MIDDLEBURY — As the daughter of two sports journalists, Middlebury College women’s hockey forward Elizabeth Wulf grew up with a unique perspective on athletics.
Wulf, a senior neuroscience major from Larchmont, N.Y., recently sat down with the college Sports Information Department to discuss her background and experience at Middlebury:
Q: How have your parents’ professions shaped your view of the sports world?
A: My dad is currently a senior writer for ESPN. His primary focus is baseball, but he covers other sports as well. My mom was the chief of reporters at Sports Illustrated, which was where my mom and dad actually met. She then became the chief of reporters and later the assistant managing editor at Time Magazine.
My mom and dad have been fortunate enough to attend many famous sporting events, including the Olympics and World Series, so they have brought back some cool souvenirs and apparel for me and my siblings. My dad is actually going to the PyeongChang Olympics this February to cover women’s hockey.
Last year, our team actually visited the ESPN campus in Bristol, Connecticut, before one of our games, and it was a really cool experience seeing the studios and how they go about their daily operations.
Above all, I think the coolest thing about being a daughter of two sports journalists is just hearing the stories my parents tell us. It gives my siblings and me a different insight into who professional athletes are as people on and off the field. Through their careers, my parents have taught my siblings and me to take pride in what you do.
Q: What convinced you that Middlebury was the right place for you?
A: I chose Middlebury because of the community and the great academic and athletic opportunities the school offers. As corny as it sounds, I got that “gut feeling” when I visited. I immediately fell in love with the campus, the town, and the overall atmosphere. I could tell right away that the community is very supportive and values its student-athletes. My official visit sealed the deal, as I really enjoyed hanging out with the team and talking with the coaches.
Q: Can you describe some of the service programs you’re involved with as a student-athlete?
A: I am a co-chair of the Middlebury Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for the 2017-18 year. We work very closely with many organizations including the Addison County Chapter of Special Olympics. Our big initiatives are to improve attendance at games, establish an athlete wellness program, continue our work with Special Olympics and other community service events, and work more closely with the Middlebury Student Government Association (SGA) and Panther Pride.
Off the ice, our team helps around the community as much as we can. I mentor at the Ripton Elementary School once a week, and our team also helps out at the Charter House. I have also been involved in Relay for Life and Girls Day in Sports.
Q: Any tips for balancing academics with athletics?
A: Time management is key! I was fortunate enough to go to a prep school that prepared me well for managing it, making sure to use my free time wisely and plan ahead. I actually think it is easier to stay on top of your work during the season because you have more of a routine than in the offseason. Communication with classmates and professors is also important in terms of letting them know your schedule to plan group meetings and whether you will have to miss a class for a game.
Q: What is your favorite #MiddMoment?
A: My #MiddMoment is going to the top of the Snow Bowl in the fall with friends and family to see the foliage. My parents and I took the ski lift up the mountain during Fall Family Weekend during my first year. Last year, I hiked it with my friends during Fall Break. The views of the foliage from the top of those mountains are incredible and always worth it!
Courtesy of Middlebury College Sports Information Department.