Q&A with former All-MAAC First Team defender and team captain Kristen Brett '15
What have you been up to since graduating from Monmouth?
The August following graduation from Monmouth, I started my journey to becoming a podiatrist at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. I am now currently a fourth-year student graduating this May with a Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine (DPM). In addition to studying for tests, studying for board examinations, preparing for clinicals as well as my various hospital rotations, I have been enjoying my time in Cleveland, OH. During my fourth year as a podiatric medical student, I completed many externships, which are month long rotations at different residency programs any of which could potentially be where I complete my three-year surgical training. The past few months I have been traveling to hospitals all over the country such as Washington D.C., Minneapolis, St. Paul, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee and Denver. Although I don't know where I will spend the next three years for my residency, yet, I am excited to graduate and start my surgical training!
What is your fondest memory at Monmouth?
My fondest memory at MU would have to be my first game as a member of the Monmouth Women's Soccer Team. Although it was a preseason game, it was an amazing win against an instate rival and it was great to achieve the win with my new team, my classmates, and now lifelong friends. That game and that win set the standard for my next four years in a Monmouth uniform.
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go and why?
If I could travel anywhere in the whole world I would go to the Maldives. Or maybe Prague! Really, I would be thankful to travel anywhere to explore new destinations. I have been so busy studying day in and day out for school over the past four years, it would be a real treat to do some traveling!
If you could master one skill right now that you don't have, what would it be?
If I could master one skill right now that I don't have, I would learn how to speak Spanish fluently! I have encountered several patients this year where I was not able to effectively communicate with them because I was not fluent in their language. To overcome this issue, I had to use a translating service which completely takes away from the patient-doctor interaction. So, if I could master one skill right now, it would definitely be to become fluent in Spanish!
If you could give advice to a current Monmouth player, what would it be?
If I could give advice to a current Monmouth player, I would tell them to appreciate each day playing or training as if it was their last. For many of us, the four years that we spend playing soccer at Monmouth, we are playing at the highest level that we will ever play. Those days that we dread when we have to run the timed mile, or cones, or any of the other feared fitness tests, are the days that we will never get back. Those days where you can't wait for them to be over, are the days that you will miss when you become an old, washed up alumni, like myself.
How did your time at Monmouth prepare you for life after graduation?
My time during Monmouth has prepared me for life after graduation in ways that I would have never imagined. Being a student athlete has developed my time management and leadership skills which helped with my transition from undergraduate school to medical school. With my time management skills, I have been able to balance studying for all of my examinations with continuing to play on co-ed soccer teams and basketball teams as well as exploring the city of Cleveland. My leaderships skills that I developed through soccer have allowed me to earn several leadership positions within my school and on the national level. The life lessons that I learned on the field combined with the academic lessons I learned in the classroom at Monmouth University, have prepared me to succeed as a medical student and a future doctor.
Between your former teammates and coaches, who has had the most impact on your life?
This is a tough question. Throughout my time as a Hawk, I have played alongside and have been coached by many influential individuals. I would have to say that Coach Krissy Turner has had the most impact on my life. Many of the life lessons that I experienced with her as my coach still influence me today in my everyday life. Not only does she know how to coach her teams to conference championships, she also knows how to develop her players both athletically and emotionally. You may not know it at the time, but the lessons that she teaches you will stay with you for the rest of your life!
