Meet the Cornell Field Hockey Goalies!

Former Cornell goalie Maureen (Mo) Mauk chats with current Cornell goalies Alex Botte and Carolyn Horner about their love of goalkeeping. Sacrificing their bodies every day for the Cornell team, we honor their hard work and dedication!


1.How did you decide to be a goalkeeper? Alex: I had played soccer since I was five, so I had good feet. They (high school field hockey team) immediately stuck me in goal. Carolyn: I was a really uncoordinated field player when I started out in 6th Grade so my mom casually suggested I try goalkeeper. Actually, she was also a goalie in high school, but needless to say since then I just kept with it!


2.What is your favorite part of goalkeeping? Alex: Having the best goalie friend (Carolyn). Making those great saves. Not having to run when the field players run. Taking on a unique leadership role that none of the field players have. Carolyn: Making a great save, whether it be a stack in a 1v1 or a dive on a corner. That feeling is unbeatable. Also, Ali Harris, Botte and I have all become super close, making Dodsie a really fun place to be!


3.What are some of the least glorious parts of being a keeper? Alex: Smelling, definitely. Carolyn: Botte and I have become really creative with who or what we smell like on any particular day. Recently, I’ve been smelling like Febreeze because I pour an entire bottle on my stuff after games!


4.What is the most painful injury you’ve had? Carolyn: Well, last spring while diving for a ball Katie Laventure ended up kicking me in the head. My helmet flew off, but I didn’t realize I had a concussion until the next day. As for who has the hardest shot- Brittany Thompson has an amazing reverse chip and it always ends up hitting me in a place with no padding. I also have a theory that because Mallory Bannon only eats cucumbers and plain pasta for pre-game meals, this has contributed to her having a deceivingly killer hit! 


5.Are there any specific personality traits that you think someone needs to have to consider the position of goalkeeping? Alex: The ability to stand pressure and understand that you are the last line before the goal. Carolyn: It took me awhile to realize that (besides the occasional kick in the face by Lavs), you are the most protected player on the field. Once you realize that, then you begin to take risks and be more aggressive. I think the best goalies are those who are composed, yet never hesitate to take these risks, even if at times they are mistakes.


6.Do you have any pre-game rituals, habits, good luck charms? Alex: Pre-game rituals… well we always get milkshakes the night before a game. We always sing the alma mater before heading on the field (lately we have been rapping it instead of singing). The team always has an intense dance party before we play. We also say “red” during the national anthem when we are on the field during “…the rockets’ RED glare.” 


7.What is the best way to teach a person to dive for a ball? Alex: Well, if you are teaching Izzy Fratt or Olivia Boyd, you would place a king sized candy bar about five yards to their right. Have them face forward. Instruct them they only have 4 milliseconds to get that bar. Guarantee they will dive.


8.What do you think you’ll do when you graduate? Alex: This summer I had a great finance internship in New York City. I will be going back to Barclays after I graduate doing prime brokerage sales. Carolyn: I think working in Washington, D.C. or perhaps for an American company overseas in Asia would be a really great experience!


9.How is the season looking so far for Cornell Field Hockey? Alex: We have had some disappointing games, but we are really coming together as a unit. There are many things we are learning from each other, both on and off the field, that have given us the chemistry necessary for a team to be successful. Carolyn: Our team grows stronger every game and even closer every day. We are still excited to get out, play, and improve. So, I think with that mindset the rest of the season is very promising!


10.What can we, as alumni, do to help the team show our support? Alex: The alumni are already great! We really enjoyed getting to know you better last spring during the alumni weekend. We love hearing stories about how the team used to be or old rituals you had. Also, I like the idea of a database to connect players with alums. This is helpful for networking and getting career advice. Carolyn: For me, I am undecided in what feels like everything at times, but knowing I am a part of this extended Cornell Field Hockey family is such a reassuring and exciting thing. Continuous participation in the Alumni Tailgates and other functions really means so much to me, and I know to all of my teammates, we love to see new (and old!) faces!