How did it feel to be offered a spot on the 2005 Fusion team?
I was very proud. It was amazing because I get to do what I enjoy at such a high level with teammates that work as hard as I do. I was very happy to meet new friends, some who I played against or with before. I knew from the day that I started playing on Friday nights in Fusion Academy, I wanted to play on the Fusion Team. The day I found out I made the Team, I was so happy to reach my goal of making Fusion.
How did your experience playing up a year with Vancouver FC help prepare you for Fusion?
It prepared me for Fusion because I got to play full field and got to practice and play against girls that were much bigger than me. I learned to play more physical and use my speed and footwork. I also learned to use space on such a big field. Plus the intensity of the practices kept us all motivated and taught me to work hard every time I step on the pitch.
Congrats on getting two goals recently in the 3-1 win against Fraser Valley! How did it feel to help the team to their first league win of the season?
It felt awesome because I worked really hard and it paid off! The best part of the game was seeing how much our Team passed the ball to create scoring opportunities. I went to the top of the 18 when my teammate had the ball on the wing and I called for the ball and Loren crossed it in as I ran to the goal. And it worked! I also really wanted to win! The first goal motivated me to score again so I did!
What level of ice hockey are you playing at right now and how has that helped your soccer game too?
I am currently playing for the Vancouver Thunderbirds PeeWee rep with the boys. Hockey has helped me be more physical and to
play aggressive. I play D and whenever I see a loose puck, I am first to it and I always need to have my head on a swivel looking for open space and players. Hockey is very fast and you need to make quick decisions and move the puck. All these things apply in soccer as well. Plus, hockey has taught me to be disciplined because I have to wake up 4 days/week at 5 AM to go play hockey. This means I sacrifice a lot of time after school so I can do my homework and be energized for both my sports.
