Oct. 23, 2012
BERKELEY - On the California women's soccer game, the routines before a game vary significantly from Golden Bear to Golden Bear. CalBears.com chatted with the Bears to find out if they have any superstitions or rituals that they do before each game.
Lauren Battung -
I've never really had a distinct pre-game ritual besides sleeping well, eating well (but not too much!), and making sure I feel loose and warm. I'm also doing exercises to get my muscles released and warmed up well, which is very important to my physical and mental readiness. Of course, music is necessary, too. The genre and the mood change from game to game, but classic rock and old school R&B playlists often make an appearance.
Celeste Boureille -
A good night sleep and peanut butter on toast.
Jenna Brennan -
I do a lot of visualizations and listen to my pregame playlist on my iPod.
Taylor Comeau -
My pre-game rituals are to drink a lot of water and listen to music.
Genessee Daughetee -
Every year I make a "pump up" playlist that I listen to before every game. As tape my wrist with my teammate Grace Leer. And make sure to do all of my handshakes before the game starts!
Mekenna DeBack -
I say a quick prayer, tie my shoes in my "perfect" way, and I kiss my ring before I take it off.
Kaitlin Dickmann -
I like to be somewhat secluded and with my iPod in prior to game time.
Elliott Gentile -
I don't have a specific pre-game ritual, but I always listen to music.
Amanda Glass -
I jump up and slap the "Live Like Champions" sign in our locker room before we run out on the field. Also, my handshake with Genessee Daughetee, Rachel Mercik and Grace Leer before the game starts.
Karly Graf -
I've never really had pre-game rituals.
Betsy Hassett -
Kissing my greenstone before I take it off
Emily Kruger -
I play my best when my morning is very relaxed. For me, focusing too much on the game before it even happens will just psych me out. I like to hang at home, usually with friends that aren't on the team so I can just keep my head clear. If we are on the road, I'll watch TV or read a book. But then once I step on the field to warm-up, it's time to focus.
Lauren Hein -
I try to stay calm and smile a lot. Soccer is fun and we are so blessed to be able to be out there running around representing Cal.
Lorin Hom -
I have to tie my cleats in a specific way
Kory Lamet -
I have to put on my socks a certain way!
Emi Lawson -
Before every game I always put my gear on in a particular order while listening to the Al Pacino's speech from "Any Given Sunday."
Grace Leer -
I always eat a good meal, dance a little bit, do some imagery and listen to a song by myself with my iPod after I have put all my stuff on.
Sandra Ley -
When putting my socks, shin guards, and cleats on, I always start with my left foot first then right.
Ariana Martinez -
Ever since I was a little girl my mom always said to me "Run like the wind, and go for the gold" before my games.
Celeste Martore -
Eat a banana.
Rachel Mercik -
I am going to be honest, I have no pre-game rituals. Every game changes for me!
Ifeoma Onumonu -
My pre-game rituals are usually just listening to music and trying to focus on some of the elements of my game that need to be executed in order for us to win, but i also try to relax as best as possible.
Nina Pederson -
I don't believe in rituals. One time I tried to do things in a certain way but it just screwed up my game. I don't want to blame a lost game or a bad pass on how I tied my shoes wrong before the game. I believe that if you have your mind right, none of that matters.
Samantha Walker -
Before every game I touch our sign that says play like champions as a reminder to leave everything I have on the field.
Samantha Witteman -
I usually listen to music, and eat a banana.
