SoccerToday Interview with Sky Blue FC’s Kayla Mills
As the next college players take the field to begin their professional careers, all eyes will be on the NWSL as it enters its fifth season. SoccerToday spoke with the top five draft picks of the 2017 NWSL College Draft to discuss their goals for the future and the source of their success thus far.
NWSL Soccer News: With the fourth pick of the 2017 NWSL College Draft, Sky Blue FC added to its backline with University of Southern California defender Kayla Mills.
The Southern California native was a member of the 2016 NCAA Women’s College Cup Champion team with USC. Mills closes out her collegiate career with a number of honors. During her freshman season, she earned a selection on the Pac-12 All-Freshman squad with 16 total points on four goals and eight assists to lead her team.
Mills also earned All-Pac-12 First Team Selection honors during her second and third year with the Trojans, including Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in her junior season.
She is also a member of the U23 Women’s National Team, while also representing the United States at the U20 and U17 level.
SoccerToday spoke with Mills following her selection as the No. 4 pick in the NWSL College Draft as she takes the next step to the professional level.
Chris Rael: Congratulations — How do you feel being selected as the No. 4 pick?
Kayla Mills: First of all, I’m so blessed to be selected in the NWSL College Draft — I didn’t even think this could be possible.
This is my dream to play professional soccer. To play for New Jersey — I am so stoked.
I’ve never been away from California so going to New Jersey is going to be such a great experience.
Chris Rael: What is your biggest strength on the field?
Kayla Mills: I would say my faith in God and trusting him — as well as my hard work. I try and work as hard as possible, whenever possible.
Chris Rael: What is the biggest asset you bring to the team?
Kayla Mills: Hopefully I bring a fun, competitive attitude.
To be able have fun and also be a hard working person — I am proud that people say “It’s tough to get past her, and when it happens it’s awesome.”
Chris Rael: How will you continue to progress your talents on the field?
Kayla Mills: I will definitely continue to work hard because now it doesn’t stop.
The wanting to be successful never stops and now it’s a whole new territory.
I have to work even harder to master my skills and get used to my surroundings. I will continue to work on the parts of my game that I need to. I’m excited to get better.
I would also definitely say God as well as my family, friends and coaches that have been there along the way have helped me reach this point. I will continue to rely on them for support. I’ll never forget and remember to thank them because they’ve definitely been a vital part of where I am today.
Chris Rael: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Kayla Mills: That’s a big one. (laughs) Just to do what I do. Play well and be aggressive, competitive and not lose who I am. To make sure to keep the things that got me here.
