Oct. 11, 2010

BERKELEY - Each week, CalBears.com will feature a freshman women's soccer player, and this week's participant is Mekenna DeBack. Cal head coach Neil McGuire notes the DeBack is one of the most natural goal scorers he has seen in quite some time. Additionally, McGuire called her a feisty competitor who will be a great asset to the Bears for speed allows her to create space for herself behind defensive lines and she can finish equally well with both feet. As a prepster, DeBack was a three-year varsity member at Miramonte HS, going undefeated in 2008-09 and was the North Coast Section champion. She was also named the 2009 East Bay Prep athlete of the year and Diablo Foothill Athletic League (DFAL) MVP and first-team selection. A seasoned player, DeBack traveled to Sweden and Denmark to win the Gothia Cup and Vildberg Cup, with Lamorinda United '91 in 2006. CalBears.com chatted with DeBack to find more about her.

CalBears.com: What made you chose Cal?
Mekenna DeBack: It is between my hometown and the City, aka San Francisco. Why would I go anywhere else? I love how I can see my family frequently and they can come to all my home games.

CalBears.com: What are your hobbies outside of soccer?
MD: Art, snowboarding and wakeboarding.

CalBears.com: What's your favorite part about Berkeley and the Cal campus?
MD: It is beautiful! Everyone here is so relaxed and friendly. I also love the variety of cultures and backgrounds of all the students and professors here.

CalBears.com: What is the best thing about being a part of Cal women's soccer?
MD: Being able to play soccer with amazing girls!

CalBears.com: Did you grow up watching Cal athletics?
MD: Yes I did! I grew up very close so it was so easy to come over the Berkeley to watch the Cal soccer team play and help be a ball girl.

CalBears.com: What class are you most looking forward to this fall?
MD: Astronomy.

CalBears.com: What characteristic in people do you most admire?
MD: Their determination and motivation.

CalBears.com: Who would you want to be stranded on a deserted island with?
MD: My brother, Austin, because he's an Eagle Scout.

CalBears.com: When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
MD: A veterinarian.

CalBears.com: If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?
MD: A plane ticket to Europe.

CalBears.com: What is one thing you can't live without?
MD: Chocolate.