What’s your major and classification?
Kinesiology and a minor in coaching. The minor includes an Internship Practicum in coaching.
What made you come to UNCG?
I really loved the culture and atmosphere here, and was able to watch a game when I visited. I thought it was the place for me. I was nervous about coming here, I was coming from Montana, but my parents can watch games online and it was a new adventure for me.
How has it been playing soccer at a collegiate level?
It’s been really great and I love it. I was recruited for soccer and have been playing for 4 years at UNCG and 18 years in total. My position is the left back, so a defender. It was difficult at first to learn to play with a new team and it’s much faster, but a lot of fun too. Everyone should definitely come check out our games this Spring and in the Fall!
What are some challenges you have faced?
Time management is a big one. You have to balance class, studying, practice, therapy and everything else that comes along with being a college athlete. And you can’t forget time for yourself. Things get crazy especially during the season.
I also tore my ACL the Summer of 2015 and had surgery in January 2016. I wanted to make it for the past season (Fall 2016), but red-shirted it and am now clear to play. It was eye-opening, definitely makes you figure out more of who are and is a test of character. Being injured really sucked; watching the team play was difficult because you feel helpless and distant from them. But now I’m working harder and ready more than ever for the Fall season.
What kind of advice do you have for freshman and althetes?
If you think you’re fit now, you have to be 10 times more fit than you thought you were. Managing time and building good habits for studying and everything.
What are some of the positives of playing a sport in college?
Being with the guys and team; they are family. They kept me sane during recovery process of the injury. My coaches, teammates, and everyone involved with the program are all very supportive.
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
Play professionally and have an adventure. Eventually I would love to coach too.