Player: Stephanie Verdoia

Not a lot of women get the chance to play in the NWSL, and Stephanie Verdoia is taking full advantage of hers. The Seattle University alum was a force for the Redhawks, racking up 51 goals and 30 assists in her 83 starts en route to two NCAA tournament appearances. Verdoia was a two-time WAC Offensive Player of the Year and also earned the Capital One Academic All-American of the Year award. Now the Salt Lake City native is a member of the NWSL's Boston Breakers after being drafted 32nd overall.

University of Washington head coach Lesle Gallimore has called Verdoia "a sleeping giant" and it seems this may well be the case. In late February, Stephanie played for the USWNT U23 team in La Manga, Spain during the Six Nations Tournament where she registered an assist. Verdoia just recently was also chosen as the WAC nominee for the NCAA Woman of the Year award.

Now the creative midfielder is focusing on the NWSL season, where, as she will admit, it is a much tougher challenge than the college game. "Composed" with "promise and poise" are the words Breakers coach Tom Durkin used to describe Verdoia, and we had the chance to ask the up and coming Breakers midfielder 18 questions in our latest Featured Player profile! 

1. How old are you? I'm 22.

2. How did you get into soccer? My parents signed me up for the AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) league that played a block away from my house when I was three.

3. What is one skill you think every player needs to cultivate?  A good first touch and accuracy. 

4. Who were your soccer heroes growing up?  I was lucky enough to grow up watching the 99er's, so I loved watching Mia Hamm, Christine Lily, and Julie Foudy. Then when Abby Wambach hit the stage I wore her number and loved watching her play. However I also had posters of Thierry Henry and David Beckham in my room.

5. What has the transition been like going from College to the NWSL?  Off the field, the transition from college to NWSL has been easy. The staff is full of people trying to make every woman's dream come true of playing professional soccer, and the team has been incredibly welcoming and kind. On the field, it has not been easy. Professional soccer, as it should be, is a completely new level of speed, strength, and skill. Every player is incredibly smart and good with the ball so I have had to adjust and read the game quicker and more decisively.

6. You were selected to play for the U23 USWNT in the Six Nations Tournament in Spain, What was the best experience you took away from that opportunity? The best experience I had playing in Spain was learning from some of the best players in America. I learned so much about how they viewed the game and simple skills to carry into preseason camp with the Boston Breakers.

7. Have you had any "Hey Rookie, welcome to the NWSL" moments? I have definitely had a few. However, I vividly remember one of my first practices with the team my coach, Tom, stopped me mid-play and made me redo a pass that was not going to the correct spot. I did it about 6 times, while everyone was forced to stop and watch, before he let play continue. It was one of the first moments I realized how much more is expected from players at this level.

8. What did you think about the USWNT at the World Cup? I knew they had a great chance to win it all. They will always be a force to reckon with, they are so dynamic and can score in many different ways so it is hard for teams to keep up. It's awesome that they brought home the cup and it's great for the league.

9. What advice would you give to younger girls about making it to the professional level? Keep believing and wanting it no matter what people say. Remember each coach is only one opinion, find someone that believes in you and then take your opportunity. I was not always the best on my teams growing up, but I am the only one still playing because I loved it and was willing to make sacrifices for the game I love. 

10. What is your greatest moment on the pitch? I would have to say this past season when my college team, Seattle University, upset Washington State in overtime to advance to the round of 32 in the NCAA tournament was one of my greatest moments in my soccer career.

11. What was your worst moment on the pitch?  The worst moment on the pitch for me was when I was in middle school. My club team had won the regular season and we were advancing to the finals of the state cup tournament. We were the best team in the league by far and we were up 2-0 at half. We ended up losing 3-2. Although I have had multiple games where I was ahead and ultimately lost the game, this was the first time I understood what it felt like to have a game taken from my teammates and I because we did not work hard enough. It was completely within our control, and we gave it up.

12. How did you get past this moment? That moment taught me how unforgiving the game of soccer is. I got past this moment, and have avoided many others like this by learning the mental toughness required to last an entire 90 minutes. Lean on your teammates, ask for help, but do not give the game away. 

13. What is your biggest strength on the pitch? My greatest strength on the field is my ability to drive at defenders and be creative with the ball.

14. What music do you listen to before games? I like any kind of music, I always let my teammates choose it for me.

15. Where does your motivation come from while your playing? I'm motivated by my teammates. They are the people that I do not want to let down.

16. What do you value most in your teammates? I value humility and courage. The humility to know that you cannot do it on your own, but courage to be your best regardless of anyone else. 

17. What other sports and activities do you enjoy when you're not playing soccer?  I really enjoy kayaking, playing tennis, and hiking. I also love to read and learn new things.

18. Where will we see Stephanie Verdoia in 5 years? In five years, I hope to still be playing soccer in whatever capacity possible. However, I aspire to be a lawyer working within the public service realm.