Faster is better for Eden Prairie's 'Giz'

As a kindergarten-age gymnast, Eden Prairie senior Christine Easton was a superball of energy, bouncing around the gym at a frenetic pace.

Her boundless spirit earned her the nickname "Giz," short for Gizmo, a character in the 1984 movie "Gremlins."

Easton left gymnastics after sixth grade, moving to team sports such as soccer and lacrosse, which has become her passion. The nickname came along, too.

"Most people don't know my real name," she said. "Everyone knows me as 'Giz.'"

Her nonstop motor has made her one of the most feared scorers in girls' lacrosse and earned her a scholarship to Ohio State.

Staff writer Jim Paulsen talked to Easton about her love for lacrosse and what sets her apart.

Q Why lacrosse?

Q How long have you been playing?

A I started in fifth grade. Someone suggested I go to a clinic and I loved it. I decided right then I wanted to get more involved. I came home and told my mom that she had to sign me up so I could play more.

Q What do you remember about playing when you were younger?

A In fifth, sixth and seventh grade, I played on the boys' teams.

Q Boys? Wasn't that pretty physical?

Q Why do you think you've been successful at lacrosse?

A I love to run and I love to pass. It's so fast. It fits perfectly with what I love to do.

Q You scored 78 goals in 17 games last year. What's your secret?

A It's the people around me. I'm lucky to have teammates who can pass and get me the ball. I have to give the credit to them.

Q There must be something about you that gives you that scoring knack, isn't there?

Q What is your best lacrosse memory?

A Winning the state championship as a freshman. It was my first chance to play for a championship. I'll never forget how great that was.

Q For the last five years, it's been Eden Prairie and Blake in the state championship game. Talk about that rivalry.

A It's huge. We respect each other's teams so much. They're a great team and the games are always fun and exciting. Not dirty at all. I don't think there's any bad blood.

Q Blake has won the last two state championships. Do you think about those losses?

Q Why Ohio State?