Wolverine Spotlight Q&A: Lauren Thomas
10/9/2015 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Oct. 9, 2015
• Wolverines to Face Ranked Pair This Weekend
Senior Lauren Thomas has been an anchor for the Wolverine defense over her four years in the Maize and Blue. A three-time All-Big Ten and NFHCA All-West Region selection, she has contributed to a defensive unit that currently leads the league with four shutouts, a 1.00 goals-against against and allowed just 7.58 shot-per-game.
Thomas, a native of Aylesbury, England, has also taken on a greater role on the Wolverines' offensive corner unit as one of two primary strikers. With three goals and four assists already this year, she is just two goals and two points of her career bests in those categories.
As the Wolverines prepare for a big weekend with ranked opponents in Iowa and Stanford, Lauren took some time after practice to talk about the Wolverines' strengths, her confidence and defensive mindset and her plans for after graduation.
Q. What is the biggest strength of this team?
A. Everyone really came in fit and on their game this year, which gave us so much depth within positions. People can play everywhere. We have substitutions for every area, which allows us to rest people when we need to, put fresh legs in and keep the game at the high momentum of the moment. We may not have had that quite as much in the past. It's just been a huge advantage with the talent we have this year.
Q. Have the freshmen played a big role in that?
A. The freshmen came in and brought a different energy to the team. Every practice is 110 percent from them. It makes us all step up our game. We talk about that all the time -- making each other better during practice, and they've definitely helped with that. I know sometimes it can be a challenge for freshmen to transition to the college style, but I feel like this group came in ready to attack that.
Q. We lost some key components from last year's defensive unit, but it doesn't seem like we've missed a beat this season. What does that speak to?
A. I think that goes back to the depth aspect of it. That's an area that we've had a lot of depth over the last several years -- on the defensive line. We've had a lot of people for those three positions. Being able to practice that last year and having depth again this year with the defense, that will then help with next year's defense. It obviously helps having a great midfield and forward in front of us. It makes our jobs easier and makes us look better too. That depth in all those areas has been a massive help.
Q. How much improved is Sam Swenson in goal this year?
A. I definitely think it's a confidence thing. She's really come into her own. She was fabulous for us last year too. But she's definitely become more confident. I think as a goalie just knowing how everyone in front of her ticks and how to communicate better with everyone in big thing. She's gotten used to the American way, which is helpful. I can't speak to a goalie-specific perspective but from an international perspective, it's just a very different type of hockey. So for her to have a year under her belt of terminologies and knowing how certain teams attack, that's a big confidence builder.
Q. How much do you two talk during a game?
A. We're not having full conversations, obviously. I think it helps us both being English. We definitely have little expressions that we can say to each other and know what the other is saying. We communicate a lot in terms of she'll tell me things and I'll pass on the message. We'll talk on short corners and before the game. She's my rock behind me. There's a definite bond between the center back and goalie. Even bigger since we're both English.
Q. What's your mindset throughout the game?
A. Obviously, I want to win. I think my role on this team is massively as a communicator, especially on the press and outlet. So, that's my mindset on it. Do the simple. As a senior, I really want to step up and try to go by example. I'm focus is more on everybody else than how I'm going to play. For me, that's a good thing. I like to be able to focus on other people and just let my game run itself rather than overthink things.
Q. Does your own confidence help with that? Your coaches and teammates obviously places a lot of confidence in you; does that instill confidence in you?
A. I would say there's definitely games that I fake it 'til I make it. But I do think that a certain level of confidence comes with experience and with having played all these teams before. Confidence comes from strong teammates around you.
Q. You're noted for your superior distribution skills. Where did those develop?
A. That definitely developed here for me. Back in England, one of the biggest critiques I got was that I'm not adventurous enough when I play. I would always transfer it back to the center back and kind of try to give possession to somebody else -- almost like so I wouldn't mess up. From being here and from the confidence that the coaches have had in me has really allowed me to be more risk-taking with my outletting and distributing. When the team is so confident in that and praise it so highly, it definitely encourages me to keep moving forward with it and wanting to try more and more. That's definitely grown here.
Q. What are your plans for after college?
A. I definitely would like to see myself in the states. For me, the biggest question now is how I can continue field hockey. It's been such a big part of me that I don't really want it to end yet. I still have more to build. I'm working on my drag flick this year; I still have skills I want to perfect. I don't see myself giving it up yet. I'm interested in the idea of going to the Netherlands to play and try to get to the England Olympic team that way, or if possible, if there's any way I can stay in the U.S. and play. That'd be the ideal. My biggest goal is to stay in the U.S. I'd love to stay in Ann Arbor.
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