Player: Tori Cooper

The PAC 12 is the strongest soccer conference in D1 Women’s soccer. With UCLA, Stanford and Cal all in the conference, being a defender isn’t the easiest job. We had the privilege of sitting down with Colorado Buffalo and Second Team All-PAC-12 center back Tori Cooper. Cooper and the Buffaloes reached the second round of the NCAA tournament before a heartbreaking 1-0 loss in overtime to the second seeded North Carolina Tar Heels. The senior played in all 22 games anchoring a defense that allowed only 17 goals all season. Here are some of the highlights from her season:

Cooper earned PAC 12 Player of the Week honors in early October when CU beat the then-ranked #23 USC Trojans 1-0 and limited top-ranked UCLA to a season low three shots on goal. Cooper was selected for the NSCAA All Pacific Region Team, along with being voted the University of Colorado Defensive MVP. Cooper will take her talents to Houston where she will try out for the NWSL's Houston Dash. Here are 18 questions with Tori Cooper:

1. Where are you from? Redondo Beach, California.

2. How old are you? I'm 21.

3. How did you start playing?  I started playing because my older brother played, so I decided to give it a shot. 

4. What is your signature move? I would say the Pull-back Cruyff.

5. What is one skill you think every play needs to cultivate? Being able to play with both feet.

6. Who are your soccer hereos?  Shannon Box and, of course, Messi.

7. What's the coolest thing you've ever done in the sport? Hosting an NCAA Tournament game in 1-3 inches of snow at the University of Colorado. It was surreal.

8. What advice would you give someone just starting out in the sport? To start playing with both feet at a young age and to always have fun. And to remember the beauty of the game is the competitive aspect, so even when you're losing, rise to the challenge and remember that's what makes soccer so great. You will always get a chance to fight for something.

9. What’s your greatest moment on the pitch? Playing against UNC in the NCAA tournament. It was an all-encompassing moment for me.

10. What’s your worst moment on the pitch? Tearing my ACL.

11. How did you get past your worst moment? Perseverance and just the desire to get back out there.

12. What’s the “ultimate soccer experience” you’d like to have? Definetly to play in a World Cup match. 

13. What music do you listen to before a big game? Some calming music for part of it, and then the "turn up" music right before we head out to the field.

14. What soccer talent would you most like to have? Never-ending endurance that came naturally.

15. What do you most value in your teammates? Their support and love for the game.

16. What inspires you while you're out on the pitch? My dad. 

17. What sports and activities do you enjoy off the pitch? I really like to play volleyball.

18. Where will we see you in 5 years? Hopefully playing professionally somewhere!