Quakers Alumni Profile: Field Hockey Player Catherine Duffin

Moravian field hockey player Catherine Duffin helped her team to a 9-8 record this season and a 2-4 mark in the Landmark Conference. Duffin is tied for second on the team with six goals and 15 points.

Duffin and Moorestown Patch sports editor Jim Vassallo took time to chat about Moravian, what she misses most about Moorestown, and the transition to college in this week’s Alumni Profile.

Moorestown Patch: What is your major?
Catherine Duffin: Nursing.

Patch: What stood out about Moravian?
Duffin: It has a beautiful small campus, a great nursing program, and a good field hockey program.

Patch: Do you play any other sports?
Duffin: I played softball in high school; however, I only decided to continue to play field hockey in college.

Patch: How was the transition from high school to college in the classroom? On the field?
Duffin: The transition in the classroom has been very challenging, but I have been able to overcome the obstacles that my classes throw at me. Unlike high school, my classes this year deal with a whole lot of reading and memorizing. On the field, the transition was hard, but enjoyable. Preseason was very tough, but working together as a team made it a lot easier.

Patch: What has been the best aspect of college so far?
Duffin: Definitely living on my own and meeting new people. In high school, I was always around the same people and knew everyone in my grade. In college, I see new people every day and make new friends every week.

Patch: What do you miss most about Moorestown?
Duffin: My family and friends.

Patch: What stood out about the Moravian field hockey program?
Duffin: The coaches, players, and the overall program.

Patch: Is the speed of the game much different in college?
Duffin: The speed of the game is very different. In high school, most of our games were played on grass. Even though my home games are played on grass, a majority of my away games are played on turf. The ball moves 20 times as fast as it does on grass. The speed of the game is increased greatly, and one's stick skills and endurance must be superb in order to win games.

Patch: How did coach Collins prepare you for college?
Duffin: Coach Collins helped me with my application process and also offered to help with the recruiting process. 

Patch: What is your most memorable moment from the field in high school?
Duffin: When we beat Rancocas Valley last year. It was the first game of our 2010 season and that win propelled us to a winning season. 

Patch: What has been the most memorable moments from the field so far in college?
Duffin: When we beat Goucher, Scranton, and Fairleigh Dickinson. We were the underdogs in all three games, but came out on top in all three.

Patch: What did you learn from your teammates while on Moorestown's field hockey team?
Duffin: I learned that dedication, team leadership, and tradition are really important. I also learned that always playing together and working as a team can lead to great things.

Patch: What attracted you to the sport of field hockey?
Duffin: I have been playing field hockey ever since I was a little girl. My older sister Cornelia also plays field hockey in college, and she has been a very big role model throughout my life.