Sept. 15, 2008
Below is a Q&A with Samford soccer player Cayley Winters.
Q: Talk about coming all the way from Colorado to go to college. Was it hard or easy? What were the things you had to learn to deal with? Did soccer make the transition easier?
CW: I never thought in a million years that I would come to Alabama for college. I was set on playing for some big school on the west coast. But God had different plans for me. He knew I needed to be surrounded by girls that love Him and seek after Christ. I think I had the easiest transition ever with the help of soccer. I was never homesick and I think that was due to the immediate friends I had on the soccer team.
Q: Talk about your memories from beating Vanderbilt in the 2005 NCAA Tournament. That was huge for you guys. What is the most memorable part about it? What was going through your mind?
CW: The Vanderbilt game is definitely in my top two favorite games. It was so fun to really compete with a top 25 team and then win in the shootout. I think the most memorable part for me in that game was the whole shootout. Also, our fans were amazing that game!
Q: Your major is nursing, which is very demanding. Between that, soccer and school, how do you juggle it all?
CW: I actually switched my major to nursing last year and am in my second semester of clinicals now. I have learned through college that I do better in my classes in the fall semester. This is because I have to be so disciplined, have good time management and be very focused. This has enabled me to get everything done and give my all in both soccer and nursing.
Q: How does it feel to be a four-year starter at goalkeeper?
CW: I love being in the back and leading my team. I love the joys of watching my team play united, for each other and for the Lord. It truly is an honor and privilege to get to play for this team. Also, I want to thank Jenna Sturgill, the other goalkeeper, for her continual encouragement and support the past three years.
Q: Talk about your recent injury. Did your knowledge as an athletic trainer help any?
CW: My injury came at a good time because it was during preseason so I had time to recover. I have been rehabbing it so I feel good and am able to play through it. Also Michelle our Athletic Trainer is incredible and really takes care of us.
Q: How do you feel about the upcoming season? What are your expectations going into the new conference and how does the team expect to continue the success that you have already achieved?
CW: I think our team is anxious to play more competitive teams. In the OVC, the teams often packed it in so we could never play real soccer. In the SoCon, the teams are better so they will play with us and allow us to play our game. Also, we have already set the goal of winning the SoCon this season and jumping right into a winning tradition in this conference. The only way we will be successful is if we work hard every single day, and come together with a united purpose.
Q: Tell us something that no one else knows about you?
CW: I love to backpack and hike either in Colorado or in the mountains of Norway. I was in Norway all summer and really fell in love with God's beautiful creation.
Q: What do you think is the most interesting thing about you? What makes you stand out from the rest of your teammates?
CW: I think I am one of the most competitive people on the team. I hate to lose and it is my competitive spirit that drives me each day in practice to do my best and gives me the desire to lead this team to championships.
Q: What fellow Samford athlete do you admire most or enjoy watching play?
CW: Sara Sears is so fun to watch. I have enjoyed watching her dig in volleyball for the past three years. She is a great athlete and such a sweet person.
