Ram-in-action: Chessa Kownurko
By Jessica Wetzler
Contributing Writer
Field hockey senior goalkeeper Chessa Kownurko, from North Wales, Pennsylvania, begins her final season as a Ram with her sights set on improving team communication and qualifying for the Atlantic Ten tournament amidst coaching turnover.
Kownurko ended last season with a .695 save percentage rate and played a total of 1,270 minutes throughout the entire season.
What are your thoughts for the upcoming season as you enter your senior year?
We are a very close team and I couldn’t ask for a better group to finish out my career with. I think our team is very balanced and we have a deep bench this year.
How has the adjustment to a new coaching staff affected you or the team? Have you noticed any differences in the way coach Bean and the coaching staff have played out this season compared to last season with coach Baker?
After seeing the tempo during preseason, and everyone’s level of commitment I think that this year is going to be a strong one for us as a program.
Will you be the starting goalkeeper this season?
Every day in practice Suzie (Pileckas) and I train together, but we also compete. Positions are awarded based on how we do in practice and the work that we put in. I started and played all of the scrimmage at American (University) and I hope to start the rest of the games this season, however, no positions are set in stone.
Overall, what are your goals for the new season? Do you hope to qualify for the A-10 championship this year?
For us to play to the level that we know we can. I have seen the potential that we have as a team and I would love to see us reach that each and every time we step onto the field. I do hope that we qualify for A-10s, and hey, why not go for broke?
Why did you decide to play field hockey? Was there a specific moment that made you realize that this is what you wanted to do?
My mom is actually in the Villanova hall of fame from her time on the hockey team there, and she was a big part of my decision to go forward with it. She was a little disappointed I ended up as a goalie and not a star forward but I think she has come to accept it.
Why did you decide to play for VCU?
On my first and only visit here the team told me a story about a 15 minute plank challenge that they had earlier in lift that week. They were told to get into planks and hold them as long as physically possible to try and get to 15 minutes. They joked about how awful it was but every one of them held on until their bodies gave out and they talked about the fact that your body is stronger than your mind thinks it is. The sense of commitment and camaraderie really made me want to be a part of this team. I think that is still a huge part of our team culture — pushing each other past what we think our limits are.
As a senior, you have seen the team grow over the years. Do you see any potential in the incoming freshman as they start their first season with the team?
I’ve watched the team grow and evolve into what it is now. We got a little better every year and I think this year especially we have made a huge jump. We were a young team for a good amount of time, but I think that we have gained a lot of experience and insight. I see a crazy amount of potential in our incoming freshman, not just in terms of skill but how they fit into the playing style that we are creating as our team identity. They fit into the culture that we want to establish, and the quirky personality that we have as a group.
What has been, in your opinion, your best athletic moment during your time here at VCU?
Last year in competitive and high intensity game against University of Richmond, a high ball was sent wide to the right of the cage and tipped by a player that was waiting there. I was off my angle and had to dive up and backward to make the save. I cherry picked it out of the top right corner of the goal with the head of my stick and then landed inside the goal. It sounds kind of lame explained in words, but I assure you it was pretty cool looking. I also need to give senior defense Alaina Madeline credit for staying in the play (even though it looked like the ball had already gone in) and clearing the ball out immediately after it came off my stick.
Do you have any plans to continue to play field hockey after you graduate?
I have the option to take my fifth year (as I was a redshirt freshman), but after I’m done with VCU Field Hockey I do not see myself pursuing it any further.
Was there anything specific that you wanted to work on or improve with yourself or the team this season in comparison to last season?
It has been really exciting working with (coach) Annie (Zinkavich) on goalie skills and defensive organization. We have been focusing a lot on off pace, bouncy, weird, game-like shots and situations. I want to increase my save percentage and I think that with everything we have been working on it is a realistic goal. In terms of team improvement, we really want to improve communication. It is important that everyone talks regardless of position or class in order for our game play to run the way we want it to.
