Oct. 8, 2009

Q & A With Women's Soccer Player Tanya Taylor

By John Butler

Q: What are your thoughts on your team being voted seventh in the preseason Big West Coaches poll?

A: As a team we are always underestimated since I was a freshman and the program keeps improving and it's only a matter of proving them wrong. Teams think that we aren't as good so they won't play as hard so as an underdog it gives us an opportunity to come out on top.

Q: After what you have seen so far do you think your team can finish in the top 4 to make the Big West Soccer Tournament?

A: I believe that we will. The new freshman class brings a different aspect to the team that we did not have before.

Q: Do you see yourself as an offensive threat? Or more as a facilitator distributing for your teammates?

A: I see myself as an offensive threat, I play forward, but I am always trying to be aggressive and create something for my teammates.

Q: Do you feel like you have any pressure on yourself to carry the load for the team being the only All-Big West athlete on the team?

A: No, I think I have to go out and work hard every game and prove myself. I have great teammates around me and my coaches encourage me to take chances so there is not a great deal of pressure on me.

Q: Could you tell me something about your team or a teammate that might surprise people during the upcoming season?

A: The freshman class is very strong and they add a lot to our team and our starting line up.

Q: Being that there are only three seniors on the team and you are a upperclassman do you feel a challenge taking on a leadership role this season?

A: Definitely my whole class has to step up this year. We fell that we have to be seniors twice since we have so few seniors this season. We have two captains in my class (Alyssa Humphrey and Danielle de Seriere) and we really have to be productive and lead the team to be successful.

Q: Seeing the success of the men's soccer program last season and all of the support on campus how important do you think the soccer programs are at UCI?

A: I definitely think the programs are growing as a whole, more people are coming out and supporting the teams not only soccer but also men's volleyball. Seeing that is inspiring to see other teams perform well and it makes my team and I want to do the same.

Q: What do you think it is going to take for women's soccer to become an elite team?

A:  It's going to take that extra step or extra commitment from everyone on the team to get better as well as being eager to get better. More important is that we have to believe that we can become an elite program.

Q: What's your favorite sport other than soccer?

A: Track, I ran in high school.

Q: What is your favorite sports team?

A: The Los Angeles Lakers

Q: If you could take one thing to a deserted island what would it be?

A: Food - to survive.  

Q: If you could trade places with any person for the day who would it be?

A: Barack Obama

Q: If you could have one super power what would you want it to be?

A: Invisibility.