Q: What are your expectations for this upcoming season? From both a player and a business perspective.
A: On the field I think my expectations have not changed from those I had last year. The Pali Blues has always been a phenomenal squad and I think we would be selling ourselves short if we didn’t have the same expectations of clenching the W-League title once again.
From a business perspective I think it is important that we create an awareness in the local community and within the soccer community, that there is a team as good as equivalent to the professional level in immediate area. Especially with the folding of the professional teams in Los Angeles (LA SOL 2009) and the Bay Area (2010), the Pali Blues are the best team to watch. Also, with the Women’s World Cup approaching this summer I think it would be great to create a buzz and get more people interested in the Women’s game.
Q: How do you think the team will do this season?
A: I believe this year’s Pali Blues team will be able to accomplish anything, if every single player approaches each individual game as it were the championship. We are still the team to beat and figuratively we will have a bulls-eye on our backs with every game we play. Personally I believe that we could take home another championship this year.
Q: What is unique or different about this years team compared to last years team?
A: I believe this year’s team will have a bit more experience. Pali Blues will still be composed of some international players and NCAA players, however, with the folding of some of the professional teams in the WPS, a lot of experienced players are still looking for "homes" or places to play. Our team has always been a dominant team in the W-League so players who want to still compete at a high level are turning our direction.
Q: What is it like being on the business side of the organization?
A: I have to say it is eye opening to be on the business side of the Pali Blues organization. There is a lot of behind the scenes work done to provide the women of the Pali Blues a great playing opportunity and living experience in greater Los Angeles area. Players don’t always recognize all that goes into running an organization and that even the smallest of details, matter.
Q: How will you accept the role of captain this year?
A: I am honored once again to have the opportunity to lead the Pali Blues, this year hopefully to our 3rd National Title. However, accepting the role of captain means more than walking out for the coin toss and wearing an arm band. With the responsibility comes the pressure of training and playing at my best 100% of the time, providing leadership during times when the team may not be performing it’s best, and managing players on and off the field to make sure team chemistry stays strong.
Q: What are your obligations as the Director of Marketing?
A: As the Director of Marketing I am in charge of finding host families for players (If anyone out there is reading this and they would like to be a host family please contact me), ticket sales, finding sponsorships, helping in the recruitment of players, making appearances, etc.
Q: What is your favorite part about being the Director of Marketing?
A: My favorite part about being the Marketing Director is getting to connect and get acquainted with supporters of Women’s Soccer. There are so many soccer enthusiasts in the local community and it is great to be able to thank them for their support as both a Pali Blues staff member and player.
