For some freshmen, it takes a few weeks to adjust to life away at college. For Savannah Graybill, it took 47 minutes and 28 seconds.
Graybill, a forward on the AU field hockey team, came off the bench in the first game of the season at Cal and scored two goals. Her first goal tied the game at two in the opening minutes of the second half. Her second goal briefly gave the Eagles a lead, and even though the Eagles eventually lost the game in a shootout, Graybill's strong performance won her a spot in the starting line-up the next game.
Graybill played well again in the game against Pacific, scoring a first-half goal to give AU an early 2-0 lead. The lead was short-lived, as Pacific scored and tied the game minutes later, and took the lead with under 30 seconds left. However, when AU took control of the ball and swarmed in front of the Pacific net, Graybill found a way to score and tie the game with just 13 seconds left to force overtime.
Although the Eagles lost both games that weekend, Graybill's contributions were not overlooked. That Monday she was named Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week after scoring four goals in two games.
"It was kind of crazy," said Graybill in an interview after AU's 3-0 victory over Towson on Saturday. "I came in hoping to just get some playing time."
Since her quick start, Graybill has cooled off a bit, only scoring one goal in the last six games. However, her five goals and 11 points are still good for third highest on the team, which is riding a six-game winning streak entering this weekend's games. She also tallied the game-winning goal against Michigan State.
Graybill came to AU after a successful high school career that included three years on the varsity field hockey team and several All-Star awards. However, when Graybill decided to come to AU, she wasn't focused on field hockey. As the captain of her high school track and basketball teams, she wasn't sure that she was even going to continue playing field hockey.
"I was just looking for a Division I school that had a good broadcast journalism program," said Graybill, who attended Cocalico High School in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Once she chose to come to AU, Graybill then had to decide which sport, if any, she would try to continue with. After weighing her options, she made up her mind to make the commitment to field hockey.
"Hockey is the sport I'm most passionate about," Graybill said. "I love playing, but I also love practicing."
Entering into the season, Coach Steve Jennings wasn't sure what to expect from Graybill, as it takes some players time to adjust.
"With any of the freshman that come in, we want them to be mentally and physically strong," Jennings said in an interview following the Towson game. "Savannah came in ready to go, and really shows what this team is all about. If you're ready to go, you'll play, no matter what year you are."
Although Graybill got off to a fast start on the field, she has had to deal with the same off-the-field problems as most other freshmen, such as the beginning of classes (which she missed because she was in California) and homesickness. However, she has gotten through the transition period with the help of her new teammates.
"Our team is so tight-knit. They really helped me adjust," Graybill said.
At some schools, veteran players might take exception to a freshman coming in and immediately earning a spot in the starting line-up. However, Jennings believes that his team has been so successful because of the closeness of the team.
"Our chemistry is the team's biggest strength," Jennings said. "When freshmen come in, they join a family that is going to be there for them. The spirit of this team has won us countless games over the past few years, showing that having the right chemistry can be more valuable than having more talent"
