Lawrick Looks Forward to Fall Classic

Sheena Lawrick, the Huskers' fifth-year undergraduate assistant coach for the 2006 season, will put on the uniform, lace up the cleats and take the field at Bowlin Stadium this weekend, just as she has for the last four years as the starting first baseman for the Nebraska softball team. But when she takes the field this weekend, she will still be wearing red, but this time for her native country of Canada and the Canadian National Team.

Lawrick and her teammates have been training at Bowlin Stadium all week as part of the National Team's selection camp to help determine the country's roster for the Pan American Softball Championship in late November. Lawrick, who is still attending classes while working to complete her undergraduate degree at Nebraska, took time out of her busy schedule to chat this week about playing in this weekend's Husker Fall Classic, facing her former teammates and to reflect upon how playing for NU has helped her reach the highest level of the sport.

Below is a question-and-answer feature with Lawrick, who was a two-time captain for NU, as well as the 2004 Richard Raimondi Memorial Scholarship recipient:

How does Team Canada feel about playing in this weekend’s Husker Fall Classic?

Lawrick: "The team is really excited. We don't usually get to play in that many games this time of year so we feel pretty lucky to have the chance to compete against some great teams."

How did your physical development as a player at Nebraska help you prepare for the challenges of facing the top players in the world for the Canadian National Team?

Lawrick: "

I can honestly say that Nebraska is fully responsible for my development as a player. I have learned so much from every coach on the Nebraska staff as well as my teammates from the past. I think being able to compete in a conference like the Big 12 also provided great competition to grow from."

How has being a student-athlete at Nebraska helped you mentally prepare for the challenges of being an Olympic athlete?

Lawrick: "

Being a student-athlete at Nebraska has taught me all about priorities, time management and setting and achieving goals whether they be academic or athletic. We have so many great resources available to us as student-athletes that it really makes it easy to accomplish what you want. It's tough when you want to train for the Olympics because it really is your top priority and full-time job. I think Nebraska has taught me to balance life and sports."

How do you feel about having Coach Sippel as your head coach, considering you currently work with her at Nebraska and played under her for four years as a Husker?

Lawrick: "

I love having Coach Sippel as our head coach for Canada. I consider myself very lucky to be able to work beside her everyday as the fifth-year undergraduate assistant coach and to take any and every opportunity to learn from her. I already thought I was blessed to have her as one of my coaches for four years as a Husker, now I can't wait for the next four years I hope to have with her."

The Canadian National Team has been training in Lincoln and Bowlin Stadium all week. What do your teammates think of the facilities and of the town?

Lawrick: "

They love the facilities!!! They have said nothing but how beautiful Bowlin Stadium is and how lucky Nebraska is to have such a great field. We don't have anything in Canada that comes close to the standard of Bowlin. They've also mentioned how much they love the support that Lincoln has for its Huskers!" 

What will it be like to face Nebraska on Sunday since you are still active with the Husker program as a fifth-year undergraduate assistant coach and played with a majority of the team as a senior last season?

Lawrick: "

Well I'd like to say that I will be a little torn, but right now I think I have to treat the Huskers as just another opponent. I'll respect them as I would any other team and compete just as I will expect them to compete. I think it will be a great opportunity for each side to learn."

How does it make you feel knowing that you will get to play at least a few more games at Bowlin Stadium, even if it is with Team Canada?

Lawrick: "

Second chances don't come along that often and I do consider this a second chance. Knowing that my last game ended in a loss causes some knots in my stomach, but I love that I have an opportunity to step on the field again. I'll be wearing Canada on my chest, but I'm also proud to represent Nebraska whenever I can."

How does it feel to know that there is now a strong Nebraska presence in the Canadian Olympic softball program?

Lawrick: "

I think it's just great. I personally consider myself very lucky to have my two loves in softball now connected. I love that I have the opportunity to share Nebraska with my teammates for a week. I consider myself truly lucky and blessed to have had the experience of Nebraska softball and I hope to bring the Big Red pride with me through my journeys with the Canadian National Team."