| You had a pretty interesting trip home for winter break this year that included a few extra days at the Denver airport. What was that experience like, and what was the most amusing thing that happened while you were there? |
| SD: Yeah. It was such a bummer. Definitely the most interesting experience I had there was not having my suitcase for extra clothes…but me being me…decided it would be a super sweet idea to play in the snow. Me and two other college age kids played against six grade school kids. The snowball fight was fun, but left my only pair of jeans soaked from the snow. |
| What would you say are the strengths of the team either individually or collectively? |
| SD: One of the biggest strengths of the team, whether we are all smiles or storming, is that we are always in it together. We all genuinely care about each other on and off the field. We have a good dynamic of people on the team too. Some people provide power and strength while others provide endurance and speed. These are all necessary parts of making us successful together. |
| Word on the street says that you are a founding member of the “Wives Club”. Since none of the people on the club are actually married, what exactly is this unofficial club all about? |
| SD: Interesting fact, the “club” unofficially began inside of Target at the Waterfront December of 2005 when two teammates and I decided to buy cheap plastic rings and be “engaged” to each other. The “club” was later officially founded in September of 2006 when Jessica Howard stumbled upon me and three other ladies slaving away over the kitchen stove to prepare dinner. She began to notice this was a daily occurrence and so decided to give us an official title, which we happily accepted. The “club” currently consists of five members, each of whom share a special interest only known by official members. However, the “club” is accepting applications by qualified individuals, which will be reviewed by the board of trustees. |
| What are you going to do after you graduate from CMU? |
| SD: My current plans are to attend Graduate School. The programs I am interested in are mostly in California, but I am not sold on the idea, I still have a few more years. |
| From your center back position you scored one goal this season. What was it like scoring your first collegiate goal against a great team like the University of Rochester? |
| SD: WOW! That was the craziest feeling in the world. Not only did I have two of my very favorite people in the world fly into town that weekend to watch the games, but they were also lucky enough to see my first collegiate goal. Maybe there’s a correlation there…(hint hint). |
| What piece of advice could you offer a prospective student-athlete who is just beginning their college search? |
| SD: Take some time to make a list of the things that are important to you from a college. Make sure the list provides you with maintaining a positive mindset, if say, you weren’t able to play due to an injury. Also, a big thing to keep in mind is that college ultimately is your decision because it is only going to be you making yourself happy. It’s hard to get away from everyone pressuring you on one side and luring you in on the other. There’s a feeling you get that says, “This one is just right.” Go with that gut instinct. |
| During your freshman year you did not get a lot of playing time, but this year you played every minute of every game. What did you learn from your freshman season that helped to prepare you for how you played this past season? |
| SD: Something I have been trying to learn all my life. Patience. I still struggle with it sometimes. It’s just one of those things you can’t read to learn about, but you do learn it through experience. That was the case for me. I had to settle myself down quite a bit and focus on the little things, I still do. |
| Moving from Cupertino to Pittsburgh is not exactly like moving across town. What has been the biggest adjustment and what do you like most about being here? |
| SD: It was much more like moving across the country. Out here you have to actually wear winter clothes in the winter. It’s silly, but it’s just not a concept I am accustomed to. The rapid changes in weather still really get to me. Like, this morning I looked outside my window and the sky was absolutely clear, but it’s around 10 degrees outside. In the real scheme of things, Pittsburgh isn’t so different than any other city. What I really like about being here is seeing all four seasons. In fall, Schenley is wonderfully stunning. |
| Coming out of high school you had the chance to play Division I soccer. What made you decide on turning down the Division I opportunities to choose CMU? |
| SD: The offer is very tempting to a young athlete, but I had to think about my future and what I wanted in the long run. I realized I am more dimensional than just being an athlete, and I wanted to have the time and ability to develop myself in other areas. I just didn’t get the impression that playing Division I was going to support everything else I was interested in. Being at CMU has given me the opportunity to do everything that I want in an environment I love. |
| What are your personal goals for next season and what are you doing now to achieve them? |
| SD: My goal for next season is to never find myself in a comfortable position. I like being under pressure and on my toes. Right now I am hitting the gym everyday to keep myself in shape both physically and mentally. It’s a great mental exercise to challenge yourself to push 5 more minutes, 10 more, etc…and it does wonders on the body too. |
| You are known to be quite the baker … what is your specialty? |
| SD: It’s not really baking, but I love making crepes. They’re delicious, especially with nutella. Although, I am a huge sucker for blueberry muffins with the crumblies on top. YUM! |
| Every team has players that don’t often get recognized for their contributions. Who in your mind is the unsung hero on the team and what is it that you appreciate about them? |
| SD: I think this honor goes to Ele, hands down. She is all smiles all the time. She is my little cheerleader and the game wouldn’t be the same without her. Ele is always so encouraging and enthusiastic toward everyone. Her attitude is great. If you ask something of her, she will do it beyond expectations. She consistently goes out of her way for her teammates. I know that every time we come out to play, Ele is there to push herself and her teammates to excel. I appreciate how genuine Ele is and how she always checks up on me, it ’s so sweet. She’s really unbelievable. |
