Following our interview with Jennifer Hale, NSR was fortunate enough to chat with Meagan (NSW) herself. Meagan gives an exciting insight into her soccer career in the US at Presentation College, along with a number of amusing and inspiring stories!
When was your first college game?
My first game was towards the end of August where we played a team from Canada, and what they say about the Canadians being nice, definably does not apply to them on the field.
Before this game, we had a trial match with the other college that is in our city of Aberdeen, they are called NSU (Northern State University).
How long had your been preparing?
I had been preparing for about half a year, because sadly in my season a year before, I was to travel to America, I found out that I had a pars defect in my back (like a stress fracture) from playing too much and I spent all the time leading up to my trip recovering and thankfully playing in the season before a left. But a good half year at least!
Did you experience any nerves? If so, do you have any coping mechanisms?
Yeah, I was pretty nervous to make a big move like this to go overseas and experience a different culture. But I would make the same decision any day because the experience so far has been phenomenal! I was also nervous that my skills would not be at the level that the coaches were expecting due to my injury; however, the coaches were supportive.
Additionally, they understood that I had left everything back home in Australia, and that I may be home sick. My coping mechanisms was definitely talking to my fellow team mates and coaches because they are all so supportive and have become my second family. I also just focused my efforts into my schooling and on soccer to reduce my stress levels.
How did your coach(s) prepare you for the game?
They were very supportive towards me and the other Australians that came to Presentation College. They realised that the climate and times were completely out of whack for us and they did all they could to make the transition and adaption to the college game as easy as possible.
What was the best piece of advice you were given leading up to the game?
Just to not be too hard on myself. Be confident on the ball and try to have a bit of fun and shake off the negative things that may happen. But control the ball, be composed and slow your mind down so as not to rush the play.
Do you have any pre-game rituals that you’ve adopted? As an individual or as part of a team?
A set warm up to one of the captains play list was definitely one thing that was a constant pre-game ritual. Also, as an individual, just ensuring that I hydrated properly especially because some games were played on humid days, and just keeping a positive mind frame.
Compare your first game to your most recent. How have you developed and improved your strategy?
I feel that I have definitely improved in my more recent games from when I started. Just the ball movement skills, learnt positioning and plays on the field and other aspect of the game like passing, shooting and fitness have definitely been stepped up from what it was at when I first arrived and played.
What one or two things do you do in training that is a key to your success?
We ensure that we are a team and that we have good communication and cohesion on and off the field. We make sure that we support each other and that we are all doing well in school. We make sure that we do know how to have a little of fun, not be so serious all the time and laugh when we need to relive some tension.
Stay tuned for Part Two of Meagan’s story as she shares with us the difference between the US college sport atmosphere compared to the Australian atmosphere.