March 11, 2010
As a sophomore during the 2009 season, Jackie Doherty burst onto the scene as a starting defender for the women’s lacrosse team. Now a junior, Doherty looks to add to the success she experienced last season, when she netted nine goals and twelve assists, totaling 21points. As an integral part of the defensive unit, Doherty’s unique combination of defensive toughness and offensive finesse brings versatility to the Irish attack. UND.com recently had the chance to learn a little more about Doherty, both on and off the field.
1. Growing up in Maryland, you were an extremely accomplished high school athlete. What about Notre Dame encouraged you to leave the East Coast, where lacrosse is so strongly emphasized?
I wanted to do something different and more challenging than everyone else from my area. I wanted to go to a growing program and take it to the next level.
2. What is the best thing about being part of the Notre Dame lacrosse program?
The best thing is most definitely the Craig Cheek workout plan. (Cheek is the team’s strength & conditioning coach)
3. Who has been your inspiration?
My family – my sister Mady who has to work harder than anyone just to get by, my siblings that are constantly competing with me, and my parents who are always encouraging me to have fun.
4. Do you prefer playing games indoor or outdoor? Why?
Outdoor. Lacrosse is an outdoor sport. With that said, I would not be pleased to play outside in the midst of a lovely South Bend winter.
5. What are your thoughts on the new (Arlotta) stadium?
The stadium is incredible. There is no other lacrosse facility that compares.
6. Is there any significance to your #3 jersey? If so, what?
Besides my admiration for Allen Iverson and Diana Taurasi, it is most definitely to honor Adam Felicetti.
7. Where is your favorite place to play on the road? Least favorite?
I think my favorite is Georgetown because I like having a large crowd and playing close to home. My least favorite is the Carrier Dome (at Syracuse); I don’t get it.
8. Your team plays a few games in the Maryland area (Georgetown, Loyola (Md.)); do you anticipate a strong fan base for the Irish? If so, what will it be like to play in front of your hometown crowd?
There will definitely be a strong fan base, not only of family but friends and fans as well. It’ s always awesome to play in front of my hometown crowd because I get to play in front of the people that have cheered me on my whole life.
9. Who is the most accomplished person that you have competed against?
Meggie Bosica is definitely the most accomplished person I have competed against. She is my teammate from high school and we played against her at North Carolina in the quarterfinals last year. She is a lethal combination of athletic intelligence and finesse.
10. If you couldn’t play lacrosse, which sport would you most like to pursue? Why?
I would pursue basketball. It’s my favorite sport because it exposes pure athleticism.
11. What is your favorite pre-game meal? What is the best recovery food after a practice or game?
Probably two fried eggs, bacon, a bagel, and fruit. My favorite post-game meal is a Five Guys bacon cheeseburger and fries.
12. What is your favorite place on campus?
North Dining Hall round table.
13. What is your pre-game routine? How do you unwind after a game?
I don’t have a routine, I just dance. After a game, I’d like to say I shower and then go out with my friends.
14. What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given? Who gave it?
If you didn’t come to fight, you came to the wrong party. My high school basketball and lacrosse coach Tony Giro told us that before one of our basketball games.
15. If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring collegiate athlete, what would it be?
Words cannot explain what being a collegiate athlete means. Find the team and school that you fit in best with and the decision should come easily.
16. When did you realize you had a passion for lacrosse?
I realized my passion for lacrosse soon after switching over from softball. I grew up in a community that was known for lacrosse, and I liked playing with the best and competing against the best.
17. You have been a proven winner throughout high school and college and you are no stranger to success. Your team entered the season ranked #8 in the preseason poll. How do you manage the added pressure instigated by the high expectations?
I don’t think there is pressure until you’re No. 1.
18. If you could only take one thing away from your experience at Notre Dame, what do you hope it would be?
I think the team experience has been incredible. The things that a team goes through together are unparalleled. Whether it’s hundreds of pushups and running sprints or celebrating BIG EAST championships, the team experience covers it all.
19. Where do you envision yourself 10 years from now?
I will either be in a kitchen raising a herd of kids or in a rainforest playing with chimps.
20. How do you most like to spend your free time?
I like to spend my free time watching movies or doing nothing. It is safe to say I can do nothing better than anyone.
21. If someone could describe you in one word, what do you hope it would be?
Relentless
22. What has been your fondest memory in your accomplished lacrosse career thus far?
My best memory would be of my sophomore or junior year of high school when we beat the No. 2 team in the nation in front of over 3,000 people.
23. What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
As loony as I may seem, I am an old soul. I like black and white movies and listening to the Rat Pack and doo wop.
24. What intrigued you about the anthropology major?
As a child I always visited the Philadelphia zoo with my aunt and was obsessed with the primates. Every Christmas I ask for a chimp so it seemed only natural that I study primates.
25. What is the best class you have taken at Notre Dame?
It would have to be one of my Anthro classes; probably my intro to Anthro class, anything to do with chimps is cool. However, I am currently in Forensic Anthropology which is pretty exciting too.
— ND —