Aug. 27, 2008
Last year, the UCF women's soccer team enjoyed a successful season that took the Knights to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Helping the team make that run was Yvonne George, one of the team's key contributors. In the fall George was rewarded by making the All-Conference USA Second Team, as well as being named to the Soccer Buzz All-Southeast Region Second Team. Recently, UCF the athletics communications staff had the chance to catch up with George and see how she is preparing for the upcoming season.
How were you able to go from not having any points as a freshman to posting 21 points as a sophomore?
I came in my freshman year with a stress fracture in the lower region of my spine, so I was unable to run for a couple months. I was way behind to play at this level. So I was so motivated to come in my next year fit. I worked really hard over the summer, and it paid off during the season.
What did you do in the offseason to try to stay in shape for the upcoming year?
We get summer workout packets at the beginning of the summer, so I use that as a guideline. I try to play games whenever I can.
Halfway through your college career, what has been the hardest part about being a student-athlete at UCF?
Just trying to keep up with school. We miss classes when we travel so it's sometimes hard to keep up with everything. It just gets very exhausting.
What has been the best thing about the last two seasons as a Knight?
Winning the conference with the best coaches and the greatest teammates. Knowing your hard work paid off.
What do you plan to do differently as a student-athlete to help you through the second half of your career?
I don't plan on doing anything different from my previous years, just keep working hard and keep a positive attitude.
Are you excited about your fall semester class schedule or will it be pretty difficult?
The courses might be a little tough, but I'm excited to learn about them because I enjoy the subjects.
How do you feel about playing Florida State and Florida on the road to open the season?
I'm so excited. It's a great way to start off the season. We play two great teams right off the bat, so when conference comes along, we've seen a challenge already and we will be prepared for what is coming our way.
Is it tough knowing the entire conference gets pumped up to play UCF since the team has only lost three matches in C-USA and won two titles in three years?
No, we take it as a compliment that the other teams get like that. It motivates us even more to win.
- Eric DeSalvo