University of North Carolina Athletics
I'm A Tar Heel: Casey Di Nardo
September 10, 2015 | Field Hockey
Dear Tar Heel fans,
To say I'm somewhat competitive is to put it mildly. My parents still joke about the time they got a phone call from my preschool teacher because I wouldn't let anyone else be line leader. Every morning before I went off to school my dad would whisper in my ear to “be the best” and give me a big hug. At a very young age I was taught to always try my best.
So when I was considering colleges, the fact that Michael Jordan and Mia Hamm – the best ever in their sports – went to UNC really made a big impression on me. And when I eventually chose Carolina, I did so because I knew I'd be able to compete at the highest level in both athletics and academics, while also having a great time.
Beyond being the best academically and athletically, the social aspect of UNC was another important factor for me. I have a big family – 21 cousins! – and we're extremely close. Coming to Carolina felt like home and now I have an even BIGGER family! After four years here, these girls have become my sisters. But like family, we also compete hard against each other and push each other to be better. Being able to play with someone like Emily Wold, a member of the U.S. National Team, every day is amazing. She is always teaching me how to be a better player as well as a better person. Not only do my teammates compete on the field but we also compete in the classroom. I live with three teammates and two of them are in the same class as me. Last week I got one point higher on a quiz so I hung it up on our fridge and jokingly reminded my roomies to “try and keep up”.
I'm going to graduate in May with a degree in journalism and I hope to work in television someday, and also play field hockey as long as I can – wearing the USA uniform has always been a dream of mine, as has working for ESPN.
And to me, that is what Carolina is all about – we aim to be the best we can, and we put everything we can into everything we do. Every athlete at this University has an undeniable passion for competition and a love for their teammates. On behalf of all UNC student-athletes, we appreciate everyone who helps to give us that opportunity.
I'm Casey Di Nardo and I'm a Tar Heel.
