11 Questions With Rosaly Petriello
10/7/2008 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Oct. 7, 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 seventh edition features sophomore midfielder Rosaly Petriello.
Rolltide.com: As a redshirt freshman you were able to tally nine points to rank third on the team ... how were you able to be so successful in just your first season on the field?
Petriello: I was able to be successful in my first year, because while I was hurt, I did whatever it took to get back into shape and back to kicking the ball again.
Rolltide.com: Coming from Canada and receiving a medical redshirt your first year on campus how tough was that and how were you able to get past that?
Petriello: It was very tough, and a very hard year for me when I got hurt, especially living so far away, with no family around. But having all the girls on the team, they were my new family. Also, seeing all my other teammates who struggled through the same surgery and seeing them get back into the game, I knew that I could do it as well.
Rolltide.com: Being from another country what was appealing about playing soccer in the states especially in the south?
Petriello: I think the best part is the facilities we have here at the University of Alabama. In Canada there is nothing like it. In Canada, sports aren't as high of a level as in the States. Athletic scholarships are not offered and that is another reason playing in the states is so appealing.
Rolltide.com: Last season the Bernier sisters were on the squad and Justine will return to campus next season ... did you play with them or against them and know them prior to coming to campus?
Petriello: I did play against them a few times when I was younger, and it was a rival team, so at that time we did not like to play against each other. But for my last three years playing before I came to college we were on the same club team together back in Canada and became very good friends.
Rolltide.com: How has the new coaching staff been and how is the transition?
Petriello: The new coaching staff is amazing. Right from the very start they came in having confidence in us and made changes for the best to make us be successful as a team. They made the game of soccer fun again, but at the same time keeping it very competitive.
Rolltide.com: Do you have a favorite professional soccer team and why?
Petriello: My favorite professional soccer team is Juventus from the Italian league. One of my favorite players plays on the team - Alessandro Del Piero.
Rolltide.com: If you could play another sport in college what would it be?
Petriello: If I could play another sport in college it would have to be ice hockey. I played hockey all my life and had to make a decision in going to college for soccer or hockey. I must say I did always like soccer just a little more!
Rolltide.com: What is on your IPOD right now?
Petriello: My IPOD is mixed with all different kinds of music ... hip hop, rap, country, dance, and yes my favorite - my Italian music!
Rolltide.com: What is your favorite pregame meal?
Petriello: My favorite pregame meal has to be something light. A salad or sandwich from Jason's Deli and a cup of fruit.
Rolltide.com: When and why did you start playing the game of soccer?
Petriello: I started playing soccer when I was three years old. I have two older brothers who I have always looked up to and wanted to do whatever they did. Once they started to play, so did I.
Rolltide.com: Why did you choose to go to the University of Alabama?
Petriello: I chose The University of Alabama because it is such an amazing school. Coming here on my first visit, I couldn't believe what I saw when it came to all the athletic facilities. I knew right away that this would be a perfect fit for me, and where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life.
