20 Questions with Yael Averbuch

Yael Averbuch may be the most decorated member of the US Women’s National Team you’ve never heard of. Her list of accomplishments and accolades is longer than most players with twice the experience:

           

2007-08 YAEL AVERBUCH HONORS[1]
Preseason Accolades:

1. M.A.C. Hermann Trophy Watch List


2. Soccer Buzz Elite 18


3. Soccer Buzz Preseason Player of the Year


4. Soccer America Preseason All-America


5. NSCAA Preseason All-America


 Academic & Leadership Accolades:

1. ESPN The Magazine First-Team Academic All-          District III Team


2. ESPN The Magazine Second-Team Academic All-America


3. ACC Women's Soccer Scholar Athlete of the Year


4. All-ACC Academic Team


5. ACC Academic Honor Roll


6. Fall 2007 & Spring 2008 Dean's List


7. Carolina Leadership Academy Three-Dimensional Leader


Regular Season Accolades


1.    Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Week--Week 9


Postseason Accolades


1. First-Team All-ACC


2. All-ACC Tournament


3. Soccer Buzz Player of the Year Finalist


4. Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy Semifinalist


5. Umbro/Soccer News Net Player of the Year Award finalist


6. NSCAA First-Team All-America


7. First-Team Soccer America MVP


8. Soccer Buzz First-Team All-America


9. Soccer Buzz First-Team All-Southeast Region


10. NSCAA First-Team All-Southeast Region


11. Jewish Sports Review All-America


12. Top Drawer Soccer First-Team College Team of the Season

That list is longer than most people’s arm, and that’s only a single season. Her résumé consists of University of North Carolina, US U16 Team, US U17 Team, US U19 Team, US U20 Team, US U21 Team, US U23 Team, US Women’s National Team, Sky Blue FC, Western New York Flash, WFC Rossiyanka, and currently playing with Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC in Sweden. She’s donned the jersey of 12 elite clubs making each club that much better. 

Averbuch is a consummate professional. She is constantly honing her craft, and she challenges her fans to play along with her videos. She posts them on Twitter and YouTube. Her desire to play the game is shared with the globe, and girls from all over are trying to emulate Yael. She is a tremendous role model because of her work ethic for the game.

Ladies and gentlemen, I’m honored to have the privilege of interviewing US Women’s National Team and Göteborg midfielder, Yael Averbuch:

1. I was going to start off with a probing question about football, but the first question that pops into my head is, "what exactly is a tar heel?" Inquiring minds want to know.

“Good question! I’m actually not quite sure but I think I’ve heard that the North Carolina nickname dates back to the days of the Civil War.”

2. You scored the fastest goal in US soccer history as a Tar Heel. I checked the records, your 4 second goal tops NCAA men's and women's soccer, MLS, NWSL, WPS, all of them. How did the idea to take a shot from the kickoff come about? Do you think your record will ever be broken?

“Actually, in the previous game my coach had been yelling at me before the kickoff, ‘Shoot! Shoot!’ I thought he meant to take a lot of shots during the game so I nodded and just started the play. After the game he explained that the goalkeeper was way off her line and I should look in the future to try to shoot from the kickoff if it’s possible. In the game against Yale, I saw the goalkeeper was off her line so I figured, ‘why not give it a try.’ I honestly never thought it would actually go in! It’s definitely possible for the record to be broken...but someone will have to either run faster in his or her approach to the ball or drive it harder so it goes in before mine did!”

3. UNC has retired your jersey number; what's it like to have such an honor at such a young age?

“…It was an incredibly special moment. The actual ceremony took place before the UNC-Duke basketball game and my family got to be there. I have the framed jersey hanging in my room at home and feel so proud and honored to have my name among some of the all-time greats I have always admired so much.”

Averbuch's Jersey Retirement Ceremony

4. You've won numerous awards for your soccer accomplishments. Which one means the most to you?

“That’s a tough question, because every time I’ve been honored I feel incredibly fortunate for the opportunities I’ve been given. Having my UNC jersey retired was probably my most special recognition. It had been my dream since I was 9 years old to go to UNC, but never could I have imagined that my name could be part of the program’s unbelievable legacy.”

5. You are constantly honing your craft; your YouTube video challenges have girls all over the globe trying to emulate your moves. How important are your video responses to you? (For the record, I've tried a few of your challenges, and I can't do any of them!)

