Jaksina is busy year around on the FPU campus

By Anthony Chighisola (Athletic Communications Student Writer)

(Editor’s Note: The latest installment of feature stories on Franklin Pierce Student-Athletes takes a look at field hockey/women’s lacrosse senior Kim Jaksina. From the beginning of the school year to the end of the school year, Jaksina is busy being a standout for both the field hockey and women’s lax teams. She does this all the while being a standout in the classroom. Kim is coming off a memorable senior season in field hockey as she earned All-America honors from the NFHCA. She is currently gearing up for lacrosse season, which begins in March).

AC: What position do you play in lacrosse?

KJ: Defense.

AC: What position do you play in field hockey?

KJ: Defense or midfield.

AC: What is your favorite part about being at Franklin Pierce?

KJ: Its small size. I'm from a small town, so I enjoy the close-knit community feel that FPU has.

AC: How is it having the same coach for two sports?

KJ: It is great, because going from field hockey to lacrosse I don't have to worry about a different coaching style. coach (Meighan) Guiney knows how I am going to react to different situations on and off the field and I know how she will react. Of course, there is a downside since I have had coach Guiney for seven (going on eight) seasons now she knows my every move. I could turn my back to roll my eyes and she still knows I am rolling my eyes (laughter). That never goes over well (laughter).

AC: How is it playing two collegiate sports?

KJ: It’s awesome! I love everything about it. It adds structure to my days and keeps me busy. Also, being on two teams has given me a family of 40 girls who I would do anything for and I know they would do the same for me. Throughout field hockey and lacrosse I have met some of my best friends.

AC: Who is your idol, or who do you look up to?

KJ: My sister (Kayleigh). She also played field hockey and lacrosse at Franklin Pierce. If it wasn't for her I probably would have quit after my first day of field hockey preseason practice my freshman year.

AC: What does an average day at FPU look like for you?

KJ: Class, practice, class, study hall, bed and repeat.

AC: What is your biggest accomplishment so far in college?

KJ: I would say my biggest accomplishment was the entire 2011 field hockey season. I think individually and as a team we played great. I felt honored to be a part of a team that was so close on and off the field. And our third place finish in the regular season of the NE-10 was awesome!

AC: What do you want to do after graduation?

KJ: When I graduate from FPU I would like to go on to graduate school to become an occupational therapist.

AC: Any advice for people who want to play two sports in college?

KJ: Don't think that you won't have enough time to enjoy college. I play two sports and have plenty of time to enjoy the normal "college life.”

AC: How hard is it academically playing two sports in college?

KJ: Not hard at all. I have study hall twice a week and the 48-hour rule on most Fridays, so between those two things I have enough time to get my work done.

AC: Is there one sport you prefer over the other?

KJ: Field hockey, hands down.

AC: Which sport do you feel your better at?

KJ: Definitely field hockey.