Nov. 30, 2007

The UMass Media Relations department had time to sit down with sophomore forward Cristina Adams prior to UMass' game vs. Fordham on Oct. 19. She took some time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions.

UMass: What made you play soccer?
Cristina Adams: My first game I ever played, I scored three goals and I refused to play any sport other than soccer after that day. (I was 4 years old)

UM: Why did you choose UMass?
CA: I loved the team and the coach. The facilities were nice and the field was perfect. I knew I liked UMass the second I saw it.

UM: How do you feel you're better as a sophomore than a freshman?
CA: As a sophomore, I came in better prepared because I knew what to expect. Last year as a freshman, I didn't know what to expect and I was nervous about playing. Every year gets easier with more experience.

UM: Could you speak about your career-high three point effort last game vs. Rhode Island?
CA: Well, the goal was a little chip over the goalie's head after she saved my first shot. Then a minute or two after, Patry made a great run onto a ball I passed to her to make the score 2-1 just before the half! We were pressuring their defense for a while, so something good was eventually going to come out of it.

UM: Can you talk about the challenge of stepping up now that the team has suffered some injuries? What do you need to do? CA: Losing Syd up top stinks because she pressures the defense and hustles the whole game, and it shows because she has some great goals and assists. However, I think we will be fine up at top if we continue doing the same things like we did before. We just have to work as a whole team and not let injuries get us down.

UM: How do you spend your spare time?
CA: I like going shopping on Newbury street, playing tennis with my roommate and also tanning out on Boyden fields with my roommate.

UM: If you could give advice to a prospective Division I student-athlete, what would it be?
CA: Make sure the school is the right fit for you both academic and athletic wise. Also, make sure you like the team and you are ready for a full commitment for your years at college!

UM: Do you have any pregame rituals? If so, what?
CA: Sometimes, my roommate and I sneak on Rudd Field the night before a game. But on game day, I just like to listen to my IPod and lay in bed before we dress and tape.

UM: What else do you like to do in your free time?
CA: I like to drive two hours to Newbury street to shop, then get a coffee, then make a quick visit to my house.

UM: At the end of the year, you hope to say____________
CA: That our team played to its full potential and next year looks even brighter.