester, Mowery can be found sprinting down the lanes in the Pucillo Natatorium, earning points for the women’s swim team. The team’s next home meet is Dec. 3 against Elizabethtown College.