More than a face in the crowd

Player Profile:

Kristin Moyer

Field Hockey
Senior forward

This Friday may be the last time Kristin Moyer straps on her shin guards, pulls up her royal blue socks and steps onto the field to represent Eastern Mennonite University field hockey.

Probably not, though.

The Moyer-led Lady Royals will face Washington & Lee University in the semi-finals of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference tournament at 2:30 pm on the grass fields of Virginia Wesleyan College. EMU defeated the Generals 5-3 during the regular season. They led 4-1 when lightning interrupted play midway through the second half. W&L outscored EMU 2-1 in the replay, but the 10-8 Generals squeaked by Randolph Macon to advance to the semi-finals.

For Moyer, the upcoming game marks the culmination of season birth from uncertainty. She spent the spring semester studying in Australia and admits that field hockey wasn’t a priority. She relished the break from competitive play. Her only competitions at Macquarie University were with the school’s club team. The team was loosely organized, practicing a few times a week. Moyer played occasionally and was shocked when the team traveled to Olympic Stadium for an evening game. The laid-back atmosphere contrasted sharply with the world famous venue.

Later in the spring, teammate Jonalyn Denlinger visited Moyer at MU. Both had been picked by Franklin & Marshall University’s Melissa Reiss to participate in the Arafura Games in nearby Darwin. The tournament featured international teams as well as an American contingent.

Moyer admittedly felt strange on the field.

"Jonalyn said how much she missed playing, and I didn’t feel the same," said Moyer.

Moyer’s time away from school, and hockey, made her apprehensive about returning to the familiar turf of EMU.

"I wasn’t really sure what I was coming back to. Coach Lou (Moore) resigned in January or February." Moyer’s doubts were founded. Moore’s absence hindered recruiting. Moyer noted that bringing in a talented freshman class was "lucky".

Yet, she hopes the postseason can be an experience that underclassmen will enjoy. Moyer was on the Royals’ last NCAA qualifying team as a freshman. Though they lost in the first round of the national tournament, she has good memories.

"Nationals is so fun. I’d love to be able to give the freshman that experience," she said.

Moyer’s big game experience has been a huge factor in her success. "I’m not as nervous this year," she said. She’s managed to calm nerves and let the game come to her.

Her relaxed approach is getting results and attention. Her 29 Goals and 67 Points lead division III and grabbed national attention. Sports Illustrated listed Moyer in its Faces in The Crowd feature of the Oct. 20 Issue.

"I didn’t even know I was nominated," said Moyer. [Sports Information Director] Seth [McGuffin] called me and asked me to come to his office to get a picture for faces in the crowd."

Moyer may have been caught off guard with the photo request, but she’s ready for the ODAC tournament. She’s not looking past W&L, but does see a Saturday showdown with undefeated Virginia Wesleyan College on the horizon. Whatever the outcome of the weekend's games, Moyer has one goal in mind.

"I’d like to go out with a bang."