Q & A with Erica Pusch
10/5/2004 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Oct. 5, 2004
Q: Describe your relationship with Coach Bryan Blitz.
A. We have a very open, communicative relationship. He helps me to grow as a player, and I help him to grow as a coach. It is a relationship with a lot of mutual respect.
Q: During your high school career, you scored 33 goals and 35 assists as a forward. Describe the difficulties you encountered converting to a defender during your career at Mizzou.
A. It was difficult to discipline myself as a defender. I was so used to attacking players, but now I am able to use my experience as a forward to my advantage when defending an opposing player.
Q: As a forward, success is gained by a goal or an assist, and when you score your name is in the newspaper and on the Internet. How do you measure success as a defender?
You measure personal success by the success of your team and by theopportunities that you create for your teammates. If a teammate scores and leads us to a win it is just as rewarding as you yourself scoring the goal.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about playing defense?
A. I have an opportunity to defend players as well as get myself into the attack and help offensively. I also have the opportunity to see the entire field and play off of each individual player.
Q: Do you sometimes wish you were a forward again, scoring goals and dishing out assists?
A. No, I love where I am at on the field. I still have the opportunity to score and assist, but I also have the opportunity to stop an opponent's attack, which is just as rewarding.
Q: You are a junior this year, so compared to freshmen you know a lot about college soccer. Explain the confidence and experience you have gained during the last two and a half seasons.
A. I have learned a great deal about playing at the college level. I can discipline myself during the game, and I have learned how to play off of my teammates. Confidence comes with the success of your team, and at the same time individual success and confidence are the building blocks of a strong team.
Q: What do you do to help the younger players on the team improve?
Q: What have you done to help the freshmen players feel like they are a part of the Mizzou soccer team?
A. We are a family. We love each other and support each other in every way. We love hanging out with each other during our free time. The freshmen this year are just as important to our family as the seniors, and they play a large part in helping to build our team dynamics.
Q: You played with Lauren Vineyard on the J.B. Marine club team from 2001-02. How did you feel when you learned Lauren was transferring to Mizzou?
A. I was very excited! Vinny is a great person and tremendous player. She is a blast, and she has helped our team both on and off the field.
Q: Do you have any good stories about playing with Lauren?
I have been with Vin through thick and thin on the soccer field and we have always supported one another. She has made a great impact on our team, and she's able to make light of any situation imaginable! I am very excited to finish my soccer career with Lauren as my teammate.
