Excerpts of this interview with Jenna Collins, a three-time All-Patriot League midfielder for NCAA women’s lacrosse semifinalist Navy, appear in the September/October edition of US Lacrosse Magazine. Don’t get the mag? Join US Lacrosse today to start your subscription.
What’s one thing that always puts you in a good mood?
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt. Whenever my sisters and I are together, we always have to go to Menchie’s and sample every flavor available at least once a week.
Who’s your favorite athlete?
Michael Phelps. He is a remarkable athlete. He is still dominating and winning gold medals even at the age of 30.
If you could marry a celebrity, who would it be?
Ryan Reynolds, he's very, very, very attractive and has a great personality. Blake Lively and Ryan seem like they have a great relationship, so I guess I am out of luck.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
My twin sister, Julia. She is on the team with me and is my rock at the Naval Academy. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.
What’s your favorite sports movie?
Top three: 1. “Miracle;” 2. “Glory Road;” 3. “We Are Marshall.”
If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Ronald Reagan because not only was he a good actor, but he was an even better president. He could do it all!
What type of animal would best describe your style of play?
The great white shark. They are little, sneaky killers, but when they attack, you know. (Yes, I am watching “Shark Week” as I write this).
What is your favorite hobby (other than lacrosse)?
Baking. I’m not the best at it, but sometimes I like to think I am Betty Crocker.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
Skiing and snowboarding. I still always get on my parents for never taking me snowboarding or skiing. I would love to know how to do all those cool flips and tricks.
Who is your role model?
Cindy Timchal. She is a legend in lacrosse. She is an amazing coach, and I am lucky to get to play for her.
What is your favorite inspirational quotation?
The Haitian proverb, “Beyond mountains, there are mountains.” Coach Timchal would say this quote all the time during the postseason. To me, it means there’s always going to be challenges, one after another, in your life, but it’s how you react and continue to push yourself.
What are your pregame rituals?
My sister, Julia, always has to be the last stick I hit before the first draw of every game.
What’s been the proudest moment of your career?
Beating the defending national champions (North Carolina) to advance to the final four, and being part of a team that made history for women’s sports at a service academy. (Navy women’s lacrosse was the first women’s team from a service academy ever to compete in a final four in any sport.)
What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome?
Plebe summer. I remember thinking to myself, “Just make it to the next meal.”
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
The summer going into my junior year at the Naval Academy, I got to fly in a T-34 training aircraft. We did barrel rolls, flips, and I got to see all of San Diego while I was upside down. I was just happy I didn’t pass out or get sick!
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
FBI agent. I grew up watching shows like “CSI,” “NCIS,” and “24,” so I wanted to be just like all of the characters.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Maryland crabs. It’s the only thing I ask for on my birthday, and we stay outside for hours picking crabs.
What’s on your bucket list?
Visit every continent, even Antarctica. Or go to outer space, but I think that’s a long shot.
OVERTIME from Maryland attacker Megan Whittle
Chipotle or Qdoba?
I like Chipotle, but I would have to say Qdoba wins because they have queso.
DOUBLE OVERTIME from @aricvale_14
What was your favorite memory as a kid playing lacrosse?
I played club for Rebels lacrosse. My favorite memory would be getting to play with all my friends all summer. We would have the best times at lacrosse tournaments!
Pose a question for our next subject.
If you couldn’t play lacrosse, what sport would you play?