Photo by: Tim Cowie - DavidsonPhotos.com
Spring Senior Scholar-Athlete Spotlight: Claudia Becker
4/16/2020 10:10:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
Gavin McFarlin- Associate SID
Thirty-three seniors were on Davidson Wildcat rosters as this spring began, and though their 2020 seasons were abbreviated, their contributions to their respective teams, the overall athletics program and college itself make them worthy of recognition. Each Tuesday and Thursday, we will feature members of the class of 2020 as part of the Senior Spring Scholar-Athlete Spotlight.
Name: Claudia Becker
Sport you competed in: Women's Lacrosse
What is your major/minor: Psychology Major and English Minor
What was your favorite class and why: My favorite Psychology course at Davidson was Abnormal Psychology. I would like to pursue counseling after I graduate and I am very interested in mental health and wellness. My favorite English courses were Introduction to Creative Writing and Contemporary Poetry. Introduction to Creative Writing was my first English class at Davidson and I loved having the freedom to explore new topics via writing and to grow as an author. Contemporary Poetry challenged me to think differently than any of my previous classes and my classmates sparked some of the most interesting discussions I have ever been a part of.
Where are you completing your studies this semester: At my house in West Chester, Pa.
Though it was cut short, what will you remember most about your senior season: I will remember my first game back on the field after recovering from my concussion in the fall at Virginia Tech and I will remember cheering my team on at our first home game of the year in the spring against Lehigh.
If you had to choose, what was the defining moment of your athletic career: My first lacrosse practice in sixth grade. I couldn't keep the ball in my stick during the warm up lap around the field. After practice I was almost in tears and wanted to quit, but I promised my parents I would stick with the sport because I made a commitment to my team. I improved so much over that year and in the years following, but whenever I am struggling with a new concept or having a bad practice or game I remember that day and the importance of hard work and perseverance.
What was your favorite trip you took as a team and why: The Atlantic-10 Tournament my freshman year. We upset George Mason in a close game. The game was one of the most fun games I've ever played in.
What makes a Davidson scholar-athlete different: Davidson scholar-athletes are different because we truly care about academics, hobbies and interests besides just our sports, and being leaders not just on the field but in life. Davidson scholar-athletes are some of the most well-rounded individuals I have ever met.
Did you have a pre-game/match/meet superstition: Before games my teammates and I all listen to "Mr. Brightside" and have a big dance party in the locker room. After we all walk out onto the field in a line and huddle up and cheer "WLDC." Before we warm up I always pass with my teammate Shannon Blee. One of my biggest superstitions; however, has to do with my game day hairstyle. If we lose a game when I wear my hair in a certain style then I will change my hair style for the next game, but if we win I will wear my hair the same the next game.
What lessons from sports has helped you deal with the unusual situation of the spring semester: I think playing Lacrosse has gifted me with resilience. I have battled injuries, overcome loses, and struggled to stay mentally tough. The same resilience I learned within sports has translated to how I deal with tough moments in my daily life.
What are you most proud of from your time as a Wildcat: I am proud of how well I was able to balance my athletic career, my schoolwork, service, and social life. At times during my Davidson career I felt incredibly overwhelmed, but over my four years I learned how time management. I think a balanced life is incredibly important and often gets overlooked by athletes at other universities. However, I am proud that I had a full college experience which included enjoying my time in the class room, making life long friends, giving back to others, and competing on the field.
Who do you want to thank for their support: I want to thank my trainer Deidra. Throughout my athletic career I've struggled with concussions and Deidra has been so understanding and supportive. I am endlessly grateful for her. In addition, I would like to thank my coach. I want to thank her for always believing in me and encouraging me to do my best. I also would like to thank my teammates for having my back and making my time at Davidson so enjoyable. Finally, I would like to thank my parents.
What's next for you: After college I would like to do psychology research for a year or two and then hopefully pursue a PHD in clinical or counseling psychology. Ultimately, I would like to open a private therapy practice.
Name: Claudia Becker
Sport you competed in: Women's Lacrosse
What is your major/minor: Psychology Major and English Minor
What was your favorite class and why: My favorite Psychology course at Davidson was Abnormal Psychology. I would like to pursue counseling after I graduate and I am very interested in mental health and wellness. My favorite English courses were Introduction to Creative Writing and Contemporary Poetry. Introduction to Creative Writing was my first English class at Davidson and I loved having the freedom to explore new topics via writing and to grow as an author. Contemporary Poetry challenged me to think differently than any of my previous classes and my classmates sparked some of the most interesting discussions I have ever been a part of.
Where are you completing your studies this semester: At my house in West Chester, Pa.
Though it was cut short, what will you remember most about your senior season: I will remember my first game back on the field after recovering from my concussion in the fall at Virginia Tech and I will remember cheering my team on at our first home game of the year in the spring against Lehigh.
If you had to choose, what was the defining moment of your athletic career: My first lacrosse practice in sixth grade. I couldn't keep the ball in my stick during the warm up lap around the field. After practice I was almost in tears and wanted to quit, but I promised my parents I would stick with the sport because I made a commitment to my team. I improved so much over that year and in the years following, but whenever I am struggling with a new concept or having a bad practice or game I remember that day and the importance of hard work and perseverance.
What was your favorite trip you took as a team and why: The Atlantic-10 Tournament my freshman year. We upset George Mason in a close game. The game was one of the most fun games I've ever played in.
What makes a Davidson scholar-athlete different: Davidson scholar-athletes are different because we truly care about academics, hobbies and interests besides just our sports, and being leaders not just on the field but in life. Davidson scholar-athletes are some of the most well-rounded individuals I have ever met.
Did you have a pre-game/match/meet superstition: Before games my teammates and I all listen to "Mr. Brightside" and have a big dance party in the locker room. After we all walk out onto the field in a line and huddle up and cheer "WLDC." Before we warm up I always pass with my teammate Shannon Blee. One of my biggest superstitions; however, has to do with my game day hairstyle. If we lose a game when I wear my hair in a certain style then I will change my hair style for the next game, but if we win I will wear my hair the same the next game.
What lessons from sports has helped you deal with the unusual situation of the spring semester: I think playing Lacrosse has gifted me with resilience. I have battled injuries, overcome loses, and struggled to stay mentally tough. The same resilience I learned within sports has translated to how I deal with tough moments in my daily life.
What are you most proud of from your time as a Wildcat: I am proud of how well I was able to balance my athletic career, my schoolwork, service, and social life. At times during my Davidson career I felt incredibly overwhelmed, but over my four years I learned how time management. I think a balanced life is incredibly important and often gets overlooked by athletes at other universities. However, I am proud that I had a full college experience which included enjoying my time in the class room, making life long friends, giving back to others, and competing on the field.
Who do you want to thank for their support: I want to thank my trainer Deidra. Throughout my athletic career I've struggled with concussions and Deidra has been so understanding and supportive. I am endlessly grateful for her. In addition, I would like to thank my coach. I want to thank her for always believing in me and encouraging me to do my best. I also would like to thank my teammates for having my back and making my time at Davidson so enjoyable. Finally, I would like to thank my parents.
What's next for you: After college I would like to do psychology research for a year or two and then hopefully pursue a PHD in clinical or counseling psychology. Ultimately, I would like to open a private therapy practice.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Lacrosse
MF
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