Q&A with Dr. Gary - Paige Vanerstrom

Paige Vanerstrom - Senior, Field Hockey MF, Accounting major

Q & A with Dr. Gary-10/30/15

Q: What is your most memorable sports moment at Witt?

A: A few of my favorite moments including my first collegiate goal against arch-rival Kenyon during my freshman season (2012), scoring the game winning goal against Wooster (2015), and helping guide the Wittenberg field hockey team to score 3 goals in the final 12 minutes of our match against Denison to force 2OTs and a shootout (2015).  Aside from field hockey, I very much enjoyed traveling to away games in order to share the experience with the Wittenberg Football team as they won three consecutive NCAC Championships (the most recent at Allegheny College, 2014), and cheering on my younger brother as he competed in his first fall baseball scrimmage against Urbana College (2015).

Q: Why do you enjoy being a Wittenberg Tiger?

A:  Being a tiger is so much more than wearing a jersey, and I am always eager to share my experiences with past, current, and future student-athletes.  Actively participating in the Wittenberg community is unlike anything I have ever been a member of, and I could not be more proud than to have spent the past four years in red and white.  The standard of excellence on the field, in the classroom, and among our peers, indicates our unique and strong dedication to the Wittenberg University tradition.  As I have attended many awards banquets, met many of those inducted into the Hall of Honor, and have worked tirelessly alongside my coaches to reach out to potential recruits, I could not be more grateful for the opportunities bestowed upon me during my collegiate career. 

Q: To you, what does it mean to Tiger Up?

A:   Since I began school at the age of 5, I have always had the school mascot of the tiger; however, I had never heard of the "tiger up" concept until I arrived on campus.  At first, I did not fully understand the cheer meant so much more than a simple phrase on a t-shirt.  The "tiger up" chant is campus-wide and reaches to every student, professor, faculty, staff, and alumni connected to Wittenberg.  Most importantly, the phrase extends beyond the accomplishments achieved on the field, court, course, or pitch; however, the idea behind an individual who chooses to "tiger up," is that he or she will continue to strive for improvement each day and in every aspect of life.

Q: What do you see yourself doing after Witt?

A: As of September, I accepted a job offer to work for the international accounting firm, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, LLP.  In the future, I plan on attaining my CPA license, and working in the private industry.  My 'dream' job is to work in the accounting department--specifically as the salary cap manager--within a professional sport's organization.

Q: How did you get involved in your sport? (When did you get involved in your sport? Why did you get involved in your sport?)

A: In the 5th grade, my older cousin was a senior in high school, and traveled to my area for an indoor field hockey tournament.  At the time, she was committed to Michigan, was absolutely fantastic to watch her compete, and I wanted to be just like her when I was older.  Previously, I had never seen or heard of the sport of field hockey, and I was immediately obsessed with playing the game myself.  That spring, my mom signed me up for my first few sessions and I have been in love with the sport ever since.

Compiled By: Carley Sullivan '16, Senior Woman Administrator Student Assistant