Martin playing big role for TCU
10/3/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Oct. 3, 2007
Freshman defender Cheryl Martin recently sat down with GoFrogs.com to talk about the 2007 season and life at TCU.
Martin, a Las Vegas native, has led a stingy Horned Frog defense that has posted two shutouts this fall.
GoFrogs.com: What are your thoughts on the season so far?
Cheryl Martin: Our schedule had us face some tough competition early to try and get us ready for our conference games, so we have definitely had our ups and downs. We have had a couple of heartbreaking losses, but with every loss we gain knowledge of what we need to improve on.
GF: Since you are a freshman, what has college been like so far for you?
CM: It has been so exciting living on my own and being able to have some freedom. I feel so comfortable at TCU and I love the overall atmosphere. It has really tested my time management skills and increased my level of responsibility, but I think that is where I really thrive.
GF: What is the biggest difference between high school soccer and college soccer?
CM: It's hard to put high school and college soccer in the same category because the game is so unbelievably different. College is so much more competitive and you learn something new every time you practice or play a game.
GF: Explain a typical day for Cheryl Martin?
CM: I usually have the toughest decision of the day when picking what shorts and soccer shirt I should wear. After deciding I then go and get a good breakfast in me before my classes start so I can stay awake during them. After my classes I get some lunch and head off to practice. Following my favorite three hours of the day, I grab a bite to eat and then go to study hall to get some homework done. When I'm finished I usually go back to my dorm room, eat a snack and crash.
GF: What has been the biggest adjustment for you since moving to TCU?
CM: I would have to say always being so busy every hour of every day. I really don't have a lot of down time to relax and just watch a movie.
GF: What do you like to do off the field?
CM: After coming to college, I have become a huge fan of napping. I do it every chance I get, which isn't a lot. I also love hanging out with the soccer girls. They have become my new family.
GF: Do you have any pregame rituals?
CM: Before every game I try to focus and visualize vivid images of what I need to accomplish during the game for the team to win. It helps to already have a picture in your mind before you even step on the field.
GF: What is it like to play at Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium in front of all those fans?
CM: Ever since I was a little girl going to watch college soccer games I dreamed about one day being a college player that made the game winning goal or an amazing block to stop the opposing team from scoring. Now I finally get the chance to follow my dream and play in front of the greatest fans at an amazing facility. I hope that one day I can become a role model for one of the little girls in the stands and help her to create a dream of her own just as I did.
GF: What has been your hardest class so far and why?
CM: Even though I am quite good at math, my hardest class is statistics. Whenever the team travels it is usually the class that I always miss and it is really hard to learn the material on my own.
