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12th December 2014
07:45pm GMT

The 2014 season yielded another national title for the Huskies this November, with Upton one of the team's captains. It was also a landmark title for the University, as they picked up their 20th national sports title, and she says it's an achievement that's really only starting to sink in.
"For me, coming over her, and with the way the rules work you only get four years of eligibility, so to win two national titles already really makes me think how fortunate I am.
"It was nice, because the team always vote who their captain is, and I was really appreciative of the girls voting me, it was an incredible honour to do it as a junior, as usually the captain is a senior."
And the season ended for Upton with a nomination for the Honda Sports Award in field hockey from the Collegiate Women's Sports Association, who honour female athletes in the 12 NCAA women's sports.
Ultimately, when the winner was announced this week Upton wasn't selected, but to be considered for an award won previously by stars like Mia Hamm and Jackie Joyner in their respective sports, is something Upton is fiercely proud of.
"It's a huge honour to be honest. It's very humbling and flattering, but I'd prefer to be a national champion than any of these individual awards."
But since the season has ended it's been back the reality of being a student athlete. It's currently exam time, Upton taking a quick break from the books to chat to us, before getting ready for two more exams the following morning.
"It's definitely the closest thing to being a professional athlete in hockey, so it's made me feel so lucky, I never thought I'd be able to be in a situation like this, but we have an academic adviser who comes to your lectures to make sure that you're there, because in order to remain eligible you have to keep on top of study.
"I remember last year she had to come on a trip with us so I could take an exam at the same time as my classmates. Just small things like that."
Another year of eligibility still awaits for Upton as a senior, and after that, she's not even sure.
She's studying psychology as her major in UConn, but the thought of what lies ahead once she graduates is something she's still weighing up in her head.
One thing in her future is certain though, whether it lies at home or abroad.
"I definitely can't imagine myself giving up hockey after I graduate, which is just a bizarre thought to me. When I consider all the girls I've played with, and the talent, and then you see them graduate and they're saying they'll never get to play again, it's just crazy.
"Obviously to play for the senior women is the dream. I love Ireland, and love representing the country."
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