The Daily Iowan: Why did you choose to come to Iowa?
Meg Tebben: There were really a multitude of reasons when I came here on my visit. I really liked the community, just really like Iowa City in General. Coming from Charlotte, It’s a big city so it was nice to be in a smaller community. For field hockey specifically, the team culture is just amazing. They play with such high intensity and then off the field it’s amazing to have best friends like that. It just solidified once I saw them play a game and just saw how they played that style. It really made my decision.
Who was the biggest influence on you as an athlete?
I would say my biggest influence is my Dad. He’s really taught me that mentality of just keep pushing, keep working, everything will work out.
Do you have a superstition?
I have a few. My main one is I wear a headband for every game and I’ve done that for a long time now. And a different one is whenever I’m taking a stroke I have a routine where I’ll step on the ball, take two steps back, little steps, then I’ll do a squat so my stick is in line with the ball and then I’ll shoot it from there.
What’s your pregame routine?
I really like to be hyped up and dance to music. I’m not really sitting down ever. If we have the speaker going, I’m up and at them. I’ll usually have a v8 energy drink a couple hours before the game and then when game time comes we have our team traditions, but then always when I step on the field for the National anthem as soon as its ending I like to take two deep breaths just to clear my mind.
Are there any other sports you like to watch or do in your free time?
I really like watching basketball and football.
Was field hockey always your thing or did you have another favorite sport growing up?
It was not actually. I was dead set playing basketball my whole life and then field hockey just kind of came out of nowhere because it’s not really that big in North Carolina. So I shifted from basketball over to field hockey.
Do you have any hobbies?
I really like anything on the lake, so water sports like wakeboarding, wake surfing. I also really like going for long bike rides and spending time with my friends wherever we go.
What’s your favorite pregame song and genre?
I really like the song hot wings from Rio that’s gotta be a favorite. Then the genre is pop or today’s hits something where it’s hype but not rap.
What’s your favorite vacation you’ve been on?
Aruba, I went with my family over spring break and it’s just like the perfect place.
Biggest Difference between High School and College Field Hockey?
The first thing that comes to mind is the tempo of the game. High School is very slow and then you get to college and it’s really really fast.
What is your favorite fast food place?
Chick Fil A all the way.
