SoccerToday Interview With Boston Breakers’ Rose Lavelle
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 first pick of the 2017 NWSL College Draft, the Boston Breakers selected central midfielder Rose Lavelle from the University of Wisconsin.
During her freshman season with the Badgers, Lavelle earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors as well being named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team. She was named to the First Team All-Big Ten all four years and was named Big Ten Midfielder of the Year in 2015 and 2016.
At the international level, Lavelle was awarded the Golden Ball at the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s U20 Championship and was a finalist for 2014 U.S. Soccer Young Female Athlete of the Year.
The Cincinnati native was also named to the U.S. U20 Women’s National Team during the 2014 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup and was called to the first USWNT camp of 2017 in recent weeks.
SoccerToday spoke with Lavelle following her selection as the No. 1 pick in the NWSL College Draft as she takes the next step to the professional level.
Diane Scavuzzo: What are your thoughts on being selected as the No. 1 pick?
Rose Lavelle: It’s such an honor because the pool of players is obviously incredible. I’m super excited to play professionally.
Diane Scavuzzo: What makes you a special player? Why do you think you were selected in the NWSL Draft?
Rose Lavelle: I like to think that I’m a technical player and believe that I bring a creative side to the game too.
Diane Scavuzzo: How old were you when you started playing?
Rose Lavelle: I was 5 years old.
Diane Scavuzzo: What has motivated you to keep playing?
Rose Lavelle: I honestly just fell in love with the sport. As a youth soccer player, I was always in the backyard juggling and playing around with the soccer ball.
People have always told that I have worked so hard, but it never felt that way because I was just doing something I loved.
It didn’t really seem like hard work.
Diane Scavuzzo: Where did you play your youth career?
Rose Lavelle: I played for Cincinnati United Premier. They’re the first team that played me at center mid. I felt like a chicken with my head cut off!
Now, I love it so I am very grateful that the chose me for that position.
Diane Scavuzzo: What made it so difficult — when you first started to play center mid?
Rose Lavelle: There’s just no boundaries. I didn’t know if I was in the right spot. I was used to playing on the outside — my position before was very clear — I don’t go in the middle and don’t go out of bounds. I just stay on the flank. Then it was if the world opened up.
Diane Scavuzzo: Being the first pick is a huge honor that stays with you forever. What would you say to other girls that want to follow in your footsteps?
Rose Lavelle: I would say to do everything in your control — if you have a dream that you want to accomplish.
I learned that there is a lot of important stuff off the field too — nutrition and recovery aspects are huge if you want to become a professional soccer player.
Doing extra fitness and ball work is also important. There are a lot of things that go into becoming a professional soccer player, aside from just playing and practicing.
Diane Scavuzzo: How will you help Boston Breakers this season?
Rose Lavelle: We got four first round picks. I have played soccer with all of these players before — so I am excited to get back on the field with them and create a good chemistry.
Talking with Matt Beard, Head Coach of the Boston Breakers, has been great. Matt has made a lot of changes in the offseason — so I am fairly confident that we will be a force to be reckoned with this season. It is going to be a great NWSL season and I am thrilled to be with the Breakers.
