Name: Deirdre McShea

Sport: Field hockey

Position: Defender

Hometown: Strafford, Pa.

High School: Villa Maria Academy

School/Year: COL ’08

Major: American Studies

Minor: English

HS Highlights: Four-year letter winner in field hockey and lacrosse; 2002: all-area; 2003: AACA first team, all-area, Pennsylvania all-state, Pennsylvania all-state academic team 2003; team won the AACA League Championship and the PIAA District I championship.

Georgetown Highlights: 2005: Scored three goals, recorded two assists; 2006: team co-captain.

When did you first start playing field hockey?

I started when I was in fifth grade and my mom was my first coach. She coached the program at my grade school. I wasn’t favored, I was treated the same as everyone else on the team. But it wasn’t like I deserved to be favored either because I was probably the most unathletic kid on the team. I think it’s sometimes hard having your parent as the coach because you feel too comfortable with them, but she never let that get in the way. Now, its fun being able to trace things back to her being my first coach . She taught me everything I know.

What was the best moment in your career so far?

There have been a lot of fun times in general, just being a part of the team. My sophomore year we beat Towson which was definitely an upset. Moments like that are great because a lot of times we are the underdog. I think coming up with a big win like that it is the best part of sports. If the favored team always won, sports wouldn’t be fun to play or watch.

Who on the team do you rely on the most?

We have a really small team this year – there are 19 girls on the team. So it’s hard to pinpoint just one because we all count on each other. But I would have to choose Megan Cellucci (MSB ’07), a senior on the team. We played in high school together so we know each other pretty well and we work well together. She is a fellow defender and fellow captain. In every aspect of the team she is someone I can always go to and count on.

What do you do to get psyched for a game?

Personally, I do not have any specific rituals. I just try to have fun, be loose; I think when I am having fun with the team during warm-ups and during the game is when I play my best. I am not superstitious so I don’t have one thing I do before each game.

If you could be great at any other sport or event besides field hockey, what would it be? Why?

I wish I were good at basketball. I love that it’s one of those sports that you can just play with your friends. I played basketball until eighth grade but I was never good. I was tall, but not very coordinated. I wouldn’t say I am uncoordinated on the whole; I was just not very good at basketball.

What was the last song listened to on your iPod?

I actually don’t have an iPod. Some of my friends think I’m crazy for running without music, but I was never dependent on it. I like it that way.

Freshmen dorm?

Harbin. Best dorm on campus. The majority of my best friends now are the ones I lived with in Harbin. It was definitely a fun place to start out college. If my friends and I could rent out floors of Harbin for senior year housing, I would definitely do that. I would love to live back there.

Most embarrassing moment in Harbin?

Hmm, I can’t think of too many embarrassing moments, but I think in the spring when you get out of the shower and walk back to your room in a towel, and it’s GAAP weekend, it’s pretty embarrassing. You look at the parents and are like, “Welcome to Georgetown!”

Biggest pet peeve?

I would have to say negative people. People who complain a lot. I like to hang around people who are happy and in a good mood most of the time.

Who in your life inspires you the most?

My dad, John McShea (CAS ’77). He went to Georgetown, and he was an American Studies major, and he was on the crew team. We are very similar. A lot of people say I am a lot like my dad, and to me, that’s a great compliment. I honestly don’t think I have ever heard anyone say a negative thing about him. He’s a great dad and a great role model. He is just someone that is so unselfish and willing to do anything for his kids. I hope someday I can end up like that.

Favorite Georgetown professor?

Dean Cloke. He’s a freshman/sophomore dean, but he teaches the first two courses of my American Studies major. He is absolutely fascinating to be in class with. He has to be one of the smartest people I have ever met. I would love to take a class with him again.

One word people use to describe you?

Probably “competitive” or “motivated.” I would probably go more with competitive, I am pretty competitive and my friends make fun of me for it all the time.

Favorite Georgetown restaurant?

Martin’s Tavern. It’s a nice restaurant but at the same time it’s really low key. Whenever my parents are in town, we always go to Martin’s.

Favorite TV show?

“Friends” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”

McDreamy or McSteamy?

McDreamy.

Favorite movie?

“Good Will Hunting”and “Pretty Woman.” Even though they are completely different, I’d pick those two because “Pretty Woman” is a fun movie, and “Good Will Hunting” is just a great movie. “Pretty Woman” is a movie I can watch over and over again and never be sick of.

The thing you miss the most about home?

Family dinners and watching my little sister, Annie, grow up. I have a nine-year old sister who was seven when I left for college. Every time I come home, she is two inches taller. I hate not being able to be there to see her play sports and go to school and do all the fun stuff I used to do when I was little. But my mom keeps me up to date with funny stories about her.

Dream vacation?

It’s a toss-up between doing nothing on an island or doing a million tourist things in Europe. But when I think of vacation, I would want to go to some island where it was really warm and I would not have to do anything, or wake up at any time, or be anywhere at a specific time . complete relaxation.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

Hopefully I will get a job. I have no idea what I am going to do yet. I am still a junior, so I like to think I still have time to figure it out. Everyone asks me if I want to be a lawyer because my dad is a lawyer, but I don’t know if I want to.

Pepsi or Coke?

Coke.

Halloween Plans?

I honestly haven’t thought about it yet since it is still field hockey season. Come Sunday when field hockey is over, hopefully I’ll come up with a plan. I can’t remember any really great costumes I’ve had in the past but when I was in seventh grade, my friends and I dressed up as the Spice Girls. I think I was Posh Spice.

How long do you see yourself playing field hockey for?

Well I still have senior year but I don’t think I will play beyond college. It is not one of those sports that you just keep playing with your friends unless you’re on a team. But I think having played a college sport lends you to be athletic for the rest of your life. It is something you are used to.

Booey’s or Wisey’s?

Booey’s. I think my favorite things about Booey’s is that you can sit down with your friends and get coffee or something, I like the atmosphere better at Booey’s than at Wisey’s.