The Giant Squids

Name: Caroline
Year: 2016
Position: Chaser – but my true love is Snitching
Major: Economics, with a minor in Public Policy
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Hogwarts House: Slytherin
How long have you been playing?  I started playing last semester, but I’ve wanted to play for years!
Favorite Quidditch Memory: The Harvard tournament!  It was my first time playing Quidditch in a real game setting, so it was very exciting!
When did you realize that Quidditch was your thing?  The first day of practice!
Favorite Color:  Red
Life Ambitions:  I’m 18 years old, so I don’t really know!  But I really want to do humanitarian work, so probably work for an NGO, and then work as a legislator.  Another life goal is to be a published writer/author/poet.
Why do you love Quidditch?  I love Quidditch because I have a wonderful team that I get to play with.
Why did you start playing Quidditch?  I am a nearly life-long fan of Harry Potter and Quidditch was one of the top things I was looking forward to in college.
Other Hobbies:  Writing, running, skiing, being on the internet…
Spirit Animal: Rachel Maddow
Most Awkward Quidditch Moment Ever:  That time I hid in a men’s restroom as a Snitch.
Other Interesting Fact:  I won a Harry Potter character look-alike contest dressed as Professor Trelawney.

Name: Christina Murray
Year: First Year
Position: Beater
Major: Study of Women & Gender/ Education double major, with a concentration in Community Engagement & Social Change .(undeclared)
Hometown: Portland, Maine
Hogwarts House: Ravenclaw
How long have you been playing?  I started playing at the beginning of this year (2012)
Favorite Quidditch Memory: The Quidditch Fundraising carnival, when everyone suddenly got really good at butterbeer pong. 
Favorite Color: Light green
Life Ambitions: To join the Peace Corps and to be an actual published poet.
Why do you love Quidditch?  It’s the only sport I’ve ever played where I felt like the team really connected and loved the sport unconditionally.  I love it because it’s a sport that’s simply about the love of the game, not necessarily the competition.
Why did you start playing Quidditch?  I simply love Harry Potter, and the ability to take part in one of my favorite childhood (and adulthood) sports is such a heartwarming thing.
Other Hobbies: Writing poetry, watching sitcoms, knitting, interesting discussions about life.
Spirit Animal: Flamingo
Most Awkward Quidditch Moment Ever: The first time I was trapped in a Quidditch group hug (I wasn’t a hug type person before Quidditch.)
Other Interesting Fact: I hate chocolate. 

Name: Bradyn St. Marie (Brady)
Year: 2016
Position: Chaser
Major: English and Economics
Hometown: Chicopee, MA
Hogwarts House: Ravenclaw
When did you start playing?  My first semester at Smith!
Favorite Quidditch Memory: Piling 11 people into my car to stay warm at the UMass tournament was pretty memorable.
When did you realize that Quidditch was your thing?  Obviously when Gabrielle mounted me at the first practice. I mean, who wouldn’t want to come back after that?
Favorite Color: Green
Life Ambitions: Become a writer/author
Why do you love Quidditch?  It’s unique and fun and I truly can’t speak highly enough of the wonderful people who I’ve met through playing.
Why did you start playing Quidditch? I wanted to stay active in college, and what better way than to run around on brooms? Also, the die-hard Harry Potter fan in me couldn’t let me pass up this opportunity.
Other Hobbies: Origami, Creative Writing, Jamming on the ukulele
Spirit Animal: Squirrel
Most Awkward Quidditch Moment Ever: Julia Greider knows the answer, you should ask her sometime.
Other Interesting Fact: I’ve had my two horses Abu and Gidget for almost six years now!

