Hat trick earns Gooch USU award
Utah Statesman: What got you interested in soccer?
Nicole Gooch: When I was younger all my friends played it and I wanted to hang out with my friends after school so I started playing it and liked it.
US: What kind of things from soccer carry over into your school work?
NG: The work ethic, having to work hard. Making sure you’re on top of your studies just like you are on top of practice and being organized.
US: Do you have any pregame rituals?
NG: Not this year, I kind of gave up on my pregame rituals. I used to have to put a piece of tape around my wrist but I don’t do that anymore. I used to have shoelaces that I wore but they broke. So, I don’t have any now.
US: During a game, is it H2O or Gatorade?
NG: A little bit of both but mostly H2O. Sometimes Gatorade gives me cotton mouth a little bit. Water just tastes better.
US: Outside of soccer, what do you like to do?
NG: I like to do a lot of outdoor things. I ski, hike, camp, biking and all that kind of stuff.
US: Who are you pulling for, the Red Sox or Yankees?
NG: Red Sox! They’re not my team but I don’t want the Yankees. They’re evil.
US: This is your second hat trick of your career. Which one meant more?
NG: This one, because both my parents were there. I was playing against some of my friends and it felt good to score three goals against them. Also, it was on the road so it was a good win.
US: When you got the first 2 goals, was the hat trick on your mind?
NG: Not really, when we went in at half time some of the girls were like, “Hey, you can get three goals again,” and that’s kind of when I started, “Oh yeah, that would be cool.” It wasn’t really on my mind, it happened really quick.
US: As a senior on the team, do you feel that the younger players look to you as sort of a mother figure?
NG: Gosh, I hope not. I guess when you are a freshman you always look up to the older players for their experience on the field and in school, the advice they can you about study habits.
US: If you had it to do all over again, would you do anything different?
NG: No I don’t think so. Even the mistakes you make you can learn from, so I think I would do everything the same.
US: What words of advice would you give to next year’s freshman?
NG: Remember that it is just a game and that it is just for fun. Go out and play hard every time, you’re lucky to have the chance to play soccer in college, not very many people get that chance.
-mlglade@cc.usu.edu