Each week 12thMan.com checks in with a newcomer on the Aggie soccer squad. This week freshman Katie Smith chatted about her time in Aggieland, her love of basketball and her development as a soccer player.
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What was the recruitment process like?
"It was pretty short. I started getting recruited out of the 8th grade. Not directly, but one of my coaches was like 'hey coaches are looking at you'. When I heard that I just laughed, thinking I'm just an 8th grader. It kind of took off after freshman year."
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What made you decide to go to Texas A&M?
"Once I visited, I knew I wanted to go here right off the bat. I had no idea about the University before my coach said to go look at A&M, and I replied 'what is that?'."
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What have the coaches been working on with you for your own player development?
"For me one of my strengths is dribbling at people, so they are trying to get me to be more confident while doing that. I never had a set position so it's a learning experience learning how to play a set position."
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How was the California road trip?
"It was really fun for me. It was a good team bonding experience. We didn't play to our best ability, but coming away with a win and a tie was pretty good for us. I'd say my biggest takeaways would be learning how playing away from home is a totally different atmosphere. It's kind of like a mental game for me at least."
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How did it feel getting your first assist at Texas A&M?
"I passed it to Reagan and she passed it to Taylor. It was relieving for a run like that to finally pay off. I make that run several times every game so for it to finally pay off with a goal was nice."
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Do you ever miss playing basketball?
"Sometimes, I wish we could go into intramurals for basketball but we can't. Ali Russell, Shantel Hutton, and I played at the Rec once in the spring. I kind of played wherever. We weren't very tall, but I was one of the taller ones. So, sometimes I played post against really tall people, but other times I just played guard. My favorite thing to do is dribbling past people, and then I would dish it to my best friend. She would shoot all the threes, and I got all the assists."
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Who in your life was your biggest inspiration?
"I'd say both of my parents, because they were athletes. That's why I have been playing sports since I was little. It's been fun to follow them. My mom won state championships in track and basketball, and my dad played football in college."
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What's your favorite thing about being in Aggieland so far?
"My favorite part about being here is the team. We get along really well and have good chemistry, so it's really fun to be a part of it. However, my favorite thing to do when not playing soccer is probably going to the pool, or being with my roommates if we go out to eat or something. My favorite place to eat right now is 555 Grill. It's a Chinese place, but I get Pad Thai every time I go."
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What are your career aspirations after graduating college?
"I am actually majoring in Business for Pre Management and want to do corporate law. I'm hoping to attend Texas A&M Law School in Fort Worth and that's also where I want to live when I am older."
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What was the recruitment process like?
"It was pretty short. I started getting recruited out of the 8th grade. Not directly, but one of my coaches was like 'hey coaches are looking at you'. When I heard that I just laughed, thinking I'm just an 8th grader. It kind of took off after freshman year."
Â
What made you decide to go to Texas A&M?
"Once I visited, I knew I wanted to go here right off the bat. I had no idea about the University before my coach said to go look at A&M, and I replied 'what is that?'."
Â
What have the coaches been working on with you for your own player development?
"For me one of my strengths is dribbling at people, so they are trying to get me to be more confident while doing that. I never had a set position so it's a learning experience learning how to play a set position."
Â
How was the California road trip?
"It was really fun for me. It was a good team bonding experience. We didn't play to our best ability, but coming away with a win and a tie was pretty good for us. I'd say my biggest takeaways would be learning how playing away from home is a totally different atmosphere. It's kind of like a mental game for me at least."
Â
How did it feel getting your first assist at Texas A&M?
"I passed it to Reagan and she passed it to Taylor. It was relieving for a run like that to finally pay off. I make that run several times every game so for it to finally pay off with a goal was nice."
Â
Do you ever miss playing basketball?
"Sometimes, I wish we could go into intramurals for basketball but we can't. Ali Russell, Shantel Hutton, and I played at the Rec once in the spring. I kind of played wherever. We weren't very tall, but I was one of the taller ones. So, sometimes I played post against really tall people, but other times I just played guard. My favorite thing to do is dribbling past people, and then I would dish it to my best friend. She would shoot all the threes, and I got all the assists."
Â
Who in your life was your biggest inspiration?
"I'd say both of my parents, because they were athletes. That's why I have been playing sports since I was little. It's been fun to follow them. My mom won state championships in track and basketball, and my dad played football in college."
Â
What's your favorite thing about being in Aggieland so far?
"My favorite part about being here is the team. We get along really well and have good chemistry, so it's really fun to be a part of it. However, my favorite thing to do when not playing soccer is probably going to the pool, or being with my roommates if we go out to eat or something. My favorite place to eat right now is 555 Grill. It's a Chinese place, but I get Pad Thai every time I go."
Â
What are your career aspirations after graduating college?
"I am actually majoring in Business for Pre Management and want to do corporate law. I'm hoping to attend Texas A&M Law School in Fort Worth and that's also where I want to live when I am older."