After making the team as a sophomore, Lawler got a chance to play during her junior year when Caples converted the former midfielder into a sweeper.

"Tina didn't come here as a defender but when [Caples] gave her the chance to play everyday, she ran with it," said roommate and two-year Co-Captain Clark. "She got better and better every game. We had all the confidence in the world in her back there."

Looking Back

After the most successful season in the history of Harvard field hockey in 1990, the Crimson wanted one thing: to be even better in 1991.

It was. It's invitation to the national tournament was the first for Harvard, and it grabbed a piece of the Ivy and Boston Four Titles.

With her collegiate athletic career over, Lawler does have some regrets.

Although Lawler does look back fondly on being part of winning teams, it is not all smiles when she reflects on her accomplishments.

"I had very high expectations for myself and the team," the PBH Project Literacy Subcommittee Chair said. "I kept thinking it would be a culmination but I don't think I achieved my potential. I wish I could have been more consistent. I think I could have done more."

Her coaches and peers, however, seem to look at her career in a different light.

"Tina has a very good game sense which really helped us," Assistant Coach Donna Lee said. "She really knows how to react, when to hit the ball out and when to work it out. We needed Tina's experience to lead the sophomores and she did a great job."

Caples insists that the team always depended on Lawler's solid play.

"When Tina played well we played well," Caples said. "She did a fine job of directing a young defense. She played with poise and confidence, which is exactly what you need in a sweeper."