Nov. 3, 2010

BERKELEY - The Nov. 7 match against Oregon State marks the last home game for the Cal women's soccer senior class. Among those three seniors that will be honored prior to the game is midfielder Emily Shibata. A Pac-10 all-academic honorable mention in 2009 and 2008, Shibata is on track to graduate next fall and is majoring in media studies. As a junior, she played in 20 of Cal's 21 matches, starting 18. In 2008, she recovered from a preseason injury to play in the final 15 games of the season. As a true freshman, Shibata saw time in 19 games and made six consecutive starts. The Walnut Creek, Calif., native is a co-captain this year. CalBears.com caught up with Shibata to take a look back on her four years as a Golden Bear.

CalBears.com: What is your best Cal story or favorite Cal experience?
Emily Shibata: My favorite experience was going to Italy with the soccer team.

CalBears.com: What will you miss most about Cal?
EM: My teammates and, of course, the unique food!

CalBears.com: What are your career plans and what are you plans after graduation?
EM: At the moment, I would love to land an internship with Nike, IMG or Sony. After I graduate, I hope to travel some, find a job, and then go to grad school for sports marketing.

CalBears.com: Has Cal lived up to or has it been different or better than the expectations you had of it as a freshman?
EM: Cal has definitely been better than the expectations I had for it as a freshman. When I first came here, I questioned if I chose the right school, but after being here for four years now, I absolutely LOVE it and I am so happy I stayed!

CalBears.com: What's the most important thing you've learned while playing soccer at Cal?
EM: The most important thing I learned while playing soccer at Cal is that being older and having experience really matters. I didn't realize how much I still could learn at the college level until I became a junior. I was so clueless my freshman and sophomore years!

CalBears.com: What is your favorite place to eat or go in Berkeley?
EM: Gosh, I love food so I have a lot of favorite places. If I had to choose one, it would be La Mediterranean.

CalBears.com: What advice would you give to freshmen?
EM: Freshmen year is not easy with the transition of being away from home and juggling school and soccer; but do not let that discourage you. If you feel like you got worse from club soccer to college soccer, it's not true! College soccer is a whole new level, and it takes time to adjust. Once you find your groove, you will have so much more confidence and things will get easier. I swear!

CalBears.com: What was the best class you took here?
EM: I loved Media Studies 101. It was about visual culture. We got to analyze advertisements and movie clips. It was a hard class, but Professor Levina was amazing.

CalBears.com: What made you choose Cal?
EM: Since I am a local girl, I wanted my parents and grandparents to be able to come to my games easily.

CalBears.com: Do you have a favorite game or play or road trip?
EM: My favorite game was against Auburn in the NCAA tournament my junior year. We played really well as a team, and I just remember that we played with so much energy and we were having a great time out there! Plus, we won in overtime and went onto the second round!

CalBears.com: What are your other favorite Cal sports? Do you attend a lot of that sport's games?
EM: I love going to the volleyball, football and men's basketball games. I go to as many games as possible!