“I absolutely love filming the challenges! Those are the things I do on my own all the time and I would have LOVED to have challenges to try as a young player. I watch every single video that is sent my way and am always impressed by the effort and skill of the players who try out what I’ve done. Also, a big secret...none of my videos were done on the first take! It takes me a while to perfect the skills, too.” :)

6. How important is it to you to be identified as a Jewish Athlete?

“The more I play and travel around the world, the more I appreciate my identity as a Jewish athlete. I don’t meet many other Jewish soccer players, so any time I do, it is very special to me. Actually, my teammate at my current club (Kopparbergs/Goteborg FC), Camille Levin, is also Jewish and we have made many friends here in the Jewish community.”

7. Your favorite TV show is?

“Law and Order”

8. There's only one flavor of ice cream, it is: “mint chocolate chip.”

9. The 2015 World Cup is rapidly approaching. Most of the fields in Canada are turf fields instead of natural grass. How does turf change the game, and do you feel like many other American team members that the fields should be grass?

“I play on turf all the time. But I think that a major international tournament should always be played on grass. Grass is a lot more forgiving on the body and is the traditional surface on which the game is played. I much prefer grass and was very disappointed to hear that the tournament will be on turf.”

10. Who is the biggest prankster on the US Women's Squad?

“It was Heather Mitts, but now that she’s retired I’d probably say Pinoe.”

11. Some of the greatest reporters of our time have worked for the New York Times. What's it like to be a New York Times reporter/blogger?  

"I really enjoy writing and sharing my thoughts and experiences. The New York Times blog has given me a wonderful platform from which to express myself. It’s funny because I honestly feel that I learn just as much about myself every time I write as my readers do. Blogging has been very insightful to me and helps me to organize my thoughts and record a lot of wonderful memories. The fact that people can share in and relate to my writing is just a bonus!"

12. Are you a dog or cat person?

“Dog for sure!”

13. Playing for Göteborg in Sweden has to have you longing for some home cooking. What is the food you miss the most from home that you can't find in Sweden?

“Chipotle! They don’t really have Mexican food here and definitely nothing quick and easy like a burrito to go.”

14. After reading your blogs in the Times, it seems like you are way too hard on yourself as a professional footballer. Do you think your self-criticism is a help or a hinder to your game?

“I try to think that I maintain a decent balance of being critical of myself and also forgiving and optimistic about my career. But I definitely think that my self-criticism is a hugely beneficial part of my thought processes. Over the years I’ve tried to perfect the balance of searching for ways in which I can become better as well as fostering what makes me special and unique. A lot of what drives me and inspires me, though, is the idea that I can always be better and always want to strive to improve myself on and off the field.”

15. Long flights, long practices, grueling games: how do you unwind?

“I love to sit at a coffee shop and just talk and laugh with friends.”

16. What's on your iPod right now?

“I listen to a combination of everything, from Lil Wayne to Fall Out Boy to P!NK to Rascal Flatts to Matchbox 20s and especially some cheesy 90s techno.”

17. You're quite active on Twitter; you even do give always of signed boots through Twitter. How did the idea of giving away your cleats come up?

“Once I’ve worn through a pair of cleats I used to just leave them in a hotel somewhere or throw them out. Then I realized that someone might really appreciate my garbage. It’s really cool to see how happy fans get to receive something that is no longer useful to me. I plan to give away all my worn out cleats from now on!”

18. Speaking of cleats, Nike, Adidas, Puma? What do you kick your balls with?

“NIKE! Always!”

19. You've been on championship teams with Sky Blue FC, Western New York, U23 Nordic Cup. Does one title mean more than another to you?

“Winning a championship is always a special accomplishment and all of them have been wonderful for different reasons. The 2009 WPS Championship with Sky Blue FC has to be my favorite, though. Our team had been through so much that season, including four different coaches, and calling us underdogs was an understatement! We were the last team to get into the playoffs and ended up beating the three teams we didn’t beat all season to win the championship. You can’t even make up a story as cool as our road to victory!”

20. Wow, number 20 came up quickly! If you could meet one person, living or dead, and pick their brain, who would it be, and why?

“Iniesta. He is one of my favorite players and from everything I’ve heard about him, I respect him a lot as a person. I’d love to hear how he approaches his profession and his thoughts on what makes him special. He is fascinating to me and so humble!”

