Fallston senior Kelly Protzko keeps busy, on the field and off.
She played on last fall's state championship field hockey team and on this winter's swimming team that captured the Harford County title two weeks ago.
Protzko is going to play lacrosse this spring. During the summer, she has competed in the Dewey Beach (Del.) Sprint Triathlon and the Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon.
She is in the National Honor Society, the French Honor Society and the Varsity Club. She also works in the school's master-tutor program. Protzko expects to play club sports in college, because studying health and human sciences should take up most of her time.
Many people play just one or two sports now. How tough is it to play three in a school year?
I think it's very difficult but rewarding at the same time. Playing a team sport like field hockey is different from an individual sport like swimming. Playing three different sports makes you a well-rounded individual. You play for different types of coaches, and they teach you life lessons also. It also keeps you in shape.
What have you learned from playing different sports?
I've learned responsibility and commitment, respect, team efforts and leadership and work ethics. The drive from field hockey, coming off a winning season, pushes me to feel that glory again in swimming, and it goes on to the same thing in lacrosse.
What's your favorite sport?
I'd have to say lacrosse. I play that the most. I started playing in sixth grade, and I've kept playing. When I go out to run in the spring for lacrosse, my lungs are in great shape because of swimming.
What was it like to start on the state championship field hockey team?
I don't think we had one dull moment. We beat Bethesda-Chevy Chase, 1-0, in double overtime in the final. I was on the field when we scored the winning goal, and it was very exciting. It was the best. It was a huge relief because we worked so hard the whole game, and to have it pay off was the best feeling in the world.
What would it feel like to win a second state title this year if you could pull it off in swimming?
It would be an honor. It would be amazing. It would be the best senior year, I think, to win a second state title in one year. I would go out with a bang.
What do have in your iPod?
I listen to all types of music. I've got Coldplay, Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews Band, Red Hot Chili Peppers. I've got all sorts of things -- whatever I'm in the mood for.
What will be your best sports memory from high school?
So far, it has been winning states for field hockey. Our freshman year, we came in thinking we need to win another one for Coach [Alice] Puckett so she could get a 10th state title, and we finally did it in my senior year.
What's your career goal?
I'm not completely sure yet. I haven't decided what I want to do, but I want to work with people in the health profession. It's just a matter of narrowing down what I want to do.
If you had a choice to meet one person and sit and talk with them, who would it be?
I would talk to my grandmother for an hour, just about everything, about life. She passed away last year, and I miss her.