Wolverine Spotlight Q&A: Courtney Enge
9/10/2015 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Sept. 10, 2015
• U-M to Kick Off Homestand against Vermont, Davidson
Junior forward Courtney Enge netted both of Michigan's game-winning goals last weekend, headlining its road wins over Providence and Fairfield. Noted for her speed, Enge ranked among the Wolverines' scoring leaders last season with five goals and two assists and will look to improve on those totals in 2015.
With the Wolverines set to kick off a four-game homestand this Friday (Sept. 11), Enge sat down after practice to talk about scoring goals, her speediness and her love for The Victors.
Q. You scored a couple tip goals last weekend. Is that an emphasis in practice? What makes for a good tip goal scorer?
A. We practice tipping a lot, especially as forwards, and it's paying off. There's some luck involved and being in the right place at the right time. I think to have success with tipping to you have to, no matter how many people are in the circle, always have your stick down, keep your eyes on the ball, keeping your hand low and following the ball all the way to your stick. You pay attention to the shooter, not the goalie. Wherever the goalie is, when I redirect the ball, hopefully it will sneak in behind her.
Q. Speed seems to be a strength of this team. We're faster this year as a team. You've always been quite fast. Is it helpful to be joined by several other fast players?
A. It's very helpful. Even back in high school, the forward line that went from freshman year to senior year with, they were all fast. It helps a lot, because there's people there to help you out. You know someone will be there if you cross the ball. It's a good to have everyone at the same tempo and pace. As I've become more confident playing, speed helps a lot -- obviously on offense as well as getting back on defensive. So, I think we're taking advantage of that speed.
Q. You say you've become more confident. What has led to that confidence?
A. This is my junior year, so three years of experience definitely has a lot to do with it. I've also played with some incredible players, like Rachael Mack and Leslie Smith. Learning from and playing with them instills confidence. I'm trying to be more vocal on the field and off. I think that also comes naturally with more confidence.
Q. As forwards, is it a comfort to have such a strong defense behind you? Do you ever think about that while on the field?
A. I do think that, even it's unconscious, we know that if we make a mistake or lose the ball, our defense will have our backs. They're so solid. But we don't want to rely on that. That's why I bust my butt to get back to help out. More defense never hurts.
Q. We had a good jump in goal scoring from week one to week two. What's the process of improving in that area?
A. I think it comes down to being more connected within the offense. Without that chemistry, it can sometimes be hard to score. So, if you look at those first couple games, maybe the connection wasn't quite there yet. It's definitely something that grows throughout a season.
Q. Are you excited to be at home these next two weeks?
A. I'm always excited to play at home. I love hearing The Victors. You don't get much of that on the road.
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