The Messiah women's basketball team is ready to start the 2016 campaign and it all begins next Tuesday Nov. 15, when they travel to Johns Hopkins for their first game. The Falcons were picked first in the MAC Commonwealth Preseason Poll earning six of out of nine first-place votes. Point guard Kaitlyn Hoff is excited and ready to lead the Falcon offense. She finished second on the team in scoring last year averaging 9.9 points a game while dishing out 3.7 assists per game.

We got together with Kaitlyn to hear more about her Messiah experience in this edition of #WhyMessiah

What are the names of the rest of you family and where do you fall among siblings?
My parents are Kim and Dave Hoff and I have a younger brother named Ryan.
 
Why did you come to Messiah and/or why do you love being at Messiah?
I had never heard of Messiah until I was recruited to come play basketball. I love being at Messiah because of the people. There are some amazing people who I have met and I now get to call my friends because of this place.
 
Why did you choose your specific major here at Messiah? Have you enjoyed your study in it? Why or why not?
I chose applied health science with a pre-professional concentration because originally I was not sure what I wanted to do, but I knew I was interested in this field. I have enjoyed it but it has been very challenging at times. My favorite class I have taken thus far is Human Anatomy cadaver lab.
 
What is your dream job for after college?
I want to be a chiropractor and specifically work with athletes.
 
If you could have dinner with one person in history, who would it be and why?
Pat Summit. She was one of the most successful basketball coaches in history and I was always a big fan of hers.
 
Who is your favorite Professor and why?
Professor Dave Weaver-Zercher. He really makes theology interesting and has challenged me to think in different ways and I have gained new perspective from being in his class.
 
How do you balance your academic work and your commitment to your sport?
This has been a challenge throughout my time at Messiah but it all comes down to managing my time wisely and efficiently among my studies, basketball, and social life.
 
Who has most influenced your life and why?
My mom. She has always been the positive light in my life and is the most supportive person I have ever met.
 
What is special about your coaching staff and teammates, and how would you explain that to a recruit or someone outside of the program?
Everyone on our coaching staff and team are extremely committed to what this team is working to accomplish. Each member of our team and coaching staff place a high amount of trust in each other and it is an amazing thing to be a part of. Our coaching staff invests in us as individuals and people, not just as basketball players.
 
Do you have a pre-game ritual or habit? If so, what is it?
On home game days I try to get into Brubaker Auditorium when everything is set up for the game and shoot around. This is something that helps me get focused and feeling good before playing.
 
What is the toughest part of being a collegiate student-athlete? How do you live or grow though this at Messiah?
As an athlete there is a lot that is asked of you and sometimes it gets difficult to balance everything and you start to feel a little overwhelmed. My teammates are really what get me through the tough times and they are the best friends I could ask for!
 
If you had to answer the question #WhyMessiah what would you say?
Messiah has changed me for the better and I am so grateful for my time here so far and looking forward to what is to come.
 

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