Sept. 30, 2004
Q. You had a great season as a freshman last year. To what do you attribute your ability to come to Mizzou and play so well right away?
A. The team was so much fun, and they made my season much more enjoyable than just the success I experienced on the field. I felt like I fit right in with the team, no questions asked.
Q. How satisfying was it to come to Columbia and help the team in such a big way?
A. I didn't know exactly what to expect, entering a completely different scenario than what I was used to. However, I was definitely satisfied with the way things went last year, and I'm glad that I could contribute to such an awesome team and season!
Q. Did your ability to come in and play right away surprise you last year?
A. Receiving so much playing time as a freshman definitely caught me off guard. I still get butterflies in my stomach.
Q. What was it like to be named a member of the U.S Under-19 National Team?
A. It was an honor to play with the U-19 National Team. It's an experience that I wish a lot more people got a chance to participate in, but it was nice getting back to a familiar team, and being able to share my experience with them. They were so supportive.
Q. You were heavily recruited, with a lot of schools to choose from. What made you come to Missouri?
A. I fell in love with the school, the campus, and the team on my official visit. The girls, the staff, and everything about Mizzou caught my eye. I really do feel like I belong here!
Q. Describe the different experiences of living in the Chicago area and living in Columbia?
I'm from a south suburb of Chicago, so Columbia is actually bigger than the area that I'm from. College life in itself is awesome, and it's so much fun to be surrounded by people my age, all living in a city that surrounds the campus. In New Lenox, it seemed like everyone was either younger or older than me.
Q. You possess a lot of skills on the field, but one that stands out is your ability to head the ball. Your headers always seem to end up in Mizzou possession. How did you develop that skill?
A. Well, I'm not really sure if I have accuracy when I head the ball. However, the only thing that I think about when going up for a header is, "there is no way I'm losing this battle." Also, I know that if I don't win it, one of my teammates is always there to back me up.
Q. Since beginning your career at Mizzou you've had to deal with several injuries. Describe what it's like to have an injury take you off of the field.
A. Dealing with injuries is a very difficult part of the game, and I'm not the only player that has had to cope with them. You just wish you can get back out onto the field and play, but at the same time I know that we have a great team, no matter which players are in the game. We have a great "Crew 2," and we're always able to carry the excitement over from the people on the field to those on the bench.
Q. After the team's run in last year's Big 12 Tournament, how well do you think Mizzou can do in the conference this year?
A. I believe that we are going to have a great season this year. As we know already, sometimes we have days where things just don't go our way, but when we come ready to play we're a hard team to beat. The excitement of the Big 12 Tournament last year is still pouring into this season, and I can't wait to get back there!
Q. What do you expect from yourself this year?
A. I expect to do all that I can to help the team make it as far in postseason play as possible. I want everyone to be able to experience what I have in the past year! It makes you realize why you love the sport so much.