NAOTB: Margo Matula

Each week, McKinzie Green of 12thMan.com checks in with a newcomer on the Texas A&M soccer team.

This week Green chats with Margo Matula, who joined her sister Macy on the squad this season to give the Aggies a pair of defensive stalwarts.

At what point in the recruiting process did you decide to come to Texas A&M?

"I got recruited pretty early, so I had my mind set on A&M for a while. Once I got the offer, it was just a matter of time before I made the decision."

How different is the speed of play in college compared to high school?

“Everything is so much faster in college. You play two-touch in high school, but it’s all about the pace of the ball and where your feet are at in college. ”

How was it playing in front of the 12th Man for the first time?

“It was scary at first, but while the game went on, I got more comfortable and calmed down.”

What’s been the hardest transition from high school to college?

“Just having to manage everything is different because there’s no one telling you what to do and when to do it.”

How is it playing on the same team as your sister?

“It’s really helpful, especially when I first got here, because she was able to help me get used to school and balancing everything. It’s nice to have somebody answer any questions you have.”

Was it always the plan for you and your sister to play college soccer together? 

"No, growing up we didn’t really talk about it. But when we started the recruiting process, it was kind of set in our minds that if we got offered from the same school, it would be really cool to play together."

What do you think are your best soccer attributes?

“I’m a good defender one-on-one. I can distribute the ball well because I can see everything else on the field. The communication aspect is coming together while I’m getting used to my teammates.”

What are your earliest memories of playing soccer?

"I started when I was three and my sister played at the YMCA. My mom said that she couldn’t keep me off the field. So, the coaches eventually let me play with them."

What did you like about A&M on your visit?

“I liked the culture and the family atmosphere. Everyone seemed so close and if I had any problems or questions, there were multiple people here to help me.”

How is it playing the minutes you’re playing as a freshman?

“It’s awesome. I didn’t expect anything coming in. I’m glad that I’ve worked for it and got to where I am."

What’s your favorite thing about being in Aggieland so far?

“It would have to be the people that I’ve met. I’ve become really close to the freshmen that I came in with and the two new freshmen that just arrived."

When did you realize soccer was something that you wanted to do long term?

“It’s always been in my life so there wasn’t really a specific moment. I grew up playing soccer and then it was club and I just kept moving on to the next level. Soccer has stayed with me my whole life.”