In her first collegiate game freshman
Becca Hemby (Frederick, Md.) of the women’s soccer team, scored on a diving header in the 47th minute to lift HPU to a 1-0 win over Francis Marion.
“I was shocked,” Hemby said. “I had no idea I would score in the game. I wasn’t even sure I would play in the game. That play was great, it was the perfect header from
Jillie Johnston (Naperville, Ill./Naperville Central) and the first time I have ever scored on a diving header like that. I was really happy it went it.”
Hemby’s happiness with scoring replaced the nerves she felt before her collegiate debut.
“I was definitely nervous before the first game,” she said. “I went in the locker room and the girls were listening to music, some people were dancing around but I just sat in front of my locker and made myself relax. I was sitting there trying to focus on being ready for the game but really it all went away when I got out on the field. Out there, I wasn’t nervous at all.”
Helping to ease those first games jitters were a few friendly faces in the stands she hadn’t been expecting.
“My parents surprised me and came to the game so that really helped me calm down,” Hemby said. “My parents, brother and grandfather were in the stands and it is always nice to see those familiar faces.”
While Hemby hasn’t decided on a major yet she is leaning toward something to do with math she said. So far, just three days in to class the difference from high school to college is very obvious to her.
“In high school, you don’t really do anything the first week,” she said. “I already have homework in my calculus class though.”
In her free time, the Frederick, Md. native said she really loves to bake. She loves to watch the Food Network, even experimenting with her own recipes.
“I’m pretty sure my roommates think I am crazy because I watch a lot of Food Network,” Hemby said. “I just really like to make different desserts. My specialty is this frozen caramel custard that has coconut and pecans in it. It is sticky and messy but so good. My grandmother always asks me to make it when she is having people over or something.”
Hemby’s baking doesn’t come without mistakes.
“Sometimes, I forget to put the eggs in things. I don’t know why but I have done it more than once and it obviously doesn’t taste very good.”