A nursing major, Ashley Mueskes put together her best season as a collegian this fall as a senior captain of the Endicott women's soccer team. After netting single goals as a sophomore and junior, the 5-foot-5-inch forward paced the Gulls with 7 goals, 4 assists, and 18 total points. Endicott (9-8-3) lost in the Commonwealth Coast Conference quarterfinals to Roger Williams in overtime. In the ECAC Division 3 tournament, the Gulls played Emerson to a 1-1 tie before losing on penalty kids. At Georgetown, she captained the soccer team.
Q. After the loss to Roger Williams, did you have a good feeling about the team's chances of getting a bid to the ECAC tournament?
A. "I was nervous. I would have done anything to have the season continue, and to find out it was going to was a big relief. Getting to play even one more game was awesome."
Q. Where did all your goal scoring come from this year?
A. "I think I've always been more of a playmaker my whole life, and going into this season, I wanted to make more of a statement as an offensive player. I worked with my coaches on a lot of shooting drills, and all the training paid off. It's been rewarding to be a senior and to be able to get on the board."
Q. How difficult is it to juggle a demanding major such as nursing with playing a sport in college?
A. "It can be very hard. You really have to manage your schedule well. People ask all the time how you do it as a nursing major, we put so many hours into studying. It's worth the sacrifice. I love being able to do both. It's very rewarding."
Q. When did you decide you wanted to become a nurse?
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A. "I always knew I didn't want an office job. I wanted to be on my feet and working one-on-one with people. I went in and out about physical therapy and I've had some family members who are nurses. When I looked into nursing as I was touring Endicott, I fell in love with the program. It's really the perfect career path for me."
Q. What type of nursing interests you most?
A. "This fall I've been working in intensive care, and that's an area I want to pursue. I like how fast-paced it is and it seems there are less patients per nurse so you can work hands-on with every patient. I also love maternity nursing and would like to work in neo-natal nursing or labor and delivery later."
Q. What's your favorite place to hang out on campus?
A. "Definitely the three beaches on campus when it's nice out."
Q. Do you have a wish list of a place you'd like to visit in this country or elsewhere?
A. "Actually, on winter break this winter, I'm going on a trip with the nursing program to the Dominican Republic for eight days. We're going to volunteer and set up clinics and shadow in both public and private hospitals there. We'll get a view of what health care is like in a Third World country.
Q. Do you have a secret talent?
A. "I've danced all my life. I did tap, jazz, and ballet. When I was younger, I did it at the same time as soccer. When I got to the high school level, it didn't all fit into my schedule and I chose soccer over everything else. Most people at school don't know that about me. They started a dance club at school, and I might join for the spring semester. Plus, I could say skiing. Downhill and cross-country. I love to downhill ski. Usually I go to Mount Sunapee. We go to Loon and Waterville Valley, too, and Bretton Woods is my favorite mountain."
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Q. Where do you see yourself in five years?
A. "I'd love to get an apartment in Boston and work at a Boston hospital. I'd probably work locally at first at a hospital near my house and get some experience."