Last week, senior captain and midfielder Dene’ DiMartino was one of three Hopkins Lacrosse players named to the Tewaaraton Watch List.
The News-Letter sat down with DiMartino to reflect on her four successful years at Hopkins, discuss her recent honor and reveal her aspirations for her final season as a Lady Jay.
The News-Letter: How special is it to receive this honor, especially alongside your fellow Jays junior Haley Schweizer and senior Ryan Brown?
Dene’ DiMartino: It’s an amazing honor to be on that list with my teammates and the best players in the country. It just goes to show you that Hopkins women’s lacrosse especially is growing into a dominant program, and both teams are just trying to create a foundation and set a tone for what Hopkins lacrosse is all about. Haley and Ryan are both phenomenal athletes and have worked so hard throughout their careers thus far. They are a great representation of the Hopkins Lacrosse Program.
N-L: What aspects of your game do you pay most attention to in practice?
DD: I think I try to focus on every aspect of my game but especially on the defensive end. I think I try to focus on talking to my teammates, directing them and doing the best I can to come up with the ball. I think my individual one-on-one defense has improved throughout my years since it was a weakness for me but I think my teammates have really brought me along, and I love playing alongside them on the defensive end. Coming up with a stop is one of the best feelings.
N-L: Where have you most improved, and how has that helped your confidence?
DD: I think I have definitely improved on the draw. Coach Tucker has done an awesome job working with all of our draw specialists to be versatile, directive and strong, and I think we have all bought in and have done a really good job on the circle. When I was a freshman we had some great leadership with Sammy and Taylor as well as the seniors who really made me feel confident on the field, and I think I have just carried that with me through the years. Now, as a captain, I have a responsibility to be the best player I can for my team so that gives me an immense amount of confidence as well.
N-L: What personal goals have you set for your final year at Hopkins?
DD: To have no regrets, honestly. Both on the field and off I want it to be the most memorable year I have had, and I want our team to have the most success. I wouldn’t hate winning a national championship.
N-L: How is this year’s team dynamic different, and what are the team’s biggest strengths?
DD: I think we have a great team dynamic. Those who came before us really set the tone for what our team wanted to be about, and we are all such great friends and play so well with one another on the field. Our biggest strengths are that we are scrappy and relentless but we’re sometimes inconsistent, which is a big weakness for us in tight games. We just focus on getting better every day and letting everything else kind of fall into place.
N-L: When you aren’t playing lacrosse, how do you like to spend your time?
DD: Usually I’m doing homework but when I decide I don’t want to do that anymore, my roommates and I are usually out getting ice cream or pizza or Chipotle. We like to eat a lot. When it’s nice out, we’ll go down to the harbor and go paddle boating or go shopping.
N-L: What are your plans after this season, and what will you miss most about the Hopkins lacrosse program?
DD: I am currently applying to nursing school so I should be hearing back in a few weeks. I want to get my RN license and eventually get my masters in pediatrics. I think the one thing I will miss most about the Hopkins Lacrosse Program is the family that I have been so fortunate to be part of for the last four years. I truly have learned so much from my teammates and coaches, and the memories I have created are absolutely unreal. I know my friendships with these people will last a lifetime.
DiMartino and the team will travel to Columbus to take on Ohio State this Saturday.
