Nicolette DeLaurentis, 21 years old, from Sicklerville, New Jersey, currently a student at WVU
Why do you play soccer? I play soccer because it is the only sport I have ever loved and still have fun playing.
How long have you been playing? Since I was four years old.
Tell us about your soccer career: I have been competing in soccer for as long as I can remember. Growing up I was on two different travel teams that participated in different tournaments all across the Unites States. I also played soccer for my high school, Gloucester Catholic, while being involved with the New Jersey state ODP (Olympic Development Program) team. My most recent and highest level of competition was my four years of college soccer at West Virginia University.
Most challenging aspect of your activity: The most challenging part of soccer would definitely have to be the fierce competition. Growing up and getting older just led to higher standards and better athletes.
Most fun aspect: The most fun aspect of soccer is the adrenaline you get while playing and the feeling of accomplishment/success when you win a championship. It finally feels like everything you have worked so hard for has paid off.
Most rewarding aspect of it: Looking back and seeing all the accomplishments I have made with my team. It is worth every single Friday or Saturday night you couldn’t go out, and every single extra sprint you had to do after practice. The most rewarding aspect is knowing everything you did to prepare was worth it.
Who/what inspires you when you’re feeling weak? When I am feeling weak or discouraged the people that inspire me most are the people who could never be where I am at today because of reasons they can not help. The main person I think of when I am competing is my brother Michael. He has down syndrome and therefore could never participate in a college sport or even attend college for that matter. So everything I do while training and preparing, I do for him and all others like him who will never get that opportunity.
Advice for others who’d like to get started: My advice for others who want to start playing soccer is to have fun. Everything about soccer and the training for it is meant to be something you enjoy and look forward to, so make sure you look forward to playing every day and don’t think of it as a chore.
Your must-have equipment for this activity: The only must-have equipment for this activity is shin guards and cleats.
Favorite training song: My favorite training song to prepare me for a game is “Till I Collapse” by Eminem.
Favorite healthy food: My favorite healthy food is ground turkey with peppers and onions.
Favorite not-so-healthy food: My weakness forever will always be pizza.
Funniest /weirdest/most awkward experience doing your activity: My funniest memory while playing a soccer game was getting on the field and starting a game without having my shin guards in. It wasn’t until the referee noticed me and stopped the game that I finally ran off the field to put my shin guards on.
