Northwestern University Athletics
Q & A With Head Coach Amonte Hiller
2/13/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
Feb. 13, 2007
With the beginning of the 2007 season approaching on Saturday at fourth-ranked North Carolina, NUsports.com sat down with head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller to get her thoughts on the season and Northwestern's quest for a third-straight national championship.
With nine starters back from last year's team that not only won its second-straight national title, but also set every offensive school record there is, how do you envision this year's team and what do you think are your greatest strengths?
"Each year we have been able to hit new milestones. Some have been statistic and other mental or tactical. The key for us is going into each season with a fresh new look and a passion for wanting to improve and have fun everyday. I think one of our greatest strengths this season is in our depth. We have players at every position that are willing to work hard for the betterment of the team."
How do you keep a team that has been so successful, so hungry to win?
"The key is the passion that the players have for each other, for Northwestern, for the program and for the game. That passion drives them everyday in wanting to achieve things that they have never done before."
What are some of your coaching philosophies and what do you think makes playing lacrosse at Northwestern so unique?
"One of the most important things in life is having confidence in yourself and the people around you. We try to help the girls understand that by being extremely positive with them. We also instill in them that much of the confidence comes from the work that they put in. I think that, combined with our innovative coaching style, makes Northwestern lacrosse special."
How special of a player is Kristen Kjellman? Is she the most talented player you have ever coached?
"The thing that makes Kristen so special is her mentality. She wants the pressure on her and she wants the ball when our team needs a big play. Other things that set her apart are her work ethic combined with her natural speed and smarts for the game. Kristen wants to be the best and will practice until she becomes that player she dreamed of."
How do you replace a player like Lindsey Munday who was so instrumental in orchestrating the offense over the past three years? Who are the most likely candidates to replace her?
"We know how bright and pivitol Lindsey Munday was to our offense. In the process of replacing her, we hired her to mentor our offensive players. The most natural person to replace Lindsey's position is Hilary Bowen. They are both left-handed and have tremendous passing ability. We have also moved Hannah Nielsen to offense and she has taken over some of the leadership role that Lindsey provided. Aly Josephs and Meredith Frank also provided strong leadership during the fall offensively."
You seem to get big contributions each season from your freshmen. Do you expect to get the same kind of productivity out of them this year that you have in previous years?
"This year's freshmen are dynamic, athletic and have a passion for the game. We also have a transfer, Ali Jacobs, that will add a level of athleticism to the program. We have so many different types of players in the freshman class from tall Danielle Spencer to gritty Katrina Dowd. The key with having freshmen contribute goes back to their level of confidence. So often they learn so much in their freshman season that their confidence is sky high."
Who are some players on your team that have been flying under the radar, so to speak, and are ready to have breakout season this year?
"I think Hilary Alley had a break out fall. We moved her to defense and she was a natural. Morgan Lathrop finished the season strong last year and has brought that confidence and leadership to the team this fall. Hilary Bowen also had a great fall season and looks to have a more offensive role this season."
Some notes of interest from last season and looking forward to 2007.
