Enjoying all CUA has to offer

Andrea Baick has played a key part in the success of Catholic University's field hockey team during her tenure as a student-athlete. She has made great plays and logged a lot of minutes, starting in her first year. In 2007, as a freshman, Baick earned numerous honors including Division III All-Rookie Squad, First Team All-Landmark Conference and Landmark Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Year.

When asked if she expected this kind of immediate success, Baick responded, "I did not expect any of it. I just played hard because I love the sport and the team, so it was really a nice surprise at the end of a hard-fought season."

Baick has also been very successful off the field by making the Dean's List multiple semesters, as well as the NFHCA National Academic Team and the Landmark Academic Honor Roll.  Her success on and off the field can be attributed to her impressive time management skills.

Baick completes all of her work during her free time over the course of the day, which leaves afternoons and evenings open for practice, rest, and time with her friends. She also believes that having all of her homework completed when she goes to practices and games allows her to "focus better with a stress free mind."

For the past two years Baick has served as a captain for her team, which she takes very serious and has enjoyed a great deal.  "It is filled with both reward and responsibility," Baick says.  "There is a lot on the line on my part because there are 24 other people on the team that count on me and respect me and expect me to set an example."

She continues, "Although this can add pressure it makes my position all the more worthwhile."

According to her coach, Gia Cillizza, Baick is "a workhorse."   Cillizza continues, "She is so dedicated to what she does and she wants to be the best she can be. Andrea is always pushing herself, and this year she has also been pushing her teammates more than ever."

Baick has not only impacted her teammates but her coach as well.  Cillizza explains, "I really respect her enthusiasm and dedication to our team. I know how hard she is pushing and I want to do all that I can to help her see her goals through."

Outside of playing field hockey Baick likes to hangout with her friends, draw and paint.  Her favorite subject in high school was art and she has been drawing and painting all her life.

Baick chose to play field hockey at Catholic University because of all the opportunities that are offered such as internships in the city and great professors.

"Even though I live 40 minutes outside of D.C., I really hadn't seen most of the city," Baick says.  She adds,  "I like that CUA has a normal college campus in the middle of the nation's capital; the combination of the two has proven to be a great choice."

Baick is majoring in business with a concentration in marketing. Looking down the line towards her graduation, Baick says she is not quite sure what the future holds, but she would like to stay in the D.C. area and explore all of her options.

Baick and the No. 15 Cardinals return to action on Tuesday, October 5 when they travel to take on Landmark Conference rival Goucher.  Game time is set for 7:00.

Story written by R.J. Dixon '11