GoRedbirds.com: What are you up to this summer?
Bethany Russ: I'm taking three classes right now, this week is my last week. Also working and training for soccer a lot.
GR: How many of your teammates are around Normal for the summer?
BR: There are eight of us.
GR: Do you spend a lot of time together, outside of training?
BR: Yeah. I live with two of the girls and then there are three living together in the other apartment, and three live right across the street, so we are all pretty close together most of the time.
GR: How will having eight seniors help the team in 2007?
BR: I think it's going to help a lot. We have a lot of experience. We are learning what it takes to get to the NCAA Tournament and play together over the past three years. I think we all have the same motivation and drive to win our conference this year.
GR: What are your first impressions of Coach Roff?
BR: Intense. He's very good at motivating the team to play. He's trying to get us to play together and use the skills on our team to help us be the most successful.
GR: What are the differences between him and Coach Kowall?
BR: (Coach Roff's) style of play is more keeping the ball at our feet, using our foot skills. Coach Kowall was a great coach, they just have different styles of play. Coach Roff is still trying to get to know everyone and learn everyone's talents, but I think he's done a good job with us so far.
GR: Has it been a pretty easy transition so far?
BR: Pretty easy. It's different. It's a good different. I mean any change would be good for our team, but it hasn't been rough or anything. I think we've all seen the positives that Coach Roff has brought to our program and they have really helped us as a team.
GR: What kind of goals do you have for yourself for this season?
BR: Just to contribute to the team to help us win; whether it is on the field, at whatever position, or on the bench. Obviously, to improve on my statistics from last year, but statistics don't mean everything. I can help the team in different ways.
GR: What goals do you have for the team?
BR: Everyone's goal is to win the conference and make it to the NCAA Tournament. We've had two not great seasons, but we all know we are capable of doing that. We lost over half our games in overtime last season, which was frustrating. I think playing better in overtime and trying to finish better would be good.
GR: Since this is your first summer in Normal, what is your favorite thing about it?
BR: Just being around all my teammates. Summer school is almost over, thankfully. Just being able to train with everyone pushes me a little bit more than having to go out and do things on my own. Our strength coaches are great here. Coach Carter has great things for us. It's tough, but to the point where you feel like you are getting a lot better. It is going to help so much next season. I think it's very beneficial to have people pushing you.
GR: What is your most anticipated summer movie?
BR: Shrek 3. I saw it already and liked it. I think we are going to see Knocked Up this week.
GR: What is your favorite sport besides soccer?
BR: Basketball. More of a college fan. I don't really have a favorite team, I just like to watch it and play it.
GR: What was your first summer job?
BR: Dog and Suds. Everyone thinks it's a grooming place, but it's not. It's like a Sonic restaurant, except you actually go out and bring people their food. I was a carhop, like you used to see with the girls on roller skates, except we didn't wear roller skates. People would call and ask to get their dogs groomed, and we would have to tell them no.
GR: What is the most played song on your Ipod right now?
BR: "Lost In This Moment"-Big & Rich
GR: What kind if impact do you think David Beckham will have when he joins the MLS?
BR: I'm sure he's going to help it, he's so well known and everyone wants to see him play. Some people are saying he's overrated, but either way I think he's going to bring a lot to the fans here. I heard a lot of the games are already sold out.
GR: What are your post-graduation plans?
BR: I am a health education major, so I want to teach and coach basketball and soccer.
GR: What are you going to miss the most about Illinois State?
BR: The people. My friends. Soccer is a big commitment, but I'm going to have to get a real job someday. Playing is so much more fun than working.
GR: Cubs or White Sox?
BR: Either.
GR: How many hot dogs could you eat in 10 minutes?
BR: I've never tried. Probably four.
