Samantha Parr, a senior from Dedham, Mass., has been chosen for the focus of this installment of the “Endicott Student-Athlete Spotlight” for her works both on the ice, and even more important, off of it.  Samantha is an Interior Design major that has been a member of the women's ice hockey team for four years and currently leads the team in points and assists and is tied for fourth in goals.  We were able to catch up with the senior and ask her a few questions for the Spotlight.

Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
I knew I wanted to be an Interior Design major, but didn't necessarily want to go to a design school. Endicott offered me both the program I wanted and a growing ice hockey program. I couldn't see myself going to college and not playing ice hockey. 

What do you like most about being a student-athlete at Endicott?
The sense of community. My team is like a family and we do so much together and spend so much time together. 

What are some of the greatest lessons you have learned from being a student-athlete?
How to balance. My major is very demanding, like a lot of other majors, and making a commitment to my team has really taught me how to prioritize what is important and really understand how to balance different aspects of my life. 

Who have been the most influence people in your athletic career?
My dad has always been a huge influence on my athletic career. He was my coach in high school, and even on some of the club and youth teams before that. He is a great coach and really has pushed me to become the best athlete I can be. 

How would your teammates describe you?
Competitive, but also like a grandma. A competitive grandma.

Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
I'm weird about tying and re-tying my skates. I will lace them up and then fix them three or four times before I even step on the ice. And I eat a lot of unhealthy, greasy things, like Mcdonald's. Or Dunkin Donuts. Or both. 

What is your greatest sports moment?
I've had a lot of awesome moments in my athletic career, especially at Endicott, but I'm not sure what my best moment is. I like to think it hasn't happened yet. Maybe once I join a men's league I'll be able to look back and have a better answer. 

What internships have you completed (or are a part of now)? What benefit have you gotten out of them?
Right now I'm interning for a staging company based out of Acton, Mass. Interning for a full semester on top of thesis class has taught me to appreciate 8 hours of sleep. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years after graduation? What is your dream job?
Hopefully I'll have most of my loans paid off by then...but probably not. 

What would you say to someone currently in high school who is considering attending Endicott? 
This school and its athletic programs only continue to get better, and I wish I still had four years ahead of me here. Don't miss out on this opportunity here.