Completed Event: Women's Lacrosse at #4 Florida on May 15, 2025 , Loss , 9, to, 11
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Women's Lacrosse
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at #4 Florida
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Aiyana Newton Senior Profile
3/26/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
DURHAM, N.C. ? GoDuke.com recently sat down with women's lacrosse player Aiyana Newton for her senior profile. Newton, a native of Baltimore, Md., is a defender on the Duke women's lacrosse team. She discusses why she wears No. 8, her favorite movie, the perfect end to her collegiate athletic career, plus much more.
GoDuke.com: What is your nickname?
Aiyana Newton: My name itself is pretty unique, so people usually just stick with Yani or variations of it like Yan, Yans, Yan-Yans, Yan-Bon... you get the point.
GD: What do you have in your iPod before a game?
AN: I listen to all kinds of music before games. I like just about everything so it can be techno, country, pop or rap. There are two songs I always listen to before games. First is Right or Wrong by Erika, and the second is Mr. Jones by Mike Jones. The first one gets me excited, and the second one I get into and get really focused.
GD: Why do you wear No. 8?
AN: There's not really a special reason behind it, it's just always been my favorite number. For a while, my high school didn't have a No. 8 jersey, so I always wore 3 or 4 because they're both half of 8 ? either by cutting 8 down the middle, or by dividing it in half. I'm weird.
GD: What is your favorite professional team?
AN: The Baltimore Ravens. As a native, I've been a dedicated fan through the rough seasons. I'll never betray them, but may have some issues if Todd Heap ever leaves ? he's my absolute favorite, and I have an autographed jersey that I love!
GD: What is your favorite movie?
AN: I'm not good at picking favorites, or things like top five lists, but The Wedding Planner is one of my go to movies.
GD: What's your favorite movie from over the summer?
AN: Knocked Up, definitely. Though Ocean's 13 was really good too. Completely different types of movies though...
GD: What's your favorite TV show?
AN: I'm embarrassed to say this, but Gossip Girl. I don't watch much TV, but I got into it when the writers' strike took Grey's Anatomy away from me. I like to have one show I consistently follow at a time.
GD: What's your favorite food?
AN: I love chicken parm and any pasta. I also love sushi. In terms of snack food though, my favorite is Pirate's Booty.
GD: Do you have any pregame rituals?
AN: I have a few things I do before games. One is to drink two cups of water and a Gatorade, preferably blue. Then, I have to have some quiet time where I really focus and get ready for the game. I usually do this listening to music, and always listen to Mr. Jones by Mike Jones at least twice. Finally, I write key words and reminders on my left wrist for the game ? whether it be match up information, or just motivational words.
GD: What are you planning on doing after graduation?
AN: I wish I knew. I have no clue about my immediate future upon graduation, but plan on going to law school within the next few years.
GD: What would the perfect end to your athletic career look like?
AN: The perfect end to my athletic career will be winning a National Championship. We've been to the Final Four three times, and I hope my class can know what it feels like to win on that last weekend in May.
GD: Where is your secret spot to study?
AN: I'm not telling! I'd like for it to stay a secret!
GD: What's your favorite sport, other than your own, to watch on TV?
AN: Definitely football. If I had been a boy I would have been a sick running back!
GD: What is your advice to this year's freshmen on your team?
AN: Go slow, because your time here flies by.
GD: If you could go back-stage at any concert, what would it be?
AN: I'm pretty obsessed with Justin Timberlake, so definitely one of his shows.
Players Mentioned
M
/ Women's LacrosseKerstin Kimel James Madison Postgame Press Conference 5-9
Friday, May 09
Kerstin Kimel Media Availability 5-7
Wednesday, May 07
Kerry Nease Media Availability 5-7
Wednesday, May 07
Madison Beale Media Availability 5-7
Wednesday, May 07
