As Women’s Professional Soccer prepares for its April 2009 kickoff, we will be introducing, or in some cases re-acquainting, the league’s prospective players to fans with The Starting 11, which are 11 things you need to know about each woman.
A dynamic midfielder with a powerful shot, Carli Lloyd nodded home the stoppage time game-winner in the USA’s 3-2 victory over Australia on Sunday. When she’s not firing the ball into the back of the net, you can find the 25-year-old New Jersey native either on the golf course or at the beach.
(Brad Smith/isiphotos.com)
Carli Lloyd credits her personal trainer, James Galainis for helping her elevate her game to the National Team level.
On playing with the U.S. U-21s for three years before getting a shot at the full team:
I thought everything was perfect timing. I got a little bit of a late jump on things. Some people start with the U-16 National Team, but I went in with the U-21 team. Until meeting my trainer, did I really have a chance of making this team. So it kind of gave me four years of preparation, getting used to the system and what goes on. I finished school, came right out of school and was able to sign a contract, so I thought everything went as planned and it just helped prepare me mentally and physically of what it takes to get to that next level.
On working with a personal trainer:
James Galainis is my trainer and I didn’t hire him. He doesn’t get paid. He kind of took me on as his little project. His goal was to get me on the full team and get me into that starting 11. I know a lot of people have different people who help them. For me, if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be on this team and I wouldn’t be playing like I am now. He’s just elevated my game mentally, physically, technically. He’s like a best friend to me, like a mentor, so it’s just been great having him along.
On whether she’d rather score a goal from long range or shred the defense with a series of sweet moves:
I’d have to say since I’ve scored some on long ranges, I think shredding a defense on a long dribble. Because I really haven’t had that kind of aim yet where I’ve broken through in the midfield and maybe combined with a forward and then shot through. It’s a good goal because most of the defenders in the world are very good defenders.
On breaking her wrist during the last National Team game of 2005:
It was just a very off balance shot. I felt it and I wanted that shot so bad. Unfortunately was a bit off balance and came down on it, but it’s going to happen. I was fortunate enough for it not to be a busy year. We finished that game (in October) and didn’t have anything till January.
On why she chose to play collegiately at Rutgers:
I think at the time I had some people kind of bringing light to ‘oh, you get to be close to home.’ I don’t really honestly know why but I have no regrets. It hasn’t kept me off the National Team. I learned a lot there both good and bad. I have no regrets. But I think being close to home and having my parents able to come to some of the games.
On her golf game:
A little non-existent right now, but my boyfriend’s a golf pro at a golf course, so he always tries to get me out playing. It’s decent. I have potential, but there’s just not enough time in the year for me to play, not enough off time.
On her favorite golfer:
I’d have to say Tiger Woods. I just think he’s so far beyond everybody else. He trains hard, he works hard and that’s the type of player I want to be. I want to be the best I can be and I just think he’s just an awesome player and he’s so beyond everybody else.
On what people really need to know about New Jerseyans:
I think some people don’t think that we have a soft heart but I think deep down inside we are caring and fun people to be around.
On whether South Jersey or North Jersey is better and why:
South Jersey is a little bit better than North Jersey. I’m a bit biased. I live down that way. I think North Jersey is a little bit too fast paced.
On her most cherished possession:
I’d have to say my blanket I got when I was born so it’s now like 25 years old, but I still have it. It’s still in my bed. I don’t always sleep with it but it’s now lost all of the one side of it, so it’s see through, but it’s pretty cherished for me.
On her favorite place to vacation:
I’d have to say the beach. I just love the beach, I love being in the water, I love bogey boarding. Where ever there is a beach, I’ll enjoy it.