Bronco Talk: One-on-one with Devvyn Hawkins

By Josh Griffin

Senior holding midfielder Devvyn Hawkins has enjoyed a remarkable career at Santa Clara, having walked onto campus as a starter and serving as an integral player on last season's national championship team. Additionally, she has made five appearances with the United States women's national team.

JG: How do you balance all the pressure of playing for the defending national champions, as well as working with the national program and being a regular college student?

DH: The key for me is to not take anything in my life too seriously. Soccer is only one aspect of my life.

JG: So do you get nervous?

DH: Yeah, I do, and I don't always have the best ways of handling my pressure.

JG: What do you do when you're not playing soccer?

DH: I like to sleep a lot, and just sit in front of the TV. I really enjoy hanging out with my roommate Kelly a lot, and she is always willing to let me vent. But my favorite thing to do is go snowboarding.

JG: So, are you into the X-Games?

DH: Definitely.

JG: Where do you ride around here?

DH: Up in Tahoe, I like to go to Kirkwood. I usually get a season pass. But at home, in Olympia, Wash., my favorites are Baker and Crystal.

JG: Who is your favorite soccer player?

DH: Joy Fawcett on the women's national team is amazing. Just playing with her showed me how great she is, even though she's often overlooked in the games. You talk about balancing time - she balances being a mother of three with her soccer career.

JG: What kind of lessons do you get from playing at the national level?

DH: It really shrinks my confidence (laughs). Seriously, when I'm up there, I'm playing with the best of the best, and I obviously am trying to do my best. The international experience is amazing. The speed of the game and the level of fitness is amazing.

JG: What type of goals do you have for yourself and team this season?

DH: I really just want to be consistent every game, and more of a leader on the field. We really have a young team, but it is an awesome group. They definitely can use my leadership though. As a team, we have another great shot at the title, and we are coming together right now.

JG: As a senior, does it impact your outlook on the season?

DH: I definitely want to go out with a bang and win the national championship.

JG: Are you happy with the team's progress to date?

DH: [Head Coach] Jerry [Smith] splits the season into six stages. We're in the third stage of league play, and we have high goals for that. Our first game was last week, and we played a solid all around game against San Diego. We are set in and looking to win the conference.