Northwestern University Athletics
Getting to Know: Kaitlyn Wallace
2/24/2016 3:22:00 PM | Women's Fencing
As Northwestern fencing gears up for the Midwest Conference Championships this weekend, NUsports.com caught up with senior Kaitlyn Wallace to reflect back on her career with the Wildcats.
NUsports.com: If you had to play a different sport, what would it be?
Kaitlyn Wallace: "Volleyball. I used to play in high school but had to quit because of my strict fencing schedule."
What is your pre-match ritual?
"Before I fence I always stretch and warm up while listening to really loud pump up music. That helps me to clear my mind and focus on the competition."
What was your first impression of Northwestern?
"My first impression of Northwestern was honestly overwhelming. There was a lot going on during the first few hours of my visit but all I could think of was how beautiful it was. As my visit continued, I fell more and more in love with the campus and Northwestern as a whole. I knew by the end of my trip I wanted to go to Northwestern."
Where is your favorite place to go on campus or in Evanston?
"My favorite place to go in Evanston is Tomate on Noyes Street. Hands down the best burrito I've ever had!"
Do you have any fencing idols?
"My one fencing idol would have to be Dina Barzarbayeva. She is a fellow Wildcat and graduated two years ago. The only way I can describe how she fences is beautiful! She and I share the same, uncommon fencing style, so I was extremely lucky to have been on the same team and learn from her for two years."
What was the biggest change coming from New Jersey to Evanston?
"The biggest change coming to Evanston is being away from my family. I am extremely close with my parents and sisters. Also, back in New Jersey most of my family is less than an hour away so coming to the Midwest where I have no family close by was a hard transition."
What was your most memorable Northwestern experience?
"My best memories have been with my team but the most memorable has to be beating Ohio State last year at the NYU duals. I didn't know at the time, but we were tied 13-13 and my bout was the final and deciding bout of the meet. There was so much nervous but positive energy surrounding me while I fenced and after I won, my entire team swarmed me with screams and hugs. It is an unparalleled experience, especially since we hadn't beaten Ohio State in years prior to that match."
What is your snack of choice?
"My snack of choice is sweet potato chips and guacamole."
What other things are you involved in on campus?
"I am on the executive board for Cranes for Courage as the PR and Marketing chair. It's an amazing organization that makes cranes with inspirational quotes on them and we ship them to mental health hospitals, nonprofits and other great organizations."
Besides yourself, who is your favorite NU athlete?
"Lissey Barnet, number 1 on the court and number 1 in my heart."
What are your plans in the near future?
"I want to pursue a career in public relations. I am currently deciding between staying in Chicago and moving to LA."
NUsports.com: If you had to play a different sport, what would it be?
Kaitlyn Wallace: "Volleyball. I used to play in high school but had to quit because of my strict fencing schedule."
What is your pre-match ritual?
"Before I fence I always stretch and warm up while listening to really loud pump up music. That helps me to clear my mind and focus on the competition."
What was your first impression of Northwestern?
"My first impression of Northwestern was honestly overwhelming. There was a lot going on during the first few hours of my visit but all I could think of was how beautiful it was. As my visit continued, I fell more and more in love with the campus and Northwestern as a whole. I knew by the end of my trip I wanted to go to Northwestern."
Where is your favorite place to go on campus or in Evanston?
"My favorite place to go in Evanston is Tomate on Noyes Street. Hands down the best burrito I've ever had!"
Do you have any fencing idols?
"My one fencing idol would have to be Dina Barzarbayeva. She is a fellow Wildcat and graduated two years ago. The only way I can describe how she fences is beautiful! She and I share the same, uncommon fencing style, so I was extremely lucky to have been on the same team and learn from her for two years."
What was the biggest change coming from New Jersey to Evanston?
"The biggest change coming to Evanston is being away from my family. I am extremely close with my parents and sisters. Also, back in New Jersey most of my family is less than an hour away so coming to the Midwest where I have no family close by was a hard transition."
What was your most memorable Northwestern experience?
"My best memories have been with my team but the most memorable has to be beating Ohio State last year at the NYU duals. I didn't know at the time, but we were tied 13-13 and my bout was the final and deciding bout of the meet. There was so much nervous but positive energy surrounding me while I fenced and after I won, my entire team swarmed me with screams and hugs. It is an unparalleled experience, especially since we hadn't beaten Ohio State in years prior to that match."
What is your snack of choice?
"My snack of choice is sweet potato chips and guacamole."
What other things are you involved in on campus?
"I am on the executive board for Cranes for Courage as the PR and Marketing chair. It's an amazing organization that makes cranes with inspirational quotes on them and we ship them to mental health hospitals, nonprofits and other great organizations."
Besides yourself, who is your favorite NU athlete?
"Lissey Barnet, number 1 on the court and number 1 in my heart."
What are your plans in the near future?
"I want to pursue a career in public relations. I am currently deciding between staying in Chicago and moving to LA."
••••••
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook, check us out on Instagram, visit our Social Media page and download our mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play! To get involved with the #B1GCats, become a season-ticket holder or join the Wildcat Fund!
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Fencing
This is Northwestern Athletics | 2024-25 Recap
Tuesday, August 19
David G. Kabiller NU for Life Program - 2025 Video
Tuesday, August 19
The Foundation: Northwestern Fencing
Wednesday, March 19
Laurie Schiller Full Speech | 2022 Northwestern Athletics Hall of Fame Induction
Monday, September 19
