Jan. 16, 2007

Rachael Goulding is a freshman defender on the Ohio women's soccer team. Goulding earned All-Mid-American Conference First Team honors last season to become just the second freshman Bobcat ever named to the first team. She recently sat down and discussed that honor, her thoughts on her first season with Ohio and more.

Question: You were the second Bobcat ever to be named to the All-MAC First Team as a freshman. What does that kind of honor mean to you?

Answer: It means everything and anything. I was actually really surprised by everything that I received from last season. I guess I'm really excited because I know I have so much room for improvement that getting that honor is a huge boost of confidence for me.

Q: The team had a rough season before you arrived here, was there a sense of pride last season in doing as well as you did?

A: I think that the team really wanted to improve going into last season so coming in second was an amazing step forward. We know we're going to have pretty much the same team next year so that's a great stride forward for us. There was a sense of pride and that showed in our games.

Q: Coming into your freshman season, what did you expect from yourself and from the team?

A: I had no idea what to expect. When we went into preseason it was pretty scary at first but all the girls and the coaching staff made me very comfortable. That helped with my confidence and playing on the field. I knew it was going to be hard so I trained for it and it turned out fine.

Q: What was your overall experience like in your first season with the Bobcats?

A: I was very emotional the first quarter because I was homesick but everyone made me feel so comfortable. I really have to touch on that because I've heard from other people that have gone to other schools and the girls that played on their teams didn't make them feel very comfortable. We worked really hard to get where we got and that was all around a great achievement for all of us.

Q: What is it like playing for Coach Strauss and Coach Welch?

A: It is kind of funny because they are two completely different people. Jimmy is maybe more emotional and you can talk to him about anything. You can do that with Stacy too but she will give you a lot of feedback on the game. I love playing for them. I was kind of scared and didn't know what to expect from college coaches in general. I was happy with the turnout. They are really cool.

Q: This team seems to really get along on and off the field. What are you thoughts on your teammates?

A: They are amazing. We spend a lot of time off the field together and I think that really reflects on the field. We really fight for one another and we really have a sense of who each other are and what we need from each other. My teammates are great and have really helped me a lot.

Q: What made you originally decide to come to Ohio from Canada?

A: It's a big change. I come from the big city and this is a little smaller. I came for my visit and it has to be the girls. The campus, the girls, the program - basically everything - when I came here I just felt a fit.

Q: When did you start playing soccer and what made you decide to start?

A: My mom put me in soccer when I was six. I give it all to her for putting me in soccer. I would have to say "good choice, mom" because I'm still playing and I love it. I actually played in three leagues one year: a boy's league, a girl's league and an all-star league when I was 12.

Q: Did you play any other sports when you were younger?

A: I played basketball and I did a lot of track. I actually had to choose between basketball and soccer. I was actually going to play for the Ontario Basketball Association but when it came down to it I had to choose soccer. I'm so passionate about it and I've been playing for so long.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

A: I like to just go out with my friends. I also love to travel. I've been all around for soccer. I've been to Barcelona, Peru so I like to travel and just spend time with my friends.

Q: Are there any other Bobcat sporting events you enjoy attending?

A: My roommate is a volleyball player so I've seen a couple of their matches. I've seen men's basketball, women's basketball and football games. I have some swimmers in my dorm so I ask them all the time about their meets. That's another thing I really like about this school is that the athletes are really close knit and everybody kind of knows everybody else.

Q: Have you found a favorite place to eat in Athens yet?

A: The dining hall, no I'm just kidding! Actually, I haven't really found a spot yet. I haven't found the spot where I go all the time.

Q: Do you have any TV shows that you never miss?

A: Nothing specific, no. Everyone's crazy about Grey's Anatomy but I don't really watch that.

Q: I have to ask this. What do you think about David Beckham coming to the U.S.?

A: He's a really talented player and I think it's going to be a good step for the U.S. I think fans should definitely be excited about that, he is a very versatile player.