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Gold medalist and US Women's National Team Member Lindsay Tarpley, one of the most recognisable faces in the women’s game, is the first person Little Miss Soccer have had the pleasure to interview.
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Little Miss Soccer: How old were you when you first started playing soccer and who/what
inspired you to play? |
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Lindsay Tarpley: "I started playing soccer when I was four years old. My older brother played and my dad was the coach. I had a lot of energy as a kid so I would tag along to his practices and play with the team." |
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LMS: What has been your career highlight to date? |
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LT: "It is hard for me to pick just one career highlight because I have been
fortunate to have a few. First, winning two gold medals in the Athens and
Beijing Olympics is more than I could have dreamed. Another career highlight
was winning the first ever U-19 youth world championship against Canada in
double over-time. I was the captain of the team and I scored the OT goal in
front of 50,000, mostly Canadian, fans. It was a very unique team and it
was a critical point in my development." |
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LMS: Do you have any superstitions or pre-match rituals before a soccer match?
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LT: "I have a routine that I follow before every game. It starts the night
before and before I go to bed, I visualize all the good things that are
going to happen in the game. Then the day of, I take a pre-game shower
before we leave for the field. When we get to the stadium I put my right
shin guard and sock on before my left. When I put my jersey on, I kiss the
crest. To me that reminds me how fortunate I am to be wearing this uniform."
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LMS: What advice would you give to someone thinking about getting involved
in women and girls soccer? |
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LT: "The best advice I can give is to have fun and enjoy the process. I have
always surrounded myself with a strong support system. If you are serious about soccer make sure you do everything you can to pursue your
goals. Enjoy the process and never get too high or too low. Find the middle
ground and be confident in who you are."
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LMS: What are your hobbies/interests when you are not playing soccer? |
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LT: "I have a lot of different interests. I love spending as much time as
possible with my husband and family. I love working with kids and I try to
do as many soccer camps and clinics as I can. I enjoy doing anything
outdoors, going to coffee shops, and exploring the world." |
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LMS: In your opinion, how has women's soccer progressed since you first
started
playing and what would you like to see for the future of women's soccer? |
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LT: "Women's soccer has progressed a lot since I started playing. I remember
sitting in my living room watching the Women's National Team win the '99
world cup. That was an important moment for women's soccer as well as for me
because I realized that I wanted to be on that team and be a part of
something so special. In 2009 we are launching a new women's professional
league called the WPS. This is a very exciting time for women's soccer
because it is another step advancing the game. Our goal with the WPS is to
be the best league in the world. The first year there will be seven teams
located throughout the United States and this will provide more players an
opportunity to play. I will be playing for the Chicago Red Stars and I am
looking forward to starting this new adventure." |
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(Forum member's questions to follow) |
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LMS: Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Good luck in
the upcoming Women's Pro League. |
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Visit Lindsay's Official Website: www.lindsaytarpley.com |
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