Name: Nicki Downer
Year: 2014
Position: Beater
Major: American Studies. Concentration: Museums Studies
Hometown: Canton, MA
Hogwarts House: Hufflepuff
How long have you been playing?/When did you start playing? 2010-2011 Academic Year
Favorite Quidditch Memory: There are so many good moments! Commenting on a scrimmage like British football announcers while goal-reffing with Abby or when practices in a very small room in Ainsworth, “The Room of Requirement”, devolved into hilarious Beater wars and Very Potter Musical references are ones that stand out at the moment.
When did you realize that Quidditch was your thing?  The first time I played a game outside.
Favorite Color: Black
Life Ambitions: Become the director of a museum or historic site
Why do you love Quidditch?  I love the community that the sport builds within Smith’s Quidditch team and between teams from other schools. I love playing the game and coming up with new plays and strategies with my teammates. I love the feeling of satisfaction when I bludge an opposing chaser or block an oncoming bludger. I love how Quidditch players can be both competitive and whimsical.
Why did you start playing Quidditch?  I started playing because I love Harry Potter and I wanted to participate in a team sport, which I had never done before joining Quidditch. When I started as a First-Year I also wanted the opportunity to make friends outside of my house and classes, and I definitely did through Quidditch!
Other Hobbies: Martial Arts, Fencing, Crochet
Spirit Animal: My patronus is a wolf.
Most Awkward Quidditch Moment Ever: When the entire UMass team forgets their brooms at a tournament.
Other Interesting Fact: I was adopted at birth with my twin sister.

Name: Lucy Gouvin
Year: First year
Position: Beater/Chaser
Major: Economics and Studio Art
Hometown: Longmeadow, MA
Hogwarts House: Ravenclaw
How long have you been playing?/When did you start playing?  This is my first year!
Favorite Quidditch Memory: Going to our first tournament in Cambridge. The road trip was a lot of fun, and then we got to hang out and play with so many amazing teams! It was so great to meet so many people with similar interests.
When did you realize that Quidditch was your thing?  After the first or second practice. Everyone was so nice and friendly, we felt like a team right away.
Favorite Color: Red
Life Ambitions: Make art, travel.
Why do you love Quidditch?  The Quidditch players are my closest group of friends. When I was a new student, they made me feel welcome right away.
Why did you start playing Quidditch?  I always wanted to play, but never had the chance.
Other Hobbies: Theatre, animation, reading
Spirit Animal: Bugs Bunny
Most Awkward Quidditch Moment Ever: That time(s) I tripped over nothing…
Other Interesting Fact: I’m super good at waterskiing, but super bad at regular skiing.

Name: Liza
Year: Sophomore
Position: Chaser
Major: Physics
Hometown:Toledo, Ohio
Hogwarts House:Slytherin
How long have you been playing?/When did you start playing?  I joined the Quidditch team as a first year, and have been on the team for two years.
Favorite Quidditch Memory:My favorite Quidditch memory is the day we scored our first goal of the year, and then proceeded to score a second goal, and then to win our first match ever, all in the same afternoon.  There was much celebration, and it was a wonderful feeling to see my team be rewarded for our dedication and persistence. 
When did you realize that Quidditch was your thing?  My first semester at Smith, I was pretty homesick.  The feeling of community that I felt with the Quidditch team made it one of my vital friend groups while I was away from home.  Quidditch requires dedication and drive, but it lacks the pressure of varsity sports.  I like feeling like I can enjoy the game and have fun, but still be challenged as an athlete. 
Favorite Color:Turquoise
Life Ambitions: Research Physicist and Crazy Aunt to my sister’s children
Why do you love Quidditch?  I love the fun and the challenge of Quidditch.  I love how it seamlessly mixes the ridiculous magic of childhood (snitches with fairy wings, and kids on broomsticks) with the challenge of a demanding sport.  I love the community, both my team and other Quidditch teams.  I love games, the excitement and challenge, and the contagious energy, and the supportive, positive atmosphere we provide for each other. 
Why did you start playing Quidditch?  I joined the Quidditch team because I wanted to play a sport, but I didn’t want to join a competitive varsity team (which all of the team sports I had played before were).  And then I found out that Smith had a Quidditch team, and as I love Harry Potter (as you may have guessed), the prospect of making that aspect of the book come alive was wonderful.  So I joined the team, and found that I love the sport. 
Other Hobbies:Reading (mainly fantasy/fiction books, but I’ll read anything that isn’t an encyclopedic math textbook), arts and crafts (of all types), writing, music, fencing (tied with Quidditch for “most awesome sport”), and TV when time allows (the homework is not often that lenient!). 
Spirit Animal:I don’t actually know.  I would guess either an Artic Fox or an Otter.  Or a phoenix. 
Most Awkward Quidditch Moment Ever: The first time my parents came to watch a match and my dad told me “you do realize you look sort of ridiculous, don’t you?” 
Other Interesting Fact:I am incapable of keeping a goldfish alive. 

