Nov. 3, 2009

BERKELEY - With a team-leading 12 goals this season, Cal women's soccer junior forward Alex Morgan now stands in fourth place all-time with 29 career goals. Last fall, she scored the gamewinner to help the U.S. under-20 national team to gold in Chile at the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. CalBears.com sat down with the Diamond Bar, Calif., native to learn more about her time studying abroad this summer, playing in a world cup and her life off the field.

CalBears.com: You scored the eventual gamewinner in the U-20 Women's World Cup - what was playing in Chile like?
Alex Morgan: Playing in Chile was a great experience because I had never played in front of so many people before. I think one of the stadiums seated 20,000 people. Also, getting international experience at such a high level really helped my game.

CalBears.com: What made you choose to come to Cal? Did you have a moment when you just knew that Cal was the right place for you?
AM: When I came up for my first unofficial visit, the girls were really nice and former assistant coach J.T. aka Jennifer Thomas is just awesome. Also, the environment was very different than what I have grown up in my whole life. Another thing that I liked are the traditions that both Cal and the women's soccer program have. I knew right away this was the right fit for me.

CalBears.com: You studied abroad this summer in Spain - what was that experience like for you? Did you get much a break from soccer or were you training there? How's your Spanish now that you're back in the States?
AM: Ever since my sister, who went to Arizona, studied abroad in Australia, I have wanted to study abroad. This summer was the perfect time, and I am so happy that I went through with it. Spain is an amazing country that I will definitely go back and visit many times. I studied in Madrid and got to travel to many other cities and towns during the weekends. A month was the perfect amount of time for me because I really started to miss playing soccer every day. I didn't get to play much, other than dragging my classmates to local fields to play soccer and run with me.

CalBears.com: What are you thinking of majoring in? Why?
AM: I haven't declared yet, but I am majoring in political economy of industrial societies. I chose this major because I don't know exactly what I want to do in the future after my soccer career is over, and this major gives a variety of classes useful for many careers. I have really enjoyed this major so far, and I'm actually really looking forward to the classes I'm taking next semester!

CalBears.com: Who are the most influential people in your life?
AM: I would have to say my mom and dad. I always call them when I need advice or help.

CalBears.com: When are you happiest?
AM: When I'm at the river with my family and friends. I am relaxed and happy to be surrounded with the people who matter in life. And of course when I score a goal!

CalBears.com: Fill in the blank: I always...
AM: I always...put my left cleat on before my right.

CalBears.com: Fill in the blank: I never...
AM: I never...want to be injured again.

CalBears.com: What is your biggest pet peeve?
AM: When people kick the back of my chair in the airplane!

CalBears.com: Katrin Omarsdottir, the last person to do a Q&A for CalBears.com, wanted the next women's soccer player to answer: How do you like Lisa Kevorkian? Do you think she should be on "Jeopardy?"
AM:I guess Lisa's pretty cool. And she knows the weirdest facts; she would definitely win on "Jeopardy!" Just kidding, Lisa. You are the greatest. Especially when you score and jump up and down like a cheerleader.

CalBears.com: What question would you like the next women's soccer student-athlete who does a Q&A to answer?
AM: If you could live anywhere in the world where would you live?

To see all previous Q&A with the Golden Bears, click here.