I had a lot more questions for Averbuch, but this segment is titled 20 Questions not 20+ questions. It was a pleasure to communicate with such a talented individual. I look forward to continuing this interview in the future.

Keep checking back with Following Football for more 20 Questions segments every Thursday. Upcoming interviews include Seattle Reign and Canadian National Team defender Kaylyn Kyle, Chicago Red Stars Taryn Hemmings, Adriana Leon, and Julianne Sitch. Also interviews with a few friends that are involved in the game: Aldo Zambrana and Bobby Bagley.

[all sic as needed]

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[1] Taken from UNC Player Website: http://www.goheels.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=3350&ATCLID=205672346

20 Questions with Renae Cuellar

Renae Cuellar sits down with us for today’s segment of 20 Questions. Cuellar was born in California to Mexican parents on June 24, 1990. After a stint on the USA national system, she decided to play for Mexico’s Women’s National Team. She started her college career as an Arizona Wildcat and finished an Oklahoma Sooner. Her professional career includes some pretty top notch clubs: FC Kansas City, Seattle Reign, and now the Washington Spirit.

She joined Kansas City as one of the Mexican National allotment to the NWSL. She appeared in 11 matches for Kansas City. Renae scored the first goal in NWSL history against the Portland Thorns. Her playing time with Kansas was shortened after a tackle from Rachel Buehler; she missed two games from a sprained knee. On July 1^st, she was traded to Seattle for Teresa Noyola and a second round draft pick. This trade was seen by many as an attempt to push Seattle through to the inaugural playoffs of the NWSL. Seattle made a bunch of moves to strengthen their lineup. Bringing on Cuellar added a serious offensive threat to the Reign.

At the end of the NWSL season, Cuellar signed with Sundsvall of the Swedish league, and in October, the Seattle Reign announced that Cuellar had been traded to the Washington Spirit.

Now that we’ve re-hashed what everyone can find on Wikipedia or other media sites, let’s get to the down and dirty of what Renae described as the “most fun interview I’ve done.” Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, I give you, Renae Cuellar’s 20 Questions:

1.     You were born in California to Mexican national parents. What made you decide to play for the Mexican national squad versus the United States team?

I made the decision after playing in the youth USA national team system because I felt it was the best decision for my career to progress. I was given the chance by team Mexico for the full team at 18 and I made the choice then and have been with this great program ever since.

2.     At the time you scored the first NWSL goal, was that something you were aware of? Did you know

that you would be the subject of NWSL trivia for years to come?

I felt such a rush, my heart was beating out of my chest and so many emotions were going on in my head. It didn't hit me till after the game that I had made women’s soccer history and the best part for me was that I did it in front of my family; they were in the stands watching me.

3.     Typically players only receive the match ball for scoring a hat trick in a game, did you manage to snag the match ball after you scored the first ever NWSL goal?

Yes and it was a moment I will never forget. My coach for FC Kansas City presented me with the game ball after the game and all of my team signed it.

4.     You started out in the middle of the United States with Kansas City. You were traded to Seattle, and now you’ve been traded to Washington DC. Which is your favorite place so far, the Midwest, the West Coast, or the East Coast? Why?

I haven't been to the east coast, I mean to live there so I can't say not the east coast but as of right now, the Midwest is a nice place as well but I definitely love the west coast the most. I grew up on the west coast and as we say west coast is the best coast ;)

5.     Washington DC is my hometown; therefore, I will always be a DC sports team supporter (Let’s go SPIRIT!). What professional sports teams to you support and why?

I support the Dallas cowboys, I was raised a cowboy fan because my dad’s side is from Texas.

Quick fire questions; GO!

6.     What’s your favorite book?

The Giving Tree

7.     What’s your favorite TV show?

Scandal

8.     What’s your favorite movie?

Space Jam

(Really, Space Jam? You may be the only person in history to answer the question, “what’s your favorite movie” with Space Jam.)

9.     What’s your favorite color?

Blue, any kind of blue

10.  Who’s your favorite singer?

Drake

Okay, back to our regularly scheduled programming:

11.  If the Zombie Apocalypse happened tomorrow, how would you survive it?

I would stock up on Starbucks, need my daily fix ;) I would go to a secret location and hide out haha as well as freak out because I wouldn't truly know what to do.

12.  If you had to choose one restaurant to eat for the rest of your life, where would you dine?

Olive Garden

13.  This may be the most important question of the interview: Manchester United or Manchester City? (Choose wisely)

Manchester United

           

(You have chosen wisely!)