Name: Grace
Class: 2016
Position: Chaser
Major: Bio/Environmental
Hometown: Bernardsville, NJ
Hogwarts House: Hufflepuff
When did you start playing Quidditch? This is my first year on the team.
Favorite Quidditch Memory: When my dad played at the parents weekend game
When did you realize you wanted to play Quidditch?  After the first team bonding event at Diva’s
Favorite Color: Orange
Life Ambition: Join a non-for-profit organization
Why do you like playing Quidditch?  It is active and intense but rewarding.
Other Hobbies: Soccer, ceramics
Spirit Animal: I hope it’s a frog, but I don’t know.
Most Awkward Quidditch Moment Ever: Right after we took our shirts off to play the UMass team.

Name: Laurel
Year: Sophomore
Position: Chaser
Major: Environmental Science and Policy
Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Hogwarts House: Slytherin
How long have you been playing?  I have been playing for a little over a year and a half, I started playing in the beginning of my freshman year.
What is your favorite Quidditch memory?  My favorite Quidditch memory is going to Umass’s tournament earlier this year; even though it was kind of cold out it was fantastic to see so many teams from all over come to play!
The moment you realized Quidditch was for you: The moment I realized Quidditch was something I really wanted to be a part of was the first practice we scrimmaged, the game is a lot of fun to play.
Favorite Color: Light purple
Life Ambitions: Travel abroad, have my own flower garden
Why do you love Quidditch?  I love Quidditch because people who play the game share not only a love of the sport but also a love of Harry Potter; it’s something that most of the players grew up with and it creates a really nice sense of community between players and teams right off the bat!
Why did you start playing Quidditch?  I started playing Quidditch because I wanted to try a new sport coming into college. I was looking for something fun and unique, and since I love Harry Potter I thought Quidditch would be a great choice!
Other Hobbies: Drawing and watching movies
Spirit Animal: I think a deer, but I’m not really sure
Most Awkward Quidditch Moment Ever: When I was first trying to get used to running with a broom.

Name: Erika Correll

Year: 2016
Position: Chaser
Major: Neuroscience
Hometown: Charlestown, Indiana
Hogwarts House: Hufflepuff
When did you start playing: This is my first year playing.
Favorite Quidditch Memory: I was forced/ got the opportunity to smack an opponent in the face for breaking my broom while borrowing it during another game. There is now a .gif of it.
When did you realize Quidditch was for you: I felt completely comfortable to be myself around all my teammates. They are incredible people and really make the game even more worthwhile.
Favorite Color: Forest Green
Life Ambitions: I hope to one day own a puppy and work on neuroscience research.
Why do you love Quidditch: It’s about getting together and having fun. It’s about being active and just enjoying an acitivity with your friends. I love the inclusiveness of the sport and how wonderful the array of different people who play is.
Why did you start playing Quidditch: I started playing because I had never played before and felt as if it could be something I’d enjoy as a way to keep active and keep involved. Turned out I was right! Other Hobbies: Adventuring, Yoga, Playing Ukulele, and Petting Puppies
Most Awkward Quidditch Moment: When I didn’t even notice that someone’s arm was around my neck and I kept trying to struggle free with the qauffle.
Interesting Fact About Yourself: I dressed as Princess Amadala for halloween several years in a row.

Name: Michaela Gonzales

Year: 2013 (Senior!)
Position: Seeker
Concentration: Mathematics Major, Astronomy Minor
Hometown: Melrose, MA
Hogwarts House: Hufflepuff
Playing Since: Since the team started my sophomore year (except for that one semester I was in Budapest)
Favorite Quidditch Memory: Finally being considered an official team by both Smith College and the IQA after playing for half a year
Favorite Color: Yellow
Life Ambitions: To be a house cat
Why I love Quidditch: I love Quidditch because it’s a sport that doesn’t take itself too seriously and doesn’t get bogged down in legislation.  Or, it didn’t.
Why I started playing Quidditch: It sounded like a fun way to make friends outside of my House (dorm, for non-Smithies).
Hobbies: Scottish Fiddle; International Folk Dancing — particularly English Rapper (sword) dancing and Eastern European dances
Spirit Animal: House Cat
Awkward Quidditch Moment: The moment I realized that I was the only person on the team who wanted to be a seeker, but I still absolutely despised running

