Re: Lax: Q&A with Washington College women's coach Julika Blankenship - John Weaver blogs about all things lacrosse

Julika Blankenship is Washington College's interim women's lacrosse coach after serving as an assistant for the past three seasons while earning a master's degree in psychology.

A native of nearby Crumpton, Blankenship played her high school lacrosse at Queen Anne's County High School and then Kent County High School. She went on to star at Gettysburg College, where she finished her career as the all-time leader in both points (309) and assists (160). As a senior captain in 2004, the first team All-American and ECAC Southern Player of the Year led the Bullets to their third consecutive Centennial Conference Championship and an NCAA Division III quarterfinal appearance.

Editor's note: This Q&A was conducted before the season. The Shorewomen are 1-0 with a win over Frostburg.

How is your preseason progressing?

Julika Blankenship: Preseason is great so far. The team has come in the best shape they have been in my four years working with them and this is my first year as the head coach.

What are your specific goals for preseason?

Julika Blankenship: To make the Centennial Conference tournament.

Give us a rundown of your probable starting personnel for 2009.

Julika Blankenship: On attack we have senior Suzie Jakub, who is our most talented attacker and was our leading goalscorer last season. She is great at getting open in the eight and has an incredibly quick finish.

Sarah Cannon will be our feeder and will be a huge threat behind the cage. Sam Ohrem is stepping into a starting position and we will look to her for strong 1-v-1 play from the top.

Brittany Lambert will lead our midfield after a breakout season last year. Brittany is our vocal leader on the field and very reliable in the defensive end as well as in transition. Liz Cumberpatch is our strongest offensive midfielder. She possesses an incredible face dodge and her stick is very sharp. Brooke Paulshock and Rachel Bartee, two freshmen, will see immediate time and will be relied on heavily defensively but also will be used in the offensive unit as go-to players.

Carly Gardner has earned a starting spot and will be the head of the defense. Freshmen Ally Yawman is our best 1-v-1 defender and will most likely be asked to mark the opponents’ top low attacker. In goal, it’s a battle. Returner Amber Madore and junior Tara Hart, who took some time away from the goal, will battle for the start.

Are there any other battles going on for key positions?

Julika Blankenship: Offensively, junior Allie Hanzsche will battle with two freshmen, Kallie Parrish and Liza Twilley, for the spot. Defensively, senior Sarah Pearce is giving the defenders a run as she is improving her 1-v-1 defense every day.

How will the personality of this 2009 team differ from the 2008 squad?

Julika Blankenship: The 2009 squad is the fastest team I have seen at WAC in four years and they are very confident ball handlers.

Who are your captains and what are their strengths?

Julika Blankenship: Brittany Lambert is a very vocal, athletic and strong player. Suzie Jakub is a goalscorer who leads by example and keeps the offensive unit organized. Allie Hanzsche keeps the whole team together. She is the one we turn to for basically EVERYTHING and she motives and encourages the team with her positive attitude.

What is the biggest weakness of your 2009 team or the thing you will look to improve over the season before the playoffs?

Julika Blankenship: We are working the most on our team defense and stopping the break on transition.

Are there any freshmen that will break into the lineup and impress us?

Julika Blankenship: Yes, we could potentially start four or five freshmen. Brooke Paulshock, Rachel Bartee and Ally Yawman will make an immediate impact for us. Brooke and Rachel will start in the midfield. Both of these players are small and very quick with great 1-v-1 skills both offensively and defensively. Yawman is our smartest, calmest defender.

Who's your hardest shooter?

Julika Blankenship: Rachel Bartee or Sarah Cannon

Best stickhandler?

Julika Blankenship: Liz Cumberpatch

Fastest middie?

Julika Blankenship: Rachel Bartee or Brittany Lambert

Toughest D?

Julika Blankenship: Brooke Paulshock

Unsung hero?

Julika Blankenship: Ally Yawman

Surprise player?

Julika Blankenship: Jamie Jones, a midfielder that probably will be first off the bench.

What is the strength of your 2009 squad?

Julika Blankenship: Speed, desire and passion.

Are you missing anyone with injuries?

Julika Blankenship: Suzie Jakub, our leading attacker, is struggling with a back injury and isn’t capable of playing a full game.

How do the coaching roles work in your program? What are the key responsibilities of your assistants?

Julika Blankenship: I am very fortunate to have a diverse staff. Lisa Valentine joins us this year from Maryland and she has brought a wealth of knowledge and her experience with such a successful program has helped to bring diversity to our attack. She works closely with the team on stickwork and shooting. Phil Schuman is our goalie coach and he does a lot of work with our defense. He does a lot of individual work with the players and it’s obvious that their 1-v-1 defensive play has improved.

How strong are your seniors?

Julika Blankenship: My two leading scorers are very good and both have made all-conference recognition. My third senior is fighting for a starting spot on defense and she is very talented.

How mature is the 2009 team?

Julika Blankenship: We are VERY young team and I will be starting 19 underclassmen. But they are a very experienced group.

Which teams are you most looking forward to playing this season? Which teams provide the biggest challenge?

Julika Blankenship: Ursinus, McDaniel, Rowan, Dickinson -- all teams that in past years have beat us. We have closed the gap recently and are ready to take the next step. Gettysburg is my alma mater, so naturally I look forward to that game and showing them how far we have come as a program in four years.

Who's the coach you fear opposing the most?

Julika Blankenship: Carol Cantele. I wouldn’t say I fear her. I just want to be able to produce a great strategy, like she does, and be able to counterattack anything she throws at us. She is known for having a very disciplined squad and having many different tools.

How strong is the Maryland/Baltimore area for recruiting these days?

Julika Blankenship: There are sooooooo many good programs!

Do you do a summer camp?

Julika Blankenship: My assistant and I have just started Shore Shot Lacrosse Inc. and we are hosting a camp at WAC July 23-26.

How many camps should a kid play in the summers if she wants to play in college?

Julika Blankenship: The more lacrosse experience, the better. They will get seen regardless. There are so many opportunities these days.

Are you a fan of multi-sport athletes when recruiting?

Julika Blankenship: Kids that have played basketball in high school always prove to be smart defensively for me. I like kids that are used to being active.

Who were your influences in coaching?

Julika Blankenship: My dad. He’s a student of the game. My college coach, Carol Cantele, is someone that aspire to be like.

Would you rather be the underdog or favorite in a big game?

Julika Blankenship: Favorite.

Do your players see you as a friend, mother figure, teacher or boss?

Julika Blankenship: A teacher or boss.

What's the most important trait of a great player?

Julika Blankenship: Dedication and passion.

More lacrosse Q&As:

• Stevenson women's coach Kathy Railey

• Salisbury coach men's Jim Berkman

• Goucher women's coach Katie Trainor

• Hood College women's coach Molly Hesterberg