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Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
(article posted by Jeremy Rushing, Student Sports Information Assistant)

Apr. 15, 2013 - Joining a program in its early stages of existence can be a challenge.  North Central College women's lacrosse player Danielle Fiala has taken that challenge head-on, becoming one of the top players in the Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference. 

Danielle has seen the transformation of this program, from being a four-win team in 2010 to already having a school-record eight wins with five games left in this season.  In her four years at North Central, Danielle has been a vital part of that transformation.  She has been named to the All-MWLC team in both 2011 and 2012, joining the second and first teams respectively, and has led the team in goals each of the past two seasons.
               
As a senior, she is already the program's career leader in goals (146), shots attempted (299) and draw controls (153), and she leads the team this season in goals scored (37) while sharing the team lead in assists (12).


How did you get involved with the game of lacrosse?
I started my freshman year of high school.  It wasn't really offered in my district until high school, but I picked it up right away and I loved it.

What made you decide to come to North Central to play?
I didn't really think about playing in college at all because it wasn't around.  But when I found out I'd have the opportunity to play a game I enjoyed at a school that was really close to home seemed like a great opportunity.

What's your favorite thing about lacrosse?
Working together to accomplish a goal.  Lacrosse takes a total team effort on both the offensive and defensive ends. 

What's it been like seeing this program go from four wins in 2010 to the success you've been able to have this season?
My freshman year was a struggle but it was also a learning process as well.  It's just been a building block every year to become more successful.  This year, we are doing an outstanding job and that's due to everyone buying into the system.

This year, the Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference has four new teams this year.  What's it been like not only seeing this program rise but also the sport as a whole?
It's been awesome to see women's lacrosse grow the way it has.  I personally would like to coach in the future so I also think it's a great time for me to aspire to go into that profession in the sport. 

What's your favorite thing about playing for head coach Jenni Kapanen?
Jenni really responds well to her athletes.  She knows how all of us work individually and she caters to that.  Certain plays are set up for people and how they interact on the field. 

What's the biggest different you've seen from this team, just coming off a five game winning streak, to the teams in previous years?
This year's team really works together in all aspects of the game.  We also practice every day like it's a game day.  We work hard at not only the fundamentals but advancing ourselves as well.

What's your favorite class you've taken so far at North Central?
Any of Al Carius' classes.  My favorite class of his was Psychological Aspects of Coaching.  I learned so much from him and took a lot away from that class.

Who are your biggest role models?
My parents.  My dad was an athlete in college so he taught me a lot about being a leader off and on the field.  My mom has just been so loving and supportive.  I just want to do my best for them.