Name: Gabrielle Martone
Year: 2014         
Position: Chaser, Captain, Coach, Founder, Head Pimp etc.
Major: Religion, Community Based Learning and Social Change
Hometown: Pompton Plains, NJ
Hogwarts House: Slytherin
How long have you been playing?/When did you start playing?: Oh heavens, it feels like I’ve been playing forever and a day now, but I started playing when I started the team my first year of college. We started playing because we went to UMass’ annual tournament, and the two other Smithies I was with looked at each other and said, “We need this.” We then went back to Smith and started the team!
Favorite Quidditch Memory: Oh man, I don’t know if I can pick a favorite Quidditch memory, but two of my favorites are the time that we had our first practice and people actually showed up! And the other has to be every time I watch the team play. Actually, that’s probably my favorite moment, every single time I watch this team play, it’s amazing!
When did you realize that Quidditch was your thing? Moment you realized this was it for you: Gah, I don’t even know! Probably the first time I watched UMass play, and then the first time that I actually got a chance to play. Being part of the founding board essentially meant that I don’t have one defining moment!
Favorite Color: LIME GREEN
Life Ambitions: Get ordained, move South, hang out in the Bible Belt/New Orleans for the rest of my life, write a book, write a translation of the Bible.
Why do you love Quidditch? Because I’ve watched this sport turn my friends into my family, I’ve watched people who never thought they were “good enough” to become athletes shine, I’ve seen the joy and the pride that comes with playing a phenomenal game. I love Quidditch because anyone can play, and everyone does play. I love Quidditch because of the family its bought me, the love that my players have, just everything about it.
Why did you start playing Quidditch? Because it looked awesome!        
Hobbies: Listening to Country Music, cuddling my chinchillas, reading, coloring, being weird. Spirit Animal: Honey Boo Boo
Most awkward Quidditch moment ever: I don’t have awkward Quidditch moments, others have awkward Quidditch moments BECAUSE of me.
Other interesting fact about yourself:  I’m a ninja.

Name: Gwendolyn
Year: First year
Position: Keeper/Chaser
Major: English/Medieval Studies (undeclared)
Hometown: Boston, MA
Hogwarts House: Ravenclaw
How long have I been playing: I played some informally in middle school, then really started playing this year.
Favorite Quidditch memory: One of our most recent practices when everything was mud and melting snow and bruises from slipping everywhere.
Favorite Color(s): Black and purple
Life Ambitions: I really want to be a published author
Why do I love Quidditch: Why does anyone love Quidditch? It’s a sport where there’s an element of pure unadulterated fun built in that takes nothing away from the competition, and is simply beautiful.
Why did I start playing Quidditch: I started playing Quidditch because of Harry Potter. When my friends first heard of Muggle Quidditch we started playing essentially pick up games that had frequent breaks to discuss the books and such. Then we began playing it for the sake of Quidditch.
Hobbies: reading, writing, story telling, making bead animals
Most awkward Quidditch moment: Probably the moment when the ref said that we’d set the field up wrong despite me having the rule book in hand the whole time and the continuous use of strides and brooms to measure the field exactly.

Name: DiPav (Emily)
Year: 2016 (First Year!)
Position: Keeper! & Co-Captain
Major: Biology or Geology & perhaps a Landscape Studies Minor
Hometown: Newport, NH
Hogwarts house: Ravenclaw
When did you start playing?  I started play last fall. This is my first year of Quidditch and I’m loving it.
Favorite Quidditch Memory?  The giant “blue teams” hug at the UMass tournament last fall. Or, basically, most of that tournament besides the cold.
When did you realize that Quidditch was your thing? Probably at our first tournament which involved a lot of hugging and a game of ninja.
Favorite Color? Blue & Brown
Life Ambitions?  Live in the woods and have some plant pets. Or get a doctorate or something.
Why do you love Quidditch?  It’s such a fun sport! Quidditch itself just attracts great people - who else would play a sport meant for wizards and witches?
Why did you start playing Quidditch?  Christina dragged me to the first practice, and from then on it was fate.
Hobbies:  I love to backpack, canoe, and camp. Also, plants!
Spirit Animal? Donkey
Most awkward Quidditch moment ever:  Whenever Gabrielle mounts anyone, and it was especially awkward when it was me.