In August, Traci Ragukas, like 3,112 other first-year students, joined the Wahoo family. This is where all comparisons stop. While Ragukas's classmates have spent the ensuing months learning their way around Grounds -- Bryan Hall vs. Bryant Hall, SAC vs. SAB and Blue route vs. Orange route, she has been learning her way around the Virginia hockey field.
Initially, Ragukas was headed to Michigan State to play under coach Michele Madison. Madison's reputation, skill-building programs and winning teams caught Ragukas's attention, but ultimately it was Madison's persona that reeled her in.
"I love everything about her," Ragukas said. "I feel comfortable talking to her about anything, if I have any questions, she's there."
When Madison was named head coach of Virginia's field hockey program in 2006, Ragukas opted to forego her MSU plans and head to Charlottesville.
The freshman forward flourished almost instantly on the field. This should surprise no one, given that Ragukas came to Virginia with high accolades; she was a two-time first-team National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-American and three-time first-team All-State candidate. Ragukas admits, however, that there are marked differences between field hockey on the high school and collegiate levels. Turf play was one of the biggest adjustments for Ragukas, who played on grass at Lake-Lehman High School in Sweet Valley, Pa.
"It's a lot faster and more skilled," Ragukas said. "In the ACC, the skills are just beyond anything I've seen before."
Ragukas's own skills are nothing to snuff at either. She received national recognition as a collegiate athlete in August when she was named National Rookie of the Week by womensfieldhockey.com -- she is the first player in Virginia history to earn such an honor. Ragukas also leads the team in scoring with 15 goals. Madison credits Ragukas's success with her ability to be in the right position at the right time.
"She has a good eye for the ball," Madison said. "She has her stick on the ground and she gets herself ready. That's why she's so good; she knows how to get open."
Ragukas may be a proficient scorer, but she can also create opportunities for her teammates. She has racked up five assists this season, tying her for third on the team.
Thus far, Virginia has achieved an overall record of 12-5 (ACC 1-3). That is good news, compared to last year's disappointing season (8-11, 0-5).
The Virginia field hockey program has been buoyed by such a significant contribution from a freshman.
"I've been really impressed," senior Biffy Cornelison said. "It's not easy coming in as a freshman and making such a big impact on the team. [Traci's] not phased by nerves or anything like that. I definitely feel very lucky to have her on the team."
The Cavaliers travel to Durham, N.C. Saturday to face the No. 4 Blue Devils (13-4) in their last regular season game. After that, the team will begin preparation for postseason play. The ACC tournament kicks off Nov. 2 in Chapel Hill.
"I feel that we've had a great season and there's still more to come. It's not nearly over; we're ready for it," Ragukas said.
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