Oct. 14, 2004

After two crucial Big Ten Conference wins last week, Iowa's field hockey squad was awarded with two Players of the Week awards. Junior Debbie Birrell was tabbed as offensive player of the week, while senior goalkeeper Barb Weinberg was honored for her defensive efforts. Against Ohio State, Weinberg recorded a shut-out of the Buckeyes in the Hawkeyes 2-0 win over Ohio State on October 9^th. The next day, the Hawkeye net-minder had to work overtime but, managed to hold off a then- undefeated Michigan squad and help her team to a 4-3 double overtime victory. Afterwards, the Hawkeye's goalie sat down to answer a few questions on her career, handling pressure and Rocky.

 

 

You had a shut-out and some crucial saves in overtime to help your team to two wins and earn player of the week honors. To what do you attribute your recent success?

I have been constantly working on fundamentals with my coaches, which has helped tremendously, but our defensive unit has improved over the past few games.  We have been working together and fighting for one another.

 

 

What are some of the emotions and thoughts going through you when a game enters overtime and/or double OT as it did versus Michigan?

Obviously sudden-death overtime can be very nerve-racking, but there is never any doubt in my mind that we will be the first to score.  I keep telling myself over and over that I will make every save and that nothing is going in our goal.  I have complete confidence that the players on the field will take care of the rest.

 

 

What do you do to stay calm and focused when you are between the posts?

Generally after I began warm-up, the pre-game nervousness goes away and I stay pretty calm throughout the game.  I try to never think of the consequences of a goal being scored on me.  I just trust that I will make the saves and if I do get scored on, our attack will bounce right back.

 

 

Iowa has started the Big Ten Conference part of its schedule with three wins. What does that say about your team and the program?

I think it says that we have the ability to compete with the best teams in the country.  We are taking steps to improve every day and taking the season one game at a time.

 

 

Does being a senior put any added pressure on you going into this season?

I would not say it is pressure, but there is that feeling in the back of my mind that I want to make the most out of every practice and game because this is it.  Being a senior is additional motivation to work hard.

 

 

Has your collegiate career gone the way you thought it would or has it gone beyond what you expected?

I would say my collegiate career has gone beyond what I expected.  It has become more than a competition or a game of field hockey.  I have had the opportunity to work with some of the best coaches and have found great friendships in my teammates.

 

 

What are some of the things that you want to accomplish in your final season in Iowa City?

Our 100th win on Grant Field was one goal and we achieved that last weekend.  A Big Ten Championship would also be nice!

 

 

In your time as a Hawkeye what are some of the biggest challenges that you've had to overcome?

Moving on to the next game after a tough loss is always an obstacle that is difficult to overcome.  There have been times on this team when we have had a tough loss, but then bounced back the next day and been very successful.  I think that says a lot.

 

 

Why did you choose to attend Iowa?

The entire coaching staff and administration here is extremely supportive, which helped a lot in making the decision.  But ultimately, it was the closeness of the team and the Iowa traditions that sold me.

 

 

What obstacles have you gotten by as a team while you've been at Iowa?

Again, we have always bounced back from tough losses and then been successful in our next games.  But, we have also overcome the struggles of having a small roster, which can be very physically demanded.  We have worked hard on our fitness as a foundation so that our team can perform.

 

 

Personally, what has been your greatest accomplishment as a student-athlete and why?

I would say right now, going 3-0 in the Big Ten so far this season is a pretty big accomplishment for our team.  It shows that the hard work in practice is paying off and we are realizing our abilities as a team.

 

 

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

I have always looked up to Muhammad Ali.  Besides being from my hometown, he is a great athlete who also displays a competitive attitude, but shows poise at the same time.

 

 

How did you first get involved with field hockey and why?

It is funny actually.  I didn't want to play field hockey at all. Before my freshman year in high school, my friend's mom called me every day to persuade me to attend try-outs.  I finally gave in so she would stop bugging me!

 

 

What are some of the difficulties in being a field hockey goalie that the average fan may not be aware of?

There is more to being a goalkeeper than just saving the ball.  You see the whole field and are therefore responsible for a lot of communication. You must line defenders up and tell them where to move.

 

 

What are the areas of your game which you feel you have improved on the most recently?

I would say my penalty corners have gotten better during the season and I also have improved my ability to save successive shots.

 

 

How much do you rely on your teammates both on and off the field?

I can honestly say that I would not be able to make it without the support of my teammates.  They have been there for me both on and off the field.

 

 

What are some of your other favorite sports?

I love softball.  I have played it all of my life and have missed it since high school.

 

 

What are some of your plans after graduation?

The question of the year!  I am not sure of my exact plans, but I would like to go to grad school and some point and maybe get into coaching.

 

 

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

Since my parents come to almost every game, I usually hang out with them right afterwards.  It is nice to be able to talk with them after games. 

 

 

What song do you feel best describes you as a player?

I don't know if it describes me, but I love the Rocky movies and I always listen to Eye of the Tiger right before I play.  Kind of a cheesy song, but it still pumps me up.

 

 

Big Ten Field Hockey

Printer-friendly format	Email this article