11 Questions with Shannon Lathrop
10/21/2008 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Oct. 21, 2008
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Rolltide.com and the Alabama women's soccer team present its new athlete for 11 questions. Select players and coaches will check in weekly on Rolltide.com and answer questions pertaining to things on and off the field. The ninth edition features freshman midfielder Shannon Lathrop.
Rolltide.com: You have made an impact just as a true freshman ... what have you done to be this successful thus far?
Lathrop: I have worked hard to make sure I am fit and always ready to play game speed at anytime. I also try to stay optimistic about everything, from running to practice to having to work out to games, I feel like keeping a positive attitude and being happy is a big key to success.
Rolltide.com: You recorded an assist in the very first collegiate game you played ... what was it like to help the team earn a point against a very good Memphis squad?
Lathrop: I was ecstatic. I went into that game more nervous than I may ever have been in my life and I'm pretty sure it showed, so helping score our goal was very reassuring and a little nerve-relieving.
Rolltide.com: What has been the toughest thing to adjust to as a freshman on and off the field?
Lathrop: On the field is adjusting to a new team. I was very used to playing with my team from Birmingham and just getting to know new types of players and people took adjusting, but in a good way. Off the field is the amount of material we cover in class. I still think it's crazy to have one test on seven or eight chapters!
Rolltide.com: You are the first signing of the Todd Bramble era ... what was your recruiting process like?
Lathrop: It was late. As far as being recruited by Coach Bramble it was a pretty enjoyable process. It didn't take very long and wasn't stressful at all. We got in touch and I came to visit at the first opportunity, and made my decision, in my mind the second I left Tuscaloosa for Birmingham, but I made the final call about three days after.
Rolltide.com: How has the new coaching staff been and how is the transition?
Lathrop: I really like the new coaching staff. I think they know a lot about soccer and a lot about building a successful team. I also think it has been a good transition. It is an awesome feeling to know that you are part of transforming a program. Our team now is the foundation for the "new era" and, in my opinion, I think it's a very good foundation.
Rolltide.com: Do you have a favorite professional soccer team and why?
Lathrop: The Baltimore Blast (I think that's their name). They are a professional indoor team that I used to go see play when I lived in Maryland. It was always so much fun to watch because it's so fast paced and such a high scoring game. There were like a hundred goals per game it was awesome.
Rolltide.com: If you could play another sport in college what would it be?
Lathrop: Alabama Softball because they dominate the SEC and the nation.
Rolltide.com: What is on your IPOD right now?
Lathrop: I actually don't have an Ipod, but Right Now by Akon is playing on my computer right now.
Rolltide.com: What is your favorite pregame meal? Lathrop: Newks
Rolltide.com: When and why did you start playing the game of soccer?
Lathrop: I started playing soccer in Gonzales, Louisiana when I was about four years old. My older brother and sister played and my dad coached so I was always around it and playing with them at home. So my mom ended up being my coach and we started spending even more time at the soccer fields.
Rolltide.com: Why did you choose to go to the University of Alabama?
Lathrop: When I moved to Birmingham I became really close to my best friend, Kelsey, and having grown up in Tuscaloosa she and her family were big tide fans. It was so much fun I couldn't help but join the excitement. I'm also a very big fan of the south, and I like being close to home. It's nice to at least have two fans at every home game.
