Oct. 31, 2007

Columbia, Mo. - As the regular season winds down, mutigers.com will chat with selected Tigers about all of the exciting happenings in the Mizzou soccer program, including the upcoming postseason! Today, we sent some questions to Lindsay McCoy, one of Mizzou's starting defenders. Please check back often for more insight from your favorite Tiger players!

You're from the Kansas City area, what does the Border Showdown game mean to you?

Well MU/KU is a rivalry, so of course I want to win and make Mizzou fans proud, but in no way is this game more important or less important than the others. You have to come ready to play for every game, rival or not, and every game is worth three points, rival or not.

It has been about two months of intense practices and games, with few days off. How do you find energy at this crucial time of the season?

I think at this level you have to really know your body and what works for you mentally and physically. Everyone is different, and everyone's bodies respond differently to the stress we take during the season. I know for me, physically, I have to different kinds of baths to keep my legs going. Additionally I have to drink a lot of water and always have a water bottle with me. To find energy mentally, I have to take advantage of my time off to separate myself mentally from soccer and focus on other things like school or religious groups I'm a part of.

How is the team's attitude heading into the last game, and the Big 12 Championship?

Well I think overall everyone is really pumped up and ready to go. We have a great team and a great opportunity to make history for Mizzou this year. I know that with the drive inside of each of the girls on the team, there are no doubts as to whether we are ready to play our best and give our all.

What must you do as a team in the postseason to be successful?

I think we just need to keep the same driving mentality that we have had all year. With that and our desire and skill, we have the potential to beat anyone.

What personal goals did you set prior to the season? Are they coming true?

There were a couple of goals I set this year. One was to make sure I hydrate better. I'm awful at drinking water and keeping fluids in me, and that is a huge part of whether you can keep going physically. I made myself start carrying a water bottle with me everywhere... it has helped... but I still could use a little work. Another goal was to be a little more calm and composed on the ball, especially as a defender. I think that with the help of my coaches and the players around me I have definitely been able to improve that.

How would you asses the team's season so far?

I think we are doing great! We started this season with some challenging games in California that gave us the confidence to compete with anyone, as well as the realization that we can compete with any team. As for the Big 12, we are in a tough conference, but we have been doing great! We are tied for Mizzou's all time high for conference wins in a season (six). Additionally, with as tough as the Big 12 is, its very rare to go undefeated, and I've been so proud of the way our team has bounced back after our few losses. I feel like we have everything we need to be a Championship team.

How about your play so far this season?

Overall, I've been pretty pleased with the way I have played this year. Of course there are mistakes that have been made, or games that I haven't played quite as well in as others, its impossible not to have them over a season with as many games as we have. But, overall, I feel as though I've been pretty consistent, and the back line together has adjusted to what the coaches want us to do to continue succeeding.

Thanks Lindsay, good luck Friday and throughout the postseason!