This past season, DePaul women’s soccer had a turnaround year. They went from being 4-15 in the 08′ season, to 10-8-2 in 09′. These girls’ turned their program around and made it to the Big East Tournament for the first time in school history. This past week I had the chance to sit down with one of their starters, Chelsea Grant.
Tyler Rayome: For the record, what is your name?
Chelsea Grant: Chelsea Grant
TR: What year are you?
CG: This is my first year at DePaul.
TR: What is your major?
CG: My major is Business, but I would like to eventually focus more on Sports Marketing.
TR: Nice, always thinking about the future. I like it. What sport do you play?
CG: I’m on the Women’s Soccer Team.
TR: Soccer eh? What Position are you?
CG: Center Back.
TR: Can you give our readers a brief overview of how DePaul did this past season?
CG: Well, we beat some nationally ranked teams. We were picked to finish last in the Big East conference but we finished 5th (out of 8 teams) and made it to the Big East tournament for the first time in school history.
TR: How did you get into playing soccer?
CG: I started playing when I was 5 years old and continued ever since.
TR: Wow, you have been playing for a long time. Have you had any major injuries in your career playing soccer?
CG: No, I have never broken anything or had any injuries due to soccer, thankfully.
TR: How did DePaul recruit you?
CG: My coach saw me playing with my club team at national level tournaments and college showcases.
TR: Did the fact that DePaul is in the city of Chicago have any role in your recruitment?
CG: Yeah, I really like city schools and I feel like I fit in better in a city school compared to a college town. It’s also nice being close to home.
TR: Well since you have had only one season, did you have any major accomplishments prior to college?
CG: Yeah, my club team won the national championship in 2009.
TR: That is awesome! So this past year did you get any playing time as a freshman?
CG: Yes, I started every game and played the entire time.
TR: That’s impressive. Since you started, did you get any awards this past season?
CG: I made the Big East all rookie team.
TR: What was it like to start as a freshman?
CG: It was a really cool experience.
TR: I can imagine, but can you elaborate more on what made it such a cool experience?
CG: Because not many people get to go to college and start as a freshman and play, especially in a tough conference like the Big East.
TR: Were you nervous at times?
CG: A little because I was playing with girls 4 years older than me and I had no college experience.
TR: Was it ever hard to balance school, sports, and your social life?
CG: It was a little overwhelming at first but I found time to fit everything in.
TR: How will DePaul Women’s Soccer team be next year?
CG: I think we are going to be even better next year because now that DePaul is being nationally recognized we are bringing in better recruits for the upcoming years.
TR: Any crazy/cool stories?
CG: Well it’s not really crazy, but I broke a girl’s leg on accident in the middle of play.
TR: Okay, you should have expected this question coming since we live in Chicago…Sox or Cubs?
CG: Seriously, the Cubs.
-Tyler Rayome
College Sports | Second City College Sports 