NCAA Division III Week Profiles: Women's Lacrosse's Bridget Den Boer

Throughout the course of NCAA Division III Week (April 2-April 9), we will profile several student-athletes who excel not only in their sports but in the classroom, as well.

Senior Bridget Den Boer of the women's lacrosse team is pulling together a tremendous season in net for the Gophers in 2018. For the year, Den Boer leads all NCAA Division III goalies in saves per game (17.30) and saves (173) through 10 games, as earlier this week, she was named to Inside Lacrosse's Division III Player of the Year watch list for Division III. Off the field, Den Boer is a two-time Landmark Conference Academic Honor Roll selection, earning the honor in each of the last two seasons. 

Why did you choose to come to Goucher and be an athlete?

I was recruited to the women's lacrosse team, so really Goucher came to me. I had never heard of it before, but when I came on my overnight I instantly felt a connection with the campus and the community. I saw how much of a family the girls on the team were and I wanted to be a part of that too, so much that I committed on the spot!

What do you like most about the balance in Division III between academics and athletics?

It's great to be a D3 athlete because the term 'student-athlete' really applies to us. I'm able to be a student - where I have the time I need in my day to go to my classes, talk to my professors, study and do homework and I also have time in my day to practice, work out, and have one-on-one time with my coaches. There's very rarely a time where I have to choose between the two because I have the time I need for both.

What unique opportunities has Goucher provided for you in your studies?

The first thing that comes to mind is, of course, our mandatory study abroad experience. I have an affinity for traveling and I hoped to do something a little differently than a "normal" study abroad experience. Goucher gave me an incredible opportunity to go to Chiang Mai, Thailand and experience the culture, the people, and really appreciate the ability to be able to have an experience like this in the first place. Goucher has also given me really incredible opportunities right here in Baltimore as well. Thanks to the incredible faculty in the Center for People, Politics, & Markets, and my professors during my courses in political science, I have been able to meet influential policymakers and professionals as well as observe what I've learned from class in action at the capitol. Goucher creates hands-on opportunities domestically and internationally.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

After graduation, I am going to be a research assistant for an in-house lawyer at a pharmaceutical consultancy company but my long-term goal is to apply to law school. I would love to live and work abroad somewhere but I hope no matter what I do, that I can incorporate lacrosse into my life in some way, shape, or form (maybe coaching).

--GOPHERS--