Name: Mason McNulty
Sport: field hockey
Hometown: Hanover, N.H.
High School: Hanover
Activities/Clubs/Committees: Co-Chair of Youth Ambassador Board at Positive Tracks Charity
What are your thoughts on the Honor Code?
I am a huge advocate of the Haverford Honor Code. It dictates almost every aspect of my academic, athletic, and social life. Within the classroom it sets a precedent for honest balance between individual work and group work. Furthermore, it fosters a relationship between Haverford professors and students in which both parties view each other as multi-faceted people. In the community at large, the social Honor Code encourages true friendships between every person on campus; friendships based off of trust, concern, and respect. On the field, the Honor Code encourages fair, but tough, play and respect between coaches and players. The choice to apply to Haverford brings with it the understanding that each community member will uphold their responsibilities within the Honor Code. This is such a self-selective decision that you know everyone on campus is committed to abiding and personifying the Honor Code, which makes campus really special.
What advice would you give to a high school student considering Haverford?
Having the inside perspective of an athlete considering Haverford is something that made my decision to apply here early decision very easy. Taking every opportunity to visit campus, talking to potential teammates and athletes, and keeping in good communication with your potential Haverford coach are all ways to get unique insight on what Haverford is really like. Doing an overnight is also an extremely efficient way to see how a school really operates: within a team, a classroom, and social life at large. I whole-heartedly recommend getting on campus as much as possible, especially in the form of an overnight. Applying to a school that you feel like you know like the back of your hand is a no brainer.
Why did you choose to play a sport in college?
My decision to pursue field hockey at the collegiate level came after my junior season in high school. I began to think critically about my college experience and realized that in order to have the most positive academic and social experiences in college, I needed to keep athletics in my life. It seemed like a way to form deep and personal friendships, something I have definitely seen within my team at Haverford. Additionally, it served as a way to find out about all the things Haverford could offer me (whether it was academic support, ways to be involved within the community, alumni networks, etc.), because I had all these older girls who could give me guidance, as well as the support the college gives to student-athletes. Finally, I thought it would serve as the best way to structure my time during the first semester of each year, which is a great time to learn to focus and work on time management.
What makes Haverford unique?
I toured other small, competitive, liberal arts schools during high school, but I felt like Haverford was the only place where I could actually feel the community. Having such a small campus is really special, because I see my friends, professors, and classmates every single day, whether it's in the classroom, dining center, or just passing each other on the paths to class. Additionally, Haverford has an ideal location. It feels like a small town once you cross onto campus, but it is right down the road from Philadelphia. There are a lot of fun places to visit nearby and Haverford's proximity to Philadelphia opens doors for summer internships and involvement with projects outside Haverford's gates.
What is your favorite team experience?
This is a challenging question, but I think it has to be sitting in the locker room before our games. Getting pumped up together, braiding each other's hair, listening to our favorite songs, watching coach write the lineup on the white board, etc., all remind me of why I love field hockey so much. Day-to-day practices are exciting, and we try and do different things every day, but games feed the competitive spirit that's in every Haverford student. The bonds you form with your teammates on the field are unlike any other. You see each other struggle, succeed, share moments of true happiness and (hopefully very few) of sorrow. Sitting in the locker room and looking around at the girls that I share my favorite moments of college with is an incredible experience only shared by college athletes.