Deirdre Brown (left), a freshman lacrosse player at AU, is known for the trademark ‘bubble’ braids she sports at practice. As a Public Relations and Strategic Communication major, she’s gained numerous skills within her SOC courses, such as resume building and website creation, that will set her up for future success in the professional world. Outside of the classroom, Brown is involved with Morgan’s Message, a club focused on mental health advocacy for student athletes. While she acknowledges the transition into freshman year can be challenging, AU’s engaged lacrosse and student athlete community made it easy for Brown to find her place on campus.

Last year, Aidan Delehanty (right) helped break AU’s record for the 200-meter Medley Relay (backstroke) and he has several marks in he AU Top 16 times. He has been described as the ‘living embodiment’ of AU by peers for his energetic personality and abundance of school spirit. Often seen conducting interviews around campus for class, the Political Science and Journalism major is passionate about a future career in sports journalism. When Delehanty isn’t competing in a meet or working in the athletic department as a lifeguard and communications intern, you can catch him at other AU sporting events. “We all come out to each others’ games for the most part,” he said, “I haven’t missed a field hockey or lacrosse game in two years,” emphasizing the support AU’s student athletes show one another.

The two gave insight into their lives as AU student athletes as recent guests on Media in the Mix, SOC’s podcast.

LISTEN HERE:

Off-camera, they shared some fun facts about themselves through the Q&A below!

Who’s your favorite musical artist?

Deirdre: The band 5SOS.

Aidan: My favorite artist is Childish Gambino.

What’s your hidden talent?

Deirdre: I can wiggle my ears.

Aidan: My hidden talent is that I can sing the ABCs backwards.

How would your friends describe you?

Deirdre: Witty & Energetic.

Aidan: My friends would describe me as ambitious, witty, lanky, and fashionable.

What is something that’s true that nobody agrees with you on?

Deirdre: The Stanley tumblers are ugly.

Aidan: I believe that ketchup belongs on Mac n' Cheese. Also, the best Pokémon game is Legends Arceus.

Greatest risk you’ve ever taken?

Deirdre: Join college lacrosse recruitment.

Aidan: The greatest risk I've ever taken is going through the college athletics recruiting process.

Where’s the best place you’ve ever traveled?

Deirdre: Portugal. It had such amazing scenery. The food and ambiance made the trip incredible. The water was beautiful, and my favorite part was going on a boat out along the coastline of the Algarve.

Aidan: San Sebastian, Spain. I have some close family friends that live in San Sebastian and the first time they took me I was in awe. It looks like a mini Rio, Brazil.

Who do you look up to the most and why?

Deirdre: I look up to my brothers and my parents the most. They give the most patience and kindness to the world anyone could ever give. Every day, they brighten the world. 

Aidan: I look up to professor [Kevin] Boyle because he's had an impressive military career and he's also extremely down to earth. He makes sure that his classes are extremely interactive and takes the time to truly know his students.

What’s something you couldn’t live without?

Deirdre: My phone.

Aidan: My sneaker collection.

The Bridge or the Dav?

Deirdre: Bridge.

Aidan: Bridge.

Favorite spot on campus to relax?

Deirdre: The couch chair outside the Bridge.

Aidan: Basement of the Library or my coach's office.

What’s one thing on your bucket list?

Deirdre: Surfing.

Aidan: Watch Lebron James play in an NBA game.

Would you rather have a one-minute conversation with your past self or your future self?

Deirdre: I would pick my future self and talk about how everything is going to turn out okay. I imagine it could relieve a lot of stress.

Aidan: I would want to learn now about future mistakes before they happen.

Which reality TV show would you be on?

Deirdre: Love Island.

Aidan: I would be on the Biggest Loser.

Which TV show or movie character do you relate to the most?

Deirdre: Monica Geller.

Aidan: My coach thinks I look like the actor Sean Hayes from Will & Grace.