The Capital Athletic Conference "INTRODUCING ..." feature begins to turn the page to the spring sports, where we find Hood senior Caitlin Erickson preparing to lead her team in the 2009 season.

Erickson is a former all-conference player leading the Blazers into their second CAC season.

What is your background in the sport you play?  I have played different sports my entire life, but I did not start playing tennis until I got to college. It was a great way for me to make friends and stay active while in college.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  I feel that the most important issue facing college students today is the fact that people view our generation as uncaring and unmotivated.  I feel that we are not a lost generation and we are able to come together and stand up for something we believe in when we are inspired.  I think that we proved that during this past election. I know that a large majority of college students were inspired by this past election and they believed that their vote could make a difference.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  I am a social work major and I feel that the most important thing that I have learned is that everyone deserves a chance. Many people need help and it is through compassion and understanding that people can learn to change.  It is not our responsibility to judge others.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  I would say that my best friends and teammates Christine (Ocampos-Barry) and Mike (Hardman) are the most influential people in my life. They are amazing people and everyday they make me feel good for just being me... and yes I know I am being hokey.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?  My advice would be to know who you are and to love yourself for being who you are. Do not let other people make you feel like you have to act a certain way. Do not allow the judgments others make you miss out on the many amazing opportunities that you have in your life.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  I love to watch movies with my friends because it is fun to just hang out and do nothing.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  My favorite sports person is Roger Federer. I love him because he is an amazing athlete and he is extremely intelligent.  Also, he is a role model for children.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with. If I could have dinner with any three people I would eat with my grandfather because I never got to meet him and I would love to get to know him. I would also like to have dinner with (actress) Katherine Hepburn because she was an extremely intelligent woman and I have always looked up to her. Finally, I would have dinner with (actor) James Franco because he is gorgeous and hilarious.