Nov. 8, 2004

Q. Your parents both played college sports. What did they tell you about their experiences as collegiate athletes before you came here?
A. I grew up hearing stories about my parents competing. Both of my parents excelled in athletics, and for me to have that sort of background is very valuable. They certainly taught me how to be mentally tough; they went through it too, so they were always empathetic, but I never got a lot of sympathy.

Q. How do you think your time as a soccer player for Mizzou differs from your parents' athletic experiences?
A. I don't think that I have had to overcome the difficulties that my parents did throughout their athletic careers, especially my mom. Being a female athlete you face a lot of challenges, but since times have changed so have the challenges. I am fortunate enough to be able to focus on my sport rather than the perceptions and difficulties of outside influences.

Q. You were a midfielder as a freshman, and then switched to defender before your sophomore season. How difficult was it to change positions?
A. I have played both positions all my life, depending on where my team needed me at the time. It really all just comes down to playing the game in the end.

Q. You were named a team captain before that sophomore season as well. What are your responsibilities in that position?
A. The biggest responsibility as a captain is to be the communication link between the team and the coaches. Other than that, everyone on the team leads in their own way at their own time, which is vital to our team's success.

Q. Last year you were sidelined by a knee injury five games into the season. Describe how difficult it was to sit out the rest of the year.
A. I had never felt so helpless in my entire life, especially when our team was struggling. I was just fortunate to have great teammates and coaches, and they stood by me through it all. The experience has made me stronger, more passionate, and I made some great friends in the training room.

Q. After rehabilitating your knee last year, you've come back to lead a stellar defensive unit for the Tigers this season. What do you think is the secret to Mizzou's outstanding defense?
A. We have a great chemistry in the defense. We all trust each other and communicate well.

Q. What is your favorite moment as a Mizzou soccer player?
A. It is really hard to narrow the great moments down to just one.

Q. Describe the camaraderie among Mizzou's soccer team.
A. Truly, it is indescribable. I know there aren't any other girls that I would rather play with now or have played with, and that goes for the coaches as well. We emphasize team chemistry because it is important for all of us. We are with each other so much that if we didn't have good camaraderie we wouldn't be able to over come all the adversity that we have the past four years. These are my girls and I love every single one of them.