The Virginia State University Women’s Soccer team finished the regular season on November 1 against Shaw. It was an exciting season with four matches ending in a draw and the team securing its first home win in the program’s history against Regent on Oct. 14, 3-0.
We interviewed three players: junior winger/midfielder Danica Carter, senior center forward Damaris Gaines, and sophomore right back/right wing Gabrielle Franklin on their thoughts on the season.
How did you find out you were passionate about soccer?
Gaines: “I realized I was passionate about soccer when I was about 8-9 years old when I was playing club soccer and we were winning every tournament we played in.”
Franklin: “I always knew I loved soccer but I really started to like it in middle school. I just started to really enjoy playing games.”
Carter: “When I was playing with Barbies as a little girl I would set up a miniature soccer field and make my dolls play soccer. This was all before I even started playing the sport.”
What is your favorite team tradition? If you don’t have one, what is one tradition you would like to start?
Gaines:“My favorite team tradition is team dinners or team bonding activities.”
Franklin: “I love when we do team bonding. I would love to do more of that as the team develops.”
Carter: “My favorite team tradition is our team prayers before games as I feel that it allows me to lock in more and allows our team to come together in a spiritual bond.”
What were your goals for this season?
Gaines: “My goal for this season were to get better at shooting and to do that I put up more shots after practice.”
Franklin: “I tore my achilles with a few games left in the season so my goal was to come back stronger for this season.”
Carter: “As our season is basically over, my goals were to place in our end of the season tournament.”
What qualities do you think make a good teammate?
Gaines: “Being coachable and being able to take constructive criticism.”
Franklin: “Selflessness, good communication, willing to separate on the field experiences with off the field experiences, kindness and loyalty.”
Carter: “Being able to hold yourself accountable when mistakes and/or mishaps are made is one of the most vital qualities when it comes to being a good teammate.”
What is the most challenging part about being a student athlete? How do you balance school and sports?
Gaines: “The most challenging part is keeping up in class since we miss class so much because of games.”
Franklin: “The most challenging part is deciding your priorities. Sometimes you have to prioritize yourself and use your free time for self-care. But other times you have to motivate yourself to do work even if you don’t feel like it. And then when it’s game time, you have to lock in.”
Carter: “The most challenging part is definitely having to maintain and balance all aspects of life as a student athlete. Having to learn how to balance school, soccer, social life, and career life can be very difficult and a lot of sacrifices have to be made. What helps me balance this is by always having a clear, set schedule for myself and making sure I leave time for myself to still do the things I enjoy.”
What advice would you give to future college- student athletes?
Gaines:“I would say to be open that you may be wrong and to just try to be better when your teammates demand more from you.”
Franklin: “Go to where you feel appreciated. If you’re not happy, it doesn’t benefit anyone.”
Carter: “The most challenging part is keeping up in class since we miss class so much because of games.”
