Suzie Newman, a junior from Dighton, Mass., has been chosen for the focus of this installment of the “Endicott Student-Athlete Spotlight” for her works both on the field of competition, and even more important, off of it.  Suzie is an Arts Therapy major.  We were able to catch up with the women's tennis member who has now won three straight titles and asked her a few questions for our new segment.

Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
Being a division three student-athlete I am able to continue competing in the sport that I love, while still having the time and energy to focus on academics. 

What do you like most about being a student-athlete at Endicott?
I love when a professor, or any faculty in passing, congratulates me on an awesome match. At the same time, I talk with my coaches about internships and academics. I find that there is an interest from both ends and it makes it easy to go from the classroom to the court. 

What are some of the greatest lessons you have learned from being a student-athlete?
Be present in the moment. Theres no controlling outside stuff when your on the court, and theres no point in worrying about your match later that day while you're taking a test. Always pay attention to the task at hand and you won't have regrets. 

Who have been the most influence people in your athletic career?
Coaches, teammates, and family. 

How would your teammates describe you?
The reason why we get back from matches so late? I had a match this year that lasted so long we had to go inside to finish because it it was too dark to see the ball anymore. 

Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
Yes, I always re-tie my shoes as tight as I can just before I go out. It's mostly mental and I think if my shoes are tied as tight as they can be, theres no excuse to not be moving my feet for every ball. 

What is your greatest sports moment?
Can I have three? Winning three CCC titles! 

Which public figure (athlete, politician, entertainer, etc) would you most like to meet and what one question would you ask them?
Andy Roddick...can you do an impression of me playing tennis please? 

What internships have you completed (or are a part of now)? What benefit have you gotten out of them?
I have interned at an Alzheimer's assisted living with the Program Director who was an Art Therapist, and with the Artistic Coordinator of a mental health resource organization. I was able to witness the power of creativity each and every day. I meet amazing people and helped them become empowered through art and music. I definitely learned more about how art can build community and bring people together! 

If you have been involved in community service projects, what project has been the most rewarding and why?
Each year the women's tennis team volunteers at beverly elementary school at a holiday craft fair. I always look forward to doing this because I spend the time in the children's craft room where they have a blast creating gifts for their family. Its awesome to see the innate desire to create in this setting because I am an art therapy major. 

Name three things on your "bucket list".
Hold an owl, run a half marathon, travel to Ireland. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years after graduation? What is your dream job?
Practicing as an art therapist in New England.

What would you say to someone currently in high school who is considering attending Endicott? 
You won't regret it! The nest is the best. 

Is there something about you that we don't know? Tell is something special about yourself that we haven't asked!
I'm the middle child of 7, I have two sisters, and four brothers!