New Paltz athletic communications intern Bill Murphy caught up with senior Nicole Stackpole of the New Paltz women's lacrosse team for the 2016-17 Senior Spotlight series that will have a new senior interviewed every week.

Q: Why did you choose New Paltz?

A: "Academically, I chose New Paltz for the school's excellent art department. Athletically, when I was on my first tour of campus and was brought to the North Turf Field, the second I saw the field I knew this is where I wanted to play lacrosse."

Q: What motivates you?

A: "I know I can always be better than I was yesterday. This motivates me at practices to push myself so that when it comes to game day, I am ready to perform my best. I'm a very competitive person and there is nothing I hate more than losing, so I always try to push myself and my teammates around me to the next level so we can leave the field with a W."

Q: Describe your team in three words.

A: "Motivated. Passionate. Hungry."

Q: Why did you choose to be a graphic design major?
A: "Since I was the age of three, I always had a love for art. When it came to choosing a major in college, I knew I wanted to have a career in the art world, but I also wanted to be involved in advertising world as well. I knew graphic design would be the perfect major for me because it would allow me to be involved in advertising, but also be on the creative side by bring clients' ideas alive in an innovative way."

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: "After I graduate, I would also like to fulfill my dream of returning to my high school to coach the varsity girl's lacrosse team. I am planning on continuing to work security at CitiField and Madison Square Garden while I am trying to get into either the Nassau County or the New York Police Academy."