Sr. Mary's senior Kelsey Branch helps her women's lacrosse teammates.  Not only is this week's INTRODUCING ... featured student-athlete a team captain this year, but she was among the team, conference and national leaders for assists in the last two seasons.

What is your background in the sport you play? I have been playing lacrosse for 15 years.  I started out playing for Parkville Rec, then Jarrettsville Rec when I moved. I played throughout high school at North Harford with 2 years on JV and 2 on varsity.  I have played for the Seahawks for the last three years and I am looking forward to my final season this coming spring.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  My favorite spot on campus is the hill out front of the admissions building.  On a good day, the view is beautiful and it is a very peaceful spot to sit and think (as long as cars aren't going by).

Other than your team, what organization(s) do you participate in?  I am not in any other organizations, but our team is a big advocate of community service.  We have participated in American Education Week, reading books to elementary school children, and we are having a lacrosse equipment drive and are participating in the Flow Mentoring Program in the upcoming semester.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  I think the most important societal issue that college students are facing right now, along with the rest of the nation, is the impact of the economy.  As college students, preparing to enter the working world, it is hard to see the economic collapse that is leaving so many unemployed and expect to accomplish the great things that we have been working toward during our educations.  Many students have worries about loans to pay off and debts they will have as a result.  It is a large problem that affects everyone, and it hits college students hard.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  My major in college is English.  It has taught me how to view the world with an analytic mind, seeing how narrative is influential over the way our world works and how we, as human beings, relate to it.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?   Other than my family members, my best friend's father (Tad Aburn), and my lacrosse coach for 10 years, has had a huge impact on the way I play lacrosse and the way I see life.  He has taught me, and the rest of my Jarrettsville and club teammates, that it is all right to lose, as long as you learn from your mistakes and have a good time.  Over the 10 years that I played for him, I was surrounded with teammates who turned into my dearest friends, and we all had a great leader with a sincere and positive outlook on the game and of life.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?  My advice to elementary school children would be to make friends that you will keep.  Some of my closest friends are ones that I met in elementary school and it is relationships like that which will get you through life as a happy and compassionate person.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?   My favorite form of entertainment is reading.  I love books of all kinds.  As an English major, I have set schedules for books I have to read, which causes a little stress in my day, but when I have the time to read for leisure, it is relaxing and enjoyable.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?   My favorite sports team is the Baltimore Ravens.  I love their defensive tenacity, and Ray Rice is quickly becoming my favorite offensive player, second only to my favorite, Derrick Mason.  Their drive and determination shows their audience what it means to want to win, which is something that I really admire.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with.  I would love to have dinner with Ray Lewis because he is extraordinarily entertaining on the football field (anyone who has seen his entrance at a game or an interview).  I would also dine with William Shakespeare, whom everyone knows to be the most influential figure in English literature in all of history. It would be monumental to be able to talk with him and ask him questions about his life and work.  The third person I would have dinner with is Paul McCartney, just because he is a Beatle, and who doesn't want to be in the presence of a Beatle?  I recently saw him perform and it was great to see him bring life to his other band mates by carrying on their legacy, despite his age.  I think having a conversation with these three would bring out some good topics and be a lot of fun.