Q&A With Nataly Arais
2/27/2008 7:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Feb. 27, 2008
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Recently, umterps.com was able to catch up with women's soccer fifth-year rising senior Nataly Arias. The family studies major from Alexandria, Va., was candid about everything from Maryland soccer to her favorite classes to where she likes to eat in College Park.
Question: You are in your final spring season as a student-athlete here at Maryland. How does that make you feel?
Nataly Arias: The feeling can only be described as bittersweet, because as excited as I am to getting closer to earning my degree from Maryland this also brings to light the culmination of my college career, so that's a little upsetting as well. To know that I will be leaving my teammates and college soon and entering the real world is a bit intimidating, but I am just trying to cherish every moment I have left here at Maryland and soak it all in as best I can.
Q: How do you feel the team is working together so far this winter? What are some of the qualities you see in this team that excite you?
NA: I feel the team has a great mentality and energy right now, which started in winter workouts. We are all willing to get better and make each other uncomfortable in order to accomplish our goals in training and for the spring season, so we have a good springboard into the summer in preparation for our season. Ultimately, continuing to break standards and setting greater goals for ourselves is the type of program we all want to be a part of and leave behind. We have such great chemistry on and off the field and that is really exciting to be a part of because that can only translate well for us on the field. We are also improving on our attacking mentality and pushing the envelope with combination play, creativity and flare and that is always fun to be a part of.
Q: You are the most experienced player on the team. Given that fact, how do you see your role changing in comparison to years past?
NA: I feel that I have always had a type of leadership role on this team. I just think I will be more of a vocal leader from now on.
Q: What are the major strengths of the Maryland soccer program?
NA: Blue-collar work rate. We look to out-work teams to get results. Team camaraderie and chemistry are also trademarks of this program.
Q: What advice would you give to incoming recruits as they prepare to compete in the ACC?
NA: Come in prepared to be mentally and physically stretched to your limit and only then will you reach your potential. Be patient and open-minded to change. The ACC is the best conference for women's soccer in the country hands down. Every game is a test against some of the best players this country has to offer, so if you are a true competitor there is no other conference better suited for you.
Q: I hear you are fan of European Soccer. What is your favorite team? Who is your favorite player?
NA: FC Barcelona is my team!! I would have to say right now my favorite player is Kaka. He is playing the best soccer in the world right now.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
NA: Most likely settling down in a career, thinking about marriage and starting a family.
Q:What are two of your favorite classes that you have taken at Maryland and why?
NA: HLTH377 Human Sexuality was such a great class because the teacher is a well-known scholar in the field and has more then 20 years of experience and he brought enthusiasm and laughter to an uncomfortable subject matter. His class discussions and debates were very informative and very fun to experience. EDCP418 is a leadership class that I am currently enrolled in, but I have gotten so much out of it so far I have to mention it as one of the best classes I have taken. I am learning to question society and myself for certain beliefs and stigmas that plague our culture today and the class discussions that make up the curriculum make for a great learning environment.
Q: Who is your favorite player in the history of the United States Women's National Team? What characteristics do you like about her?
NA: Michelle Akers is my favorite player in the history of the United States Women's National Team. She epitomized a goal-scoring mentality and toughness. Her mentality to win and be the best was so incredible to watch and the passion that she played with only propelled her to be the player she was. She defined what a leader and team player should be and she led her troops by example. She was never complacent and always worked to be better and improve on her weaknesses. Her game is definitely something I try to emulate and I only hope on a good day I can be described as anything like her.
Q: Who is one of the funniest players on the Maryland women's soccer team? What makes her so funny?
NA: I think Olivia Onyeador is the funniest girl on our team because she does this hilarious impressions and her facial expressions are priceless. I'm laughing just thinking about it!!
Q: What is your favorite television show?
NA: Seinfeld
Q: What are some of your favorite places to eat in College Park?
NA: Potbelly, Panda and Chipotle
Ok, now we are going to play a little game called word association. I am going to say a word and you have to tell me the first thought you have when you hear the word. Be honest! Ready ...
• Beep Test: Mental Struggle
• Maryland Athletics: Excellence
• 8 a.m. practice: Torture (I am not a morning person.)
• Your coaches: Approachable
• Preseason: Exhausted
• Strength and conditioning coach Barry Kagan: Reasonable
• Ludwig Field: Heaven
