Libby Castle ’30 is a first-year field hockey player from Marvin, North Carolina. This past Wednesday against York College of Pennsylvania, Castle scored her first collegiate goal to tie the score 2-2 in the third quarter. Less than a minute later, the rookie scored again, this time the game-winning shot to snag Swarthmore its first victory of the season.
Coming off of an overtime shootout loss against The University of Scranton just days before, Castle’s goals turned the momentum in favor of the Garnet. This past Saturday, Swarthmore upset No. 8-ranked Stevens Institute of Technology 1-0. On September 16, Castle notched the game-winning goal against No. 19-ranked The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) in the fourth quarter. A graduate of Marvin Ridge High School, Castle plans to major in history at Swarthmore.
Aimee Lee: Congrats on the win against York College last Wednesday! How did you and the team feel coming into the game?
Libby Castle: Thank you! We were definitely excited going into the game. York is a good opponent and we were looking forward to the opportunity to prove ourselves.
AL: Talk to me about your two goals against York—not only did you notch your first goals of the season, but you clutched the game-winning point. What went through your mind when you scored both goals?
LC: Both goals happened really quickly. Leading up to it, I was just thinking about trying to be in the best positions possible to support my teammates. The game is full of fast transitions and small moments, so being in the right place even one time can make a big difference.
AL: How do you get ready for games? What’s your favorite pre-game song?
LC: Before games, the whole team all gets each other hyped up. Everyone on the team also writes encouraging notes for one another as a way to get pumped up for the game.
AL: In three words, describe the culture of the field hockey team.
LC: Resilient, supportive, family.
AL: What would the perfect off day look like?
LC: My perfect off day would probably include reading a book and spending time with my friends or family.
AL: How has your first-year experience at Swarthmore been so far? What’s the most interesting class you’re taking?
LC: My experience at Swarthmore has been pretty good so far, and I’ve enjoyed being part of a team. The most interesting class I’m taking is my ancient history class, Democracy and Its Challenges. I think the time period we are discussing is very engaging, and I’ve really liked it so far.
AL: If you could teach a completely non-academic class at Swarthmore based on any skill, hobby, or area of expertise, what would you teach?
LC: I would probably teach a CrossFit class. I take them with my mom and my aunt and use them to train over the summer!
AL: What’s a must-watch movie you recommend to Swatties?
LC: I would recommend the first ‘Pitch Perfect’ movie.
