Paige Hefferan, a senior defender at Keene State College, has been a steadying influence for the Owls, who have made three consecutive trips to the NCAA Division 3 tournament.

“She has great stick skills and is a technically sound player with superb field vision,’’ said Keene head coach Amy Watson. “Last year was her best season, for sure, but Paige has been a significant player since her freshman season and she masterminds our defense.’’

Last year, Hefferan — who was coached by her mother, Lauren, at Newburyport High — led Keene with four defensive saves, two in the NCAA first-round game against Husson University and another in the second round vs. Bowdoin College. The Owls began defense of their Little East Conference championship last week.

Hefferan was named the Cape Ann League’s Player of the Year as a senior captain at Newburyport High, where her older sister, Callie, also played field hockey.

A psychology major, the 5-foot-5-inch Hefferan, 21, also played for the Seacoast United Club team in Hampton, N.H. That team also was coached by her mother, who played field hockey at Haverhill High and the University of New Hampshire.

Q. How valuable was your experience being coached by your mother?

A. She pushed me to be the best I could ever be although at times, being her daughter, it was hard to take the criticism. I didn’t always have coaches who believed in me and my mother always believed in me. I wouldn’t be playing at Keene if not for her.

Q. Your mother is a breast cancer survivor. In what ways have you shown support?

A. She was diagnosed my junior year of high school. Our team wore pink socks to every game that season and next. My club, high school, and college teams have also participated in a Play for the Cure game in October — which is breast cancer awareness month — to raise funds.

Q. When did you start playing field hockey?

A. When my mom was coaching at Haverhill High. I was about 4 years old and had my own little field hockey stick. A local newspaper took a picture of me in winter clothes on the field holding the stick.

Q. What was your favorite subject in high school?

A. History. I was particularly intrigued by the subject of the Holocaust during World War II and why something like that could be possible and why it lasted so long.

Q. You spent second semester in England last spring. How was the experience?

A. I attended York St John University focusing on psychology. I also traveled to France, Spain, Greece, Ireland, and Scotland. It really changed my perspective on the world, which is a lot bigger than I originally thought.

Q. What did you do to prepare for the upcoming season?

A. I played in an adult league in Newburyport on Thursday nights. I’ve been doing it since high school and it not only keeps me sharp, I get to see some good friends and former teammates.

Q. What does it take to make a defensive save?

A. Honestly, it happens really quickly. When the goalie is out of position, I’m looking to see where the ball is and the positioning of my opponents. The rest is instinct.

Q. Can you describe your work in Keene’s sports information office?

A. In the spring, I cover men’s and women’s lacrosse. I videotape the games, play music over the PA system, and keep the participation chart.

Q. What are your plans after graduation?

A. To attend grad school and further my psychology degree.

Q. What food do you find irresistible?

A. I love bread. I couldn’t live without it. Banana and pumpkin bread are my favorites, especially after practice.

Q. What is the last book you’ve read?

A. ‘The Girl on the Train.’ I liked it a lot.

Q. What are your thoughts about entering your final college season?

A. I’m super excited to finish the season with my friends and take a run at making the NCAAs one more time. We have a lot of incoming freshmen and, as a senior, I want to work my hardest to make them feel part of the team.

Marvin Pave can be reached at marvin.pave@rcn.com.