14.  You’ve come across some pretty tough defenders during the inaugural NWSL season. Who was the toughest fullback you faced and why?

It’s a tie between Becky Saubrann and Christie Rampone. Their athleticism, experience and defensive savviness was tough to go against.

15.  The Women’s World Cup takes place in Canada next year, and the games will be played on turf? What is your take on artificial turf during such an important tournament?

I don't think playing on turf is great, especially in such a huge important tournament. It’s very hard on each player’s body!

16.  If you were to play any other professional sport, what would it be?

Track

17.  What’s on your ipod’s playlist right now?

 The Mann- Aloe Blacc

       Drunk in love- Beyonce

       UENO - Rocko

       Counting stars- one republic

       Drake

       Rick Ross

       Yo gotti

18.  What DVD or BluRay do you have in your collection that would shock most people?

Casino

            (Are you sure it’s not Space Jam?)

19.  Do you play FIFA ’13 or ’14 on either Playstation or Xbox? Any good?

I love to play FIFA 13 on ps3 haven't gotten to play FIFA 14 yet, I am pretty decent!

           

(I hereby challenge you to duel!)

20.  If you could have any superpower, which would it be and why?

Force field, sometimes I just need my own space.

And as a bonus question and a question that will hereby deemed the Renae Cuellar Starbucks question: What’s your Starbucks order?

           

Venti iced coffee, 4 pumps white mocha, 4 pumps cinnamon dolce, shaken (not stirred), no cream or milk.

Spirit’s camp opens in March, and I hope Renae will find the east coast to her liking. I guarantee she

will never eat better tasting seafood anywhere in the world than in the Mid-Atlantic region. The Spirit are in need of some serious offensive threat, and I think they have just achieved it by signing Cuellar and Averbuch.

As a fan blogger and part-time-pseudo-journalist, I can’t thank those folks that are willing to sit down and talk to Following Futbol. Ms. Cuellar was an absolute joy to interact with. I look forward to seeing her excel in my hometown of Washington, DC. I think my first Spirit jersey may have her number on the back.

Keep checking back with Following Futbol for more 20 Questions interviews, the Referee Chronicles, and my opinions on the beautiful game.

20 Questions Follow Up with Briana Bagley

It's Thursday, and that normally means a new edition of 20 Questions. However, life happens, and I've gotten a bit behind in getting my 20 Questions questionnaire out to the people that are participating in the interviews. Ah the curse of being a fan blogger. 

Instead of a new 20 Questions, I have a follow-up with Maryland Olympic Development Program goalkeeper, Briana Bagley. 

I received a text the other day from Briana's dad telling me I forgot to ask, or should've asked, about the injuries Briana has racked up on her path to soccer awesomeness. 

Recently, Briana was at a residential camp and suffered an injury and a significant one. While playing futsol, she dove for a ball landing hard on her right side. The collision resulted in a hairline fracture of her collarbone, a deep muscle and bone contusion. But Briana is one tough cookie. She finished the game. And she finished the camp. 

Reminder, this girl is only 12 years old. "She said it hurt the last two days of camp but it wasn't until she got home last night and was lifting her luggage  bag out of the trunk that she felt a pop and was in tears," says her dad. This 12 year old girl sucked up two final days of camp to hone her craft. 

This is the heart and determination of a professional athlete. And it's packaged in a preteen. In her interview, Briana said she had to hike up her skirt and do it. This is her attitude toward the beautiful game, her position as goalie, and playing through pain:

Strained neck

Deep contusion to the growth plate in her foot

Concussion

Played an entire tournament with a broken finger

Dislocated thumb

A wound on her knee that re-opened EVERY game for two seasons and is now a permanent scar

Deep bruise with cleat imprint on her inner thigh that lasted almost an entire season

Several other nasty bruises and bumps.

If this isn't the tenacity needed to earn a USWNT, NCAA, or an NWSL scout, I don't know what does. This girl is going to go places. The USWNT has "Hope," but we believe in Bri. (Trademark pending)

I hope to get out and get back my next round of 20 Questions by next Thursday. Interviews with Yael Averbuch (USWNT), Kaylyn Kyle (Seattle Reign/CanWNT), Taryn Hemmings, Julianne Sitch, and Adrianna Leon (all of the Chicago Red Stars). 

Thanks for Following Futbol.