NAOTB: Tera Ziemer Q&A

Each week 12thMan.com will touch base with a newcomer to the Aggie soccer squad. This week freshman Tera Ziemer chatted about her early days of soccer and her arrival at Texas A&M.
 
At what point in the recruiting process did you decide to come to Texas A&M?
"My recruiting process was fairly short. It started the end of my freshman year. The summer of my sophomore year it was starting to get serious and I went on a couple of visits. I went on one visit before Texas A&M. Right after I saw it I knew A&M was the school for me."
 
What was the deciding factor?
"I wanted to go somewhere away from California and try something new. I think right when I got here and saw the school and I thought it was a beautiful school. Then when I went to my first game to see what the 12th Man was and to see what the team was like, I just knew it was perfect for me."
 
What do you remember most from your recruiting trip to Texas A&M?
"I'd say what I remember most would be, the game I went to against Vanderbilt. The crowd was more than I had seen at a college match. I loved how excited everyone was to be there. I just knew that was what I wanted.
 
What are your earliest memories of playing soccer?
"I think it must've been about when I was three or four, going to Ziemer Soccer Camp. That's what I remember most."
 
Talk about the family dynamic being around parents who are coaches and having a talented older sister.
"I definitely grew up in a soccer family. I have about 11 cousins on my dad's side and they all played soccer with me. So with growing up, my parents, who are soccer coaches, and all of us going to soccer camp and doing all of that, it was like our family events revolved around soccer. When I think of soccer, I think of family. The two go hand in hand."
 
Did you ever think of rebelling and getting out of the 'family business'?
"In fifth grade I wanted to join the school's volleyball team and my mom said "no." Thank God she did. That was the only other thing I thought of trying. I ran cross country in middle school, but it was always soccer."
 
When did you realize you were really good at soccer and could play at the Division I level?
"When my sister went through her recruiting process. She's two years older than me. At the time when she committed, I realized that I was probably at a similar level to her. I felt like I could probably do this to and that was when I kind of set my sights and visions on soccer."
 
How beneficial was enrolling early and taking part in the spring workouts?
"I would say it's definitely beneficial. It's the best thing I could've done. After coming in the spring and already having been playing for the team, I was already comfortable when we reported in August. When we got on the field for that first fall exhibition match, I knew what I was doing, I knew all the girls. I liked high school, but I knew it wasn't that big of a deal for me. College was way more fun than high school and it was just great."
 
What have you been working on with the coaches?
"I'd say the main thing with me, is getting more confidence to go forward. I've always been the play-maker type and pass the ball to other people to score. Sometimes I have confidence issues in the offensive third I try to get rid of the ball as fast. Getting more comfortable going forward and learning to take more time to let things set up is the biggest thing I'm working on."
 
What would you say your strengths are?
"I'm fairly good at possession. I'd say that's one of my main strengths. I'd say I'm pretty good at ball possession, that's probably one of my main things. I've watched a lot of soccer and growing up with soccer so much, I'm pretty knowledgeable about of the game. I'd say I'm fairly insightful."
 
How was the first road trip?
"Hawaii was really really fun. I was super-excited for being able to fly with the team and do everything together was such a fun and cool experience. I can't wait for more."
 
How do you think your games have gone so far?
"I think they've gone really well. I think I've settled in. Starting every game so far is truly an incredible feeling. I feel like I've played a big role on the team. It's been way better than I've ever expected."
 
What is your major and your career goals?
"I was an architecture major, but I realized that was not the major for me. Now, I am a communication major and I want to minor in woman and gender studies. I want to one day either work for a non-profit or go to law school and do a job that truly helps people."
 
What is the main difference you've noticed between high school/elite club soccer and collegiate soccer?
"I'd say that in high school and club soccer that winning is important, but in college soccer it's taken to a whole different level. Winning is everything in a way. You put in all the work you can to win. You give everything for your teammates and your school. In high school and club soccer there are people with different focuses. Some aren't even looking to move on to college, so there's a different level of commitment among teammates. In college it's this whole team playing with the same purpose."
 
How have you been treated by the seniors and upperclassmen?
"I think I am one of the luckiest freshman in college soccer. I have been treated so amazingly and the girls have welcomed me in. One of my closest friends on the team, Cienna Arrieta, is a junior and I've spent so much time with her. All the upperclassman are so welcoming and you forget they're upperclassmen because you're all on the same playing field. We're all on the same level and we're all just so close."