Each week 12thMan.com will touch base with a newcomer to the Aggie soccer squad. This week freshman Kendall Bates chatted about her early days of soccer, life with an Aggie Soccer sister and her arrival at Texas A&M.
At what point in the recruiting process did you decide to come to Texas A&M?
"Before my recruiting process really even started. I've been up here so many times with my sister (Emilyt Bates) that I knew that this was the option for me and definitely where I needed to be."
What was Emily the deciding factor?
"She was definitely a factor in it, but not the most decisive factor. For me Texas A&M just felt like home all the way around."
What do you remember most coming to Texas A&M for recruiting visits or seeing Emily play?
"I think something I remember most is the 12th man and the atmosphere that accompanied playing on Ellis Field.""
What are your earliest memories of playing soccer?
"The earliest memories I have playing soccer I used to play for the Stingers. I broke my arm my very first season. I had to bubble wrap it, and I think my arm was actually bigger than I was."
What kind of influence did Emily have on your soccer game?
"She was a huge influence. Growing up I never missed one of her games unless I had one. Just watching her play made me want to work harder every single time I was on the field so that I could be just like her."
Did you ever think of rebelling and not joining Emily at Texas A&M?
"I did for sure. I was actually really close to going to Oklahoma State, but I think I always knew in the back of my head that Aggieland was home."
When did you realize you were really good at soccer and could play at the Division I level?
"I don't really know. Probably when I first started with one of my earliest coaches, because he was really good with me as I continued to train with him. When I went up in the depth chart to starting and captain is when really hit me as something I can do."
How beneficial was enrolling early and taking part in the spring workouts?
"It was the greatest decision I had ever made. Getting my feet wet between classes, lifting, fitness, the spring games, and even just bonding with the team before the season even really started was the best thing for me."
What have you been working on with the coaches?
"I've been working a lot on my speed of play in keeping the ball moving, playing simple, and not trying to complicate things too much in addition to my shooting."
What would you say your strengths are?
"I think technically I'm pretty good at keeping the ball moving, first touches, and things like that. Tactically, I'm pretty good at staying connected defensively and making things happen."
How was the first road trip?
"Oh, it was so fun! Being in Hawaii of all places and spending a whole week there with the team was better than anything I could've ever asked for."
How has your Aggieland experience been so far?
"It's been like nothing I could've ever imagined. I kind of knew what I was getting myself into, but being here is just amazing."
What is your major and your career goals?
"I'm majoring in communications with a minor in sports management, and I hope to get involved with a non-profit of some sort after college."
What is the main difference you've noticed between high school/elite club soccer and collegiate soccer?
"The speed of play, as well as how aggressive everyone is. If you even take half a second or two on the ball you're going to get hit."
How have you been treated by the seniors and upperclassmen?
"Everyone besides my sister treats me pretty well for the most part. I'm just kidding, Emily is pretty nice, too. I love them. They're some of my best friends already."
At what point in the recruiting process did you decide to come to Texas A&M?
"Before my recruiting process really even started. I've been up here so many times with my sister (Emilyt Bates) that I knew that this was the option for me and definitely where I needed to be."
What was Emily the deciding factor?
"She was definitely a factor in it, but not the most decisive factor. For me Texas A&M just felt like home all the way around."
What do you remember most coming to Texas A&M for recruiting visits or seeing Emily play?
"I think something I remember most is the 12th man and the atmosphere that accompanied playing on Ellis Field.""
What are your earliest memories of playing soccer?
"The earliest memories I have playing soccer I used to play for the Stingers. I broke my arm my very first season. I had to bubble wrap it, and I think my arm was actually bigger than I was."
What kind of influence did Emily have on your soccer game?
"She was a huge influence. Growing up I never missed one of her games unless I had one. Just watching her play made me want to work harder every single time I was on the field so that I could be just like her."
Did you ever think of rebelling and not joining Emily at Texas A&M?
"I did for sure. I was actually really close to going to Oklahoma State, but I think I always knew in the back of my head that Aggieland was home."
When did you realize you were really good at soccer and could play at the Division I level?
"I don't really know. Probably when I first started with one of my earliest coaches, because he was really good with me as I continued to train with him. When I went up in the depth chart to starting and captain is when really hit me as something I can do."
How beneficial was enrolling early and taking part in the spring workouts?
"It was the greatest decision I had ever made. Getting my feet wet between classes, lifting, fitness, the spring games, and even just bonding with the team before the season even really started was the best thing for me."
What have you been working on with the coaches?
"I've been working a lot on my speed of play in keeping the ball moving, playing simple, and not trying to complicate things too much in addition to my shooting."
What would you say your strengths are?
"I think technically I'm pretty good at keeping the ball moving, first touches, and things like that. Tactically, I'm pretty good at staying connected defensively and making things happen."
How was the first road trip?
"Oh, it was so fun! Being in Hawaii of all places and spending a whole week there with the team was better than anything I could've ever asked for."
How has your Aggieland experience been so far?
"It's been like nothing I could've ever imagined. I kind of knew what I was getting myself into, but being here is just amazing."
What is your major and your career goals?
"I'm majoring in communications with a minor in sports management, and I hope to get involved with a non-profit of some sort after college."
What is the main difference you've noticed between high school/elite club soccer and collegiate soccer?
"The speed of play, as well as how aggressive everyone is. If you even take half a second or two on the ball you're going to get hit."
How have you been treated by the seniors and upperclassmen?
"Everyone besides my sister treats me pretty well for the most part. I'm just kidding, Emily is pretty nice, too. I love them. They're some of my best friends already."