Redbird All-Access members, watch Ammanda Wisniewski's full interview (30 questions) on Redbird All-Access, your exclusive home to full student-athlete video interview's during this summer's "thirtysomething" series.
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GoRedbirds.com: You are staying in Bloomington-Normal this summer, so what have you been up to?
Ammanda Wisniewski: I'm taking a genetics class and just getting back into shape for the season. I am still coming back from my foot injury, but it's going well. I have started running and getting into shape. So far it is going well.
GR: What is going to be the most difficult part about repeating last season's success?
AW: We have a lot of incoming freshmen, so the most difficult part may be meshing with them and becoming a team. Hopefully, by the end of preseason we will have that down and I think everything will run smoothly from there.
GR: What did you learn from last year's senior class that you will take into this season?
AW: Last year's senior class stepped it up a lot, with it being their last year. This year, since we have only one senior, it will be up to the junior class to really step up and work really hard.
REDBIRD ALL-ACCESS EXCLUSIVE - Wisniewski "thirtysomething" interview |
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GR: How much did coach Roff's style of play and coaching impact the success you had last year?
AW: He changed a lot, changed the style of play that we had. He's very direct. Everyone knows what to do and how to do their job. Once you get that down, then it all kind of falls into place.
GR: You have a sister who plays for Wisconsin-Milwaukee and last year you played her in an exhibition game. What was that like for you and your family?
AW: It was great. We didn't really play against each other on the field, in a defense-offense kind of a thing, for more than maybe five minutes, so it wasn't that much of a sister battle on the field, My dad was there and I think he was really excited. This year, when we play in the regular season, I think my mom is going to be there and she is really excited about that.
GR: How often do you have to tell people that you have two M's in your first name?
AW: I don't even tell people anymore. If I am writing it out or I have to put it down for something important, then people will notice that and I will tell them. No one that I know spells it that way, so I kind of just let it slide for the most part.
GR: Would you rather score on a 25-yard shot to the far post or head in a corner kick over three defenders?
AW: That's a tough one, they are both really good goals. I would pick three defenders, to make them look stupid.
GR: Are there any summer movies you want to see?
AW: I want to see The Love Guru. I heard The Strangers was really good. I really don't those kind of scary movies because a lot of them are dumb and don't really scare me, but I actually heard that was really good. I actually might see it this weekend.
GR: What are some of the skills that younger players should work on early on to improve their game overall?
AW: I would say definitely focus on the basics. When it comes down to it, it's all about the basics. When you have those down, then you can become a great player overall and you can improve as you get older. Having the basics down to perfection I think is key.
GR: Now that you are a junior, you have the chance to move off campus. Did you take advantage of that and are you going to miss the dorms?
AW: I definitely took advantage of that. Pretty much the whole junior class of soccer girls is living right next to each other. The dorms was actually a good experience because that is where we met most of the friends and athletes that we know now. It builds a good base of friendships cause you will meet so many people in the dorms. I won't say I'll miss the dorms, but it was a good experience.
thirtysomething will return June 19 with an interview with junior left fielder Jessie Buker.
