August 9, 2005

Julie Foudy Talks it up with Utah Youth Soccer Association<
Interview by Corinne Piazza

Nine-year veteran of the U.S. Women's National Team and Olympic Gold Medalist, Julie Foudy, was recently in Salt Lake City running the Julie Foudy Soccer Camps. Foudy took time out of her busy schedule to chat with us about her amazing soccer experience and give some advice to the UYSA players in their quest to be the best they can be, on and off the field.

If you missed the Julie Foudy Soccer Camp this summer, don't fret! Foudy and her all-star staff will be back next summer and you can check them out at: www.juliefoudysoccercamps.com.

CP: For all of the UYSA players striving to do their best, from tryouts to traveling, it can get stressful. What is the one thing you would tell them to remember in their drive to be the best they can be?

JF: Play everything. I didn't burn out because I played so many different sports but I did see a lot of players who did and could have had great careers. I was into so much different stuff that I was very hungry to play soccer when I got in. I actually didn't play exclusively soccer until college. Most of the girls on the National Team are the same way.

CP: What positive effect has your involvement in soccer had on your life outside of sports, such as school, the work place, and life in general?

JF: So much of what you learn as an athlete translates to life. We try to teach that here at the camp. Being involved in sports gives you confidence. You can walk into a situation that is difficult and as an athlete you have the confidence to handle it. You learn to deal with pressure and it helps you throughout life. You also learn how to work within a team. You learn to rely on your teammates, push them, but also compete with them while staying friends.

CP: What do you think is the most overlooked factor in a player's game? Diet, rest? How do you recommend they work this into their daily regiment?

JF: The basics. I was lucky to learn the fundamentals: trapping, passing, etc. You might have a fast player who relies on beating people with her speed and never learns the basics. You have to start with the fundamentals.

CP: What was your greatest weakness in soccer and how did you overcome it?

JF: I had so many things I can't choose. I think it was my confidence in belonging. At high levels of play, I didn't always believe I belonged there. I also always wanted to have the ball at my feet and attack so I wasn't always the one to go in for a hard defensive tackle. I had to work on my defensive presence.

CP: What was your greatest strength in soccer, how did you use it to your advantage?

JF: My confidence on the ball and making plays. I also loved to compete - I hate to lose.

CP: When the pressure is on, how do you relax, keep your concentration, and even keep it fun?

JF: Pressure is a privilege, we always say. Someone once told me "Butterflies are a good thing, you just have to make them fly in formation." Nerves are good; it means you're ready to compete for something you've worked hard for.

CP: What advice do you have for parents on how to provide the best support for their child's soccer experience?

JF: My family always told me "If you love it, keep doing it." You have to want it. I'd remind parents they can't live through their kids. They should support them but find a balance where the kids make the final decision on playing.

CP: What do you see for women's sports in the future?

JF: I think it's great to have professional women athletes, not just for young girls, but for young boys to see as well. And they are not only great athletes but also great people. We try to provide that at the camp as we have professional female soccer players coaching young women. For these young girls working with our staff, they realize their dreams can become a reality and that these Olympic Gold Medalists went through the same channels they are - they worked hard and had a ball. After two days of the camp, the girls go home thinking, yeah, maybe I can do that.

CP: Who is your idol and why?

JF: My parents. They were so great and supportive of my career, but I didn't realize it then. They'd say, "Sure, play tackle football!" They loved me playing and opened so many doors and let me choose which I wanted to go through.

Special thanks to Julie Foudy and the Julie Foudy Soccer Camps for their time and dedication to the sport of soccer.