Athlete of the Week

Krissy Nesburg seems to have two true loves in life: people and field hockey. These days, Nesburg is surely smiling, as she's surrounded by a surplus of both.

Nesburg's field hockey career had a somewhat typical start: she tried the sport out in sixth grade and thought it was fun. Her real epiphany came, however, when she first noticed the goalie equipment. "That is so cool. Can I try that?" she asked.

Since that moment, Nesburg can often be found in her bulky goalie gear, constantly surrounded by her fellow field hockey players. She simply loves the sport and can't get enough of it. Although field hockey consumes countless hours during Nesburg's week, she never regrets playing. "This is what I do best," she said. "It's how I want to spend my time."

Krissy Nesburg, CC '04 Women's field hockey Major: Political science Nickname: Spikey Favorite song: "Family Affair" by Mary J. Blige Favorite food: Chex mix Zodiac sign: Virgo Favorite singer: Van Morrison

One of the most compelling reasons for her love of field hockey is her affinity for her teammates. "I love my team to death," she said. "They're all really quality people."

This feeling is clearly mutual. "Nesburg is amazing in every way," teammate Brigid Boland, MC '03, said. "She just doesn't even know how good she is. She's even graceful in her goalie pads."

Together, the Yale field hockey team has really been stepping it up lately. They've been so good, in fact, that Nesburg can "sometimes get lonely" as goalie. This statement is not unfounded, as Sacred Heart managed only three shots on goal last Wed., Sept. 26, in a 7-1 Bulldog rout. As a freshman last year, Krissy was one of the busiest goalies in the Ivies, leading the league with 159 saves.

In the Bulldogs' last three games, Nesburg has continued her dominance in the goal, saving 14 shots in a close 3-2 loss against Harvard and shutting out Rhode Island with another four saves.

Yale isn't the only team that has thrived with Nesburg's help. At Oak Park-River Forest High School, outside Chicago, she led her team to the state championship in 2000, earning first team all-state honors and team MVP. In addition, Nesburg is an alternate for the "under-21" National Team. "She's the best athlete on our team," fellow goalie Wendy Ketner, BK '03, said.

Not only is Nesburg an amazing athlete, but she's also an all-around awesome girl. "Spikey's a fun girl and a great friend who's always up for a good time. Once she even stole a 10-foot pole from Street Hall, just for fun," teammate and roommate Brooke Worth-ington, CC '04, said. "She's always laughing and having a good time," Boland added.

Nesburg does not hide her passions. She raves about her hometown and her favorite sports team, the Cubs. She also names Michael Jordan as her hero. "He's a god in Chicago," she explained.

What does the future hold for this star? Things are a little tentative at the moment, but law school may be an option. Ideally, Nesburg would work for the Discovery Channel. "It's got something for everyone," she said.

Clearly, Nesburg does, too.

—Melissa Blakeley

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