IUPAthletics.com Feature: Q&A with Megan Woodworth

INDIANA, Pa. - IUPAthletics.com caught up with rising senior defender Megan Woodworth.

Woodworth enters her senior season as the Crimson Hawks' most experienced field player with 38 games and 37 starts in her career. She's one of two returning players who have started 37 straight matches over the last two seasons.

A trusted back, Woodworth has helped IUP tally a combined 10 shutouts in the last two seasons. The Crimson Hawks didn't allow an opponent goal six times in 2019, with Woodworth helping a defense that gave up just 1.37 goals per match. IUP went 10-8 in the regular season, including 8-8 in PSAC Western Division play, and advanced to the conference tournament only to fall to eventual champion Slippery Rock in the opening round. 

Where are you right now?
Currently I am home with my brother and parents in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, about 10 minutes outside of Harrisburg.
 
What is your reaction to the PSAC's decision to suspend fall sports in 2020?
The decision to suspend the fall 2020 season did not come as a shock to me.  As I am devastated that my senior season may not be happening, I understand the decision that had to be made. Keeping my family and my teammates safe is more important than playing a game.
 
How are you interacting with your teammates?
We all have a GroupMe together where we are constantly chatting about updates on our fall season as we find out new information. We are trying to keep the team chemistry high going into the fall to help build what we had last year that helped us be so successful.

What have you been doing/what will you do to stay in shape and ready to play?
All summer I have been lifting and running consistently to get ready for our season. The suspension of our season does not change my work ethic going into the fall. Showing up stronger and faster in the fall will only help when we finally get to play in the spring.
 
What gives you encouragement and motivation during this time?
Seeing my teammates post pictures and videos of them working out has helped with my motivation being stuck inside. Knowing that they are still putting in the work during quarantine helps motivate me on the days I don't feel like getting out of bed.
 
What positives have you taken away from everything that is happening in the world over the last several months?
I think the pandemic has taught me that I should be grateful that I am healthy and still able to workout my body. Another positive is I have gotten to hang out with my brother and parents more!
 
Have you traveled anywhere or done anything fun or interesting this summer?
I have not traveled anywhere outside of PA this summer as I am trying to follow the social distancing guidelines.

What is something that you and your family/friends have been doing to pass the time?
As a family we go on lots of walks (fun right lol). You can find me either working, working out or watching Netflix at any given point to try and pass time.

How was your transition to online classes this spring?
I am a business marketing student so my transition to online classes was not too difficult. The first two weeks I had to remind myself that I was not home for winter break and actually had homework to do. However, once I got a calendar and organized all my homework and tests, I found myself setting time aside each day to do my schoolwork.
 
What are you looking forward to the most when you get back to campus?
My teammates! My teammates add so much joy and laughter into my life. I miss hanging out and laughing with them every day before practice. I especially miss fellow seniors. They have become some of my best friends and I can't wait to see them all again!
 
Do you have any plans or goals for after graduation?
I do not have any set plans for after graduation besides getting a job, like everyone else. Being a marketing major I can go in a wide variety of directions with my degree. I currently am looking into a sales or a digital marketing position. My overall goal is to have a job offer already lined up before I graduate.

What advice do you give to your fellow Crimson Hawks?
Stay positive, strong, and united. It is easy to get upset about the circumstances we are facing as a nation, in addition to being student athletes. This is the time we all need to come together and have each other's back. Make sure you are encouraging your teammates and other fellow Crimson Hawks to have a strong positive mindset for the future.
 
Why did you choose to attend IUP?
IUP had everything that I was looking for. It was the perfect size campus, being slightly larger than other state schools. IUP also allowed me to be a part of the Business Honors Program, showing me that I could excel academically here. I also knew that being in the PSAC I was going to be challenged as an athlete and face great competition.