Athlete of the week: field hockey's Kelley Wentling

Athlete of the week: field hockey's Kelley Wentling

Jersey Number: 13

Height: 5’6”

Year: Senior

Hometown: Reading, Pennsylvania

High School: Holy Name High School

Spider field hockey goalie Kelley Wentling had a superb showing this weekend, making several key saves in the A-10 Championship and not allowing any goals through two tournament games. In addition to earning a spot on the all-tournament team, she was also named the Most Outstanding Player in the A-10 Tournament for her instrumental role in the team’s championship run. Her two shutouts over the weekend gave her seven for the season, the most in the A-10.

Q&A with Wentling:

Q: When did you start playing field hockey?

A: I started in junior high school. I was a big soccer player, but my coach convinced me to play field hockey, too.

Q: What was the best moment of your field hockey career?

A: I’d say Saturday was one of my top moments along with when we won our county championships back in high school.

Q: Why’d you choose to play at UR?

A: My brother actually went here, and I fell in love with the school. Academically, it was my first choice so our coach worked with me on that, and it became both my dream school for field hockey and academics.

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals?

A: For me personally, I always wear the same socks, same Spandex, everything is the same. I do wash it though surprisingly (laughs). For the team, we write our opponents’ name on the white board and write words that start with that first letter and then coach comes in for a pep talk.

Q: Who’s your funniest teammate?

A: That’s a tough call. I can’t pick one.

Q: Do you have a teammate you’re closest with?

A: I live with Helen Warner, so I’m pretty close with her.

Q: Which other UR team is your favorite to watch?

A: The women’s soccer program was awesome this year.

Q: If you could have dinner with three people, whom would you pick?

A: Jennifer Aniston, Sandra Bullock and Peyton Manning.

Q: What do you want your legacy to be at UR?

A: I want our team to be remembered as the one that fought until the end. We’ve had a lot of obstacles and trials this season, and winning the A-10 was a huge deal for us. I think leaving a legacy of being fighters is what I want for us. 

Contact reporter Walter Abrams at walter.abrams@richmond.edu