Athlete Profile
Hometown
Yakima, Wash. |
High
School
West Valley |
Year
Junior |
Major
Biology |
After splitting the starting
role with Alyssa Blackburn last season, Amanda Tschauner has
settled in as the starting goalkeeper this year. Tschauner provides
experience and calming influence as the last line of defense
for the 2007 Lutes.
Describe
your family. How have they helped you in your athletic career?
My family is an integral part of my life. Between my two parents
and my older sister they have provided a great support system
to share the successes and hardships of athletics. Aside from
the countless hours spent to and from practices and games, they've
truly been my number one fans. They encourage me when I don't
have a positive outlook and help me to recognize the bigger
picture of life outside of athletics.
What made you decide to come
to PLU?
I came to PLU for three major reasons. 1.) I'd heard that the
biology program here was very good and prepared students to be
competative at medical school. 2.) My on-campus visit to PLU showed
me how truly wonderful the people here are. Students are very
friendly and often go out of their way to help you. 3.) The ability
to play soccer at PLU was a plus in my decision.
Have you studied abroad?
If so, describe your experiences?
I have not yet had the opportunity to study abroad, however, I
was a member of the team that went to New Orleans during spring
break of 2006 to help in the clean-up efforts after hurricane
Katrina. This trip was such an eye-opening experience for me.
I realized how easy it is to watch this stuff at home on the TV
and not be that impacted by the situation. Seeing first hand the
devastation on the faces of the people and the lives they were
forced to live was amazing. The biggest lesson I learned through
all of this is that we all have a choice to make...to sit back
and watch what is happening, or to actively participate and make
a difference. It all comes down to a choice.
What has been your favorite
class at PLU?
Comparative Anatomy by Dr. Lerum. It is a difficult course but
I learned a ton, and it gave me a sense of accomplishment.
Have you had any trouble
balancing athletics with academics?
This is always a fine balance for me. The competitive nature in
me usually wants to spend more time preparing for an upcoming
match rather than work on my studies, however, I have been able
figure out good study habits for me. It is hard to create this
balance, but I realize that I will not be "going pro"
in athletics, thus academics must come first.
What are your plans after
college?
I plan to attend medical school and become a pediatrician.
When your athletic career
is all said and done, what is it that you would want people to
say about you?
I would want people to remember me as a loyal teammate with a
relentless attitude and an uplifting spirit. I would want them
to think of me as someone who never gave up.
Describe your hometown and
what you miss about it the most.
I come from Yakima, specifically west Valley of Yakima. What I
miss the most are my family and friends from back home. My friends
are still a big part of my life and it is difficult to go months
without seeing them! I also miss El Porton, one of the greatest
Mexican restaurants in town! :)
What is your favorite restaurant
in Tacoma?
I must say I love to eat at The Harmon in downtown Tacoma on Monday
nights where they serve three dollar steaks and fries! Azteca
is also an all-time favorite.
Read
more about junior midfielder
Amanda Crawford
Read more
about senior midfielder Melissa Buitrago
