INTRODUCTION: In her own words, Carolyn Richards always had a 'keen interest in human interaction and behavior observation'. She gets plenty of that on the soccer field. The junior psychology major is a two-time UAA selection, First Year honors in 2019.
How young were you when you started to play soccer?
I was 5 years old when I first started.
How did you become involved with it?
My parents enrolled me in the local youth league, and I had a knack for it.
With youth soccer for the very young players (U8 and earlier, maybe even U10s), games follow the same pattern: the ball gets kicked to the left and 20 players chase it. It gets kicked back to the right and 20 players chase it. When did the games become a little more structured than that for you?
One memory I have that differentiated recreational soccer from real ability was a story my dad told me about how he watched me score from the kickoff when I was about 8. Immediately after that, he decided to enroll me in a travel club team, and expose me to a higher level of play and competition that enabled me to grow my skillset.
Soccer's a huge sport in Southern California, isn't it?
Yes, I realize after coming to Upstate New York one huge advantage we have out west is to be able to play year-round. This clearly pays off; my club team competed with the top-ranking club teams in the nation.
When you arrived at Rochester as a first-year, what differences did you notice between your games at Notre Dame H.S. in Sherman Oaks and the games here?
Probably the first difference that comes to my mind is the scrappiness. For some reason I remember significantly more smack-talk and rough play back in California, but maybe that had more to do with my personality as a younger player and the higher level of play involved in college.
What adjustments did you make in your playing style between first-year and sophomore season?
The biggest adjustment I can recall making between those two crucial years is certainly my fitness. After being able to settle down and find my place in college life on campus, I was able to take the time I needed to prioritize my health and my fitness sophomore year and work towards being at the level I need to be for my position. Fitness has never been an area of absolute comfort for me, and ever year I improve and figure it out a little more.
It's a challenge to maneuver in the penalty area with the ball on your foot, isn't it?
It can be pretty hard. Usually I'm surrounded by two or three defenders any time I'm that close to the goal, and its fun for me to try to barrel through my opponents and manage to keep the ball on my foot at the same time.
As Rochester transitions into attack, what are you looking at as you rush down the field – even if the ball is on the other sideline?
The first thing on my mind is the opposing team. I'm closely monitoring where their defenders are- and aware of my positioning and spacing in reference to them. I like moving into their blind spots and messing with them in order to disrupt their play and create movement for our attack.
Where did your club sides – L.A. Premier Academy and Arsenal ECNL – play in tournaments?
We'd usually compete in the SoCal classics- Surf Cup, ECNL Showcases in Arizona, Las Vegas, and Chicago to name a few.
When you are home, do you plan to work with any youth programs – coaching, counseling, working behind the scenes, etc.? What do you like about doing that?
Both back home and in Rochester I am involved in community engagement and working with youth in soccer. I was able to offer some private lessons back home over quarantine, and at school I volunteer with the Rochester City Soccer League, teaching the youth of Rochester soccer. It is so much fun!
When did the first contact come from the University of Rochester?
The first contact was probably mid my senior year. I remember not knowing anything of this school before my coach reached out to me! It was a coincidence that my father happens to be from Rochester and this school reached out to me.
What convinced you to attend?
After coming on my visit, stepping foot on campus and spending time with the team I immediately knew this was where I wanted to spend my college career.
Did you speak with any UR alumni before making the decision to come to UR?
No I did not. I didn't know anyone who had gone to the U of R previously, but was blown away by anything I learned about the school prior to first discovering it.
What interested you about psychology as a major?
I have always felt like this subject was a personal interest of mine for a long time. Throughout my childhood, I always had a keen interest in human interaction and behavior observation. Now, being able to study the specific academic principles and dense background of this subject has seriously strengthened my abilities and proficiency.
