NAOTB: Daria Britton Q&A

Each week 12thMan.com checks in with a newcomer on the Aggie soccer squad. This week sophomore Daria Britton chatted about her time in Aggieland, the transfer process and future plans.
 
At what part of the transfer process did you decide to go to Texas A&M?
"After I went into the transfer portal I started emailing schools, mostly ones in Texas. I ended up receiving an email back from Coach G, which lead me to take my visit here during Thanksgiving break. We then had a meeting and I made up my mind about transferring here."

What did you like about A&M while on your visit?
"I've always loved A&M since I was a little girl. It was always a dream of mine to come here and play. It didn't work out in the recruiting process going straight out of high school, but the transfer process to get here was amazing. Being able to come play for the 12th Man and the core values the University stands for was something I wanted. Playing for Coach G, Coach Phil and Coach Lori in such a great team environment is exactly what I was looking for."
 
Are you excited to play in front of the 12th Man?
"I'm so excited to get to play in front of the 12th Man. It is such a cool experience to get to step on the field, cheering my teammates on and contributing in any way I can while being in the atmosphere on Ellis Field."
 
What did you know about A&M before you came here?
"I knew how much this team strived for excellence and working hard for each other to achieve the positive environment here at A&M."
 
What would you say is a big take away from the California trip?
"A really good take away from that experience was driving and pushing through while being relentless. You never know how long the game will go and we went into two double overtimes against Pepperdine. Everyone on the field and off the field pulled through, we kept that intensity alive wanting to take the win but eventually came out with a tie."
 
How important was your spring to your acclimation with the team?
"It was extremely important. I came in and was welcomed immediately by everybody. That really reflected towards the coaches and my decision to come to Texas A&M. It was good to acclimate in the spring instead of coming in through the summer and not knowing anybody."
 
Is there anything specific the coaches have been working on with you?
"Definitely getting comfortable playing in the middle of the field and working on playing out through the middle to switch the field."
 
Is that something new for you?
"I've always played center-back in club and at my old school. I've now started playing defensive center mid, so this pretty recently new position for me. I've been working to get used to it and bettering my game."
 
What are your earliest memories of playing soccer?
"My earliest memories of soccer are probably just being at my old school around five or six and playing with my friends. Also, falling in love with the game and constantly striving to get better at it. I would go out and practice every day with my dad in the front yard, working on my touches and over time seeing that pay off had huge impacts on me."

Throughout your career thus far, what would you say is your fondest memory?
"My fondest memory playing soccer was in the spring when we played for the first time on Ellis Field. I finally got to step on the field and take it all in. It made me realize that my whole process through my 15 years of playing soccer and the steps that brought me here was for a purpose. When I stepped on the field it felt like home and I could feel all my accomplishments that lead me to this point."

What is your goal for this season?
"My goal for this season is to impact the team in any way I can, on the field and off the field. While I am on the sideline, I'll be everyone's biggest supporter and when I do go in to keep the intensity of the game up high."

At what age did you realize you were good enough to play Division I soccer?
"Probably in eighth grade when everyone started sending out emails for the recruiting process. I started getting interest from coaches at tournaments. That drove my love to keep getting better and in the end it led me to want to play college soccer."

Who is your biggest soccer inspiration?
"My biggest inspiration would be Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain and that whole generation of women soccer players that changed the face of our sport. They brought a new light into it and what it meant to be a female soccer player."

What is your major and career ambitions?
"My career ambition is to be an occupational therapist and my major I am looking forward to switching into is Allied Health to help me pursue that."