Sept. 7, 2010

BERKELEY - Each week, CalBears.com will feature a freshman women's soccer player, and this week's participant is defender Bronwyn Studman. Not only did Studman have to make a quick adjustment to college life like the rest of her fellow freshmen, but she had to make a quick adjustment to life in America after growing up in Canberra, Australia. Studman, called Brony by her teammates, has spent time playing the Under-20 Australian national team and was the 2007 player of the year for Capital Football, Canberra's head football organization. Neil McGuire called Studman a fast, strong, aggressive, naturally left-footed left back who is strong in the tackle and good in the air. CalBears.com listened to Studman's Australian accent for a tick to get to know her better.

CalBears.com: What made you chose Cal?
Bronwyn Studman: I chose Cal because I knew of its reputation. Even coming from Australia, I had heard of the school and just how good it was both academically and athletically. The fact that I could get a world-renowned education while playing for one of the most competitive teams in the most difficult conferences in the country was a combination too good to pass up!

CalBears.com: Do you have any hobbies outside of soccer?
BS: My hobbies outside of soccer include pretty much anything active and outdoors! I hate just sitting inside all day! I also love cooking!

CalBears.com: What is your favorite part about Berkeley and/or the Cal campus?
BS: My favorite part of Berkeley is really the whole city and just how unique it is. You see so many random things here on a daily basis. The campus is also beautiful surrounded by all the trees and hills up the back. I love that you can go from a small hippy town to an international city within a 30-minute BART ride to San Fran!

CalBears.com: What's the best thing about being a part of the Cal women's soccer team?
BS: The best thing about being part of Cal soccer is the unity and closeness between all the players, coaches and everyone involved. On the field, we play for each other first and foremost, which makes us even tougher to break down! Coming from Australia, I didn't know anyone in the whole country so the team has become my family as well as my teammates and friends. I am very excited to make lifelong friends on the other side of the world!

CalBears.com: Did you grow up watching Cal athletics? What has it been like to represent them?
BS: Unfortunately ,Cal games were not shown on Australian TV! But I did manage to catch a few college football games that were on at odd hours. I got to see how much passion there is around college athletics and how much devotion there is to one's college! It is an honor to play for one of the best school in the world both academically and athletically.

CalBears.com: What are you planning on or thinking of majoring in?
BS: I'm planning on majoring in geology or astro physics if I make it!

CalBears.com: What class are you most looking forward to this fall?
BS: I am most looking forward to my astronomy class.

CalBears.com: Do you have any special pre-game rituals?
BS: I have so many pre-game rituals and am so superstitious that if I tell anyone what they are I think they won't work anymore!

CalBears.com: When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
BS: When I was a little kid, I wanted to be exactly like Marion Jones, the track star. I even wanted to run for America over Australia!

CalBears.com: With whom would you want to be stranded on a desert island? BS: I would want to be stuck on a deserted island with Justin Timberlake, my first love!

CalBears.com: What's your biggest pet peeve?
BS: My pet peeves are long nails and tights...don't ask.

CalBears.com: Who is your biggest hero?
BS: That would be my older sister Megan. She helps me through any and everything, is incredibly smart and still manages to have the best social life I've ever seen!