When
did you start playing soccer?
When was 7 because my best friend at the time was playing. I went to watch one of her games and her team needed an extra player. They asked me to fill in but I said, "No way!" It looked like fun, though, so I did sign up to play the next season!
What is your favorite thing about playing soccer?
I love that the game requires so many different skills and types of athletic qualities. I enjoy competing and trying to create and express myself on the field.
What was your most memorable game experience?
I will never forget the 2009 WPS Championship game when we beat the LA Sol. We were clearly the underdogs, so there was no pressure. It was a fun game and an amazing, yet ironic, way to end our first WPS season. Not only were we in last place in the league for a good part of the season, but we were yet to beat the Sol until that game...good timing!
What is something you always have in your soccer bag?
A soccer ball!
What was your most interesting and fun soccer trip and why?
I really enjoyed going to Thailand for the U19 World Championship. The places we stayed were beautiful and very interesting, and it was a great soccer experience to see and play against some of the most talented players in the world at that age group.
What's your perfect day off?
Staying home, drinking tea, doing the NY Times crossword, and watching soccer
Name a sports team other than WNY Flash that you can’t live without?
FC Barcelona
What famous person most inspires you?
My sister
If you could only eat one food item/meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Ice cream
What's on your workout/pre-game iPod playlist?
Techno!
FINISH THE SENTENCE
Aside from soccer, I'm really good at…Writing
Not many people know that I can…Eat more than any girl I know
If my parents were describing me, they’d say that…I am crazy
I want my experience in WPS to be…Fun and exciting
What are the three things you can never be without while traveling?
Soccer ball, iPod and my journal
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you want to go and why?
Spain- to watch Barcelona play Real Madrid live
ADVICE
Surely it took a lot of hard work to get to this level, what motivated you to keep working hard?
I love the game so much that just playing is enough motivation. I enjoy training and competing, so I don't see it as hard work.
When it got hard, or you didn’t make the cut what did you do? What advice could you give kids about working hard and overcoming moments like this?
I continued to do the things that I know are right and continued to love playing, dispite any disappointments. I think that is always important to remember why you play this game--it shouldn't be for the glory or recognition of making a team or to impress any coach or scout, but because of how it makes you feel to play and because it's fun! Never lose belief in yourself and find confidence in what makes you different and special as a player.
When going through school and playing soccer at the same time, how did you fit all the pieces together (soccer, school, social life)
To be honest, I focused most of my energy on soccer, because that was most important to me. But I was very disciplined in school and I had many great times with friends as well. It was important to be very organized and make the most of my time, whether it was training, studying, or socializing.
What advice would you give to a young girl who dreams of playing in WPS one day?
Discover what you enjoy most about soccer and never lose sight of that. The journey to achieve your dream will never be easy, but if you can always find the joy in the everyday parts of the process then it is impossible to fail. Believe in yourself, spend as much time with the ball as possible, and never give up!