Kinzley Miller, Lancaster Country Day School, senior, attack
Q: What’s your origin story in terms of lacrosse -- when did you start playing the sport and what got you started?
Miller: “I’ve been playing since third grade. I started playing in club lacrosse, for the local Phantastix West team for coach O (Claudia Ovchinnikoff, who also serves as the Hempfield High School girls lacrosse coach) for a few years. She’s been a great mentor. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be playing.”
Q: What are some strengths of this year’s team?
Miller: “Offense. We have multiple goal-scorers. They’ve been working very hard behind the scenes and now is their time to shine. It’s neat to see them grow.”
Q: Your home field is undergoing construction as it is being converted to a turf surface. In the interim, where has the team been practicing and what has that challenge been like?
Miller: “We’ve been practicing at Weaver Fields (in Manheim Township). We’re probably going to play some of our home games there to start the season, too. It’s just another opportunity to go through adversity and still be able to get practices in and get better.”
Q: There’s a good chance the construction of the new turf field will be completed this spring, allowing the team a chance to play there. How excited are you for that potential?
Miller: “We’ve been playing on grass for a long time. To be able to now play on turf feels like we’re a real varsity-level program.”
Q: In regards to you individually at attack, what have you been working to improve on from last season to now?
Miller: “I’ve been going to Power Train. So I’ve been trying to get stronger. And I’m getting better at dodging. And I’ve been working at getting better on my left hand so I’m more even-strength in terms of what side I’m shooting from.”
Q:You're going to play at (NCAA Division II) Lynn University in Florida next year.”
Miller: “I’m doing sports management.”
Q: Time for some fun questions. What’s your favorite school subject?
Miller: “History. I love learning about our country.”
Q: If there’s a point in history you could go back to what would it be?
Miller: “The 2000s. I think it would be fun to live without social media.”
Q: Are you superstitious?
Miller: “I just have to watch highlight film of college lacrosse before a game. I like to study the game a lot so I can take what I see and apply it to my own game. It’s very important to watch things like footwork and apply it to your own game. I watch a lot during the week, and whatever I find most impactful that’s what I’ll study the day before a game.”
Q: What’s a song you know every word to?
Miller: “I know a lot of Cardi B songs.”
Q: Now that you’re a senior, what advice would you give to yourself as a freshman?
Miller: “You have to erase every mistake. If you hold onto it you’re never going to be able to enjoy the sport. Every day is a new day.”
