Brittany Bock
Nickname: BBock
Position: Midfield
College: Notre Dame (2009)
Hometown: Naperville, IL
Favorite player: Dan Kissel... Google him.
Follow on Twitter: @illBBock
Monz: This is the third time you have played for Head Coach Jim Gabarra. The first time was with the Washington Freedom (WPS) in 2010. The second time was for the 10-day international trip to Japan with Sky Blue FC. The third time, you are putting on the Sky Blue FC uniform once again. Describe Jim as a coach.
BBock: I have a lot of respect for Jim. When he first picked me up in the dispersal draft with the Washington Freedom I had come fresh off a double foot surgery, but he was patient and understanding and never stopped encouraging and pushing me. Through the years we have kept in touch and have built a good relationship. He has been around the game a long time and understands what it takes to make it through a long season. I love how he sneaks a lot of the fitness into practices with the ball, instead of just straight running. It really allows you to push yourself, but still play the game when your legs are heavy. I enjoy how he is laid back and jokes around with us, but at the same time demands hard work and focus. He is positive and respectful, and I really enjoy him as a coach and as a person!
Monz: You have reached the post-season in every season you have played in the U.S. In 2009, your first year in the WPS with the Los Angeles Sol, you helped lead the team to a Regular Season Champion title and a place in the league championship game. In 2010 the Freedom reached the playoffs. While you were playing with the Western New York Flash in 2011, you helped your team win the WPS championship title. What do you think is the biggest factor in winning a league championship; individually as a player and collectively as a team?
Nickname: BBock
Position: Midfield
College: Notre Dame (2009)
Hometown: Naperville, IL
Favorite player: Dan Kissel... Google him.
Follow on Twitter: @illBBock
Monz: This is the third time you have played for Head Coach Jim Gabarra. The first time was with the Washington Freedom (WPS) in 2010. The second time was for the 10-day international trip to Japan with Sky Blue FC. The third time, you are putting on the Sky Blue FC uniform once again. Describe Jim as a coach.
BBock: I have a lot of respect for Jim. When he first picked me up in the dispersal draft with the Washington Freedom I had come fresh off a double foot surgery, but he was patient and understanding and never stopped encouraging and pushing me. Through the years we have kept in touch and have built a good relationship. He has been around the game a long time and understands what it takes to make it through a long season. I love how he sneaks a lot of the fitness into practices with the ball, instead of just straight running. It really allows you to push yourself, but still play the game when your legs are heavy. I enjoy how he is laid back and jokes around with us, but at the same time demands hard work and focus. He is positive and respectful, and I really enjoy him as a coach and as a person!
Monz: You have reached the post-season in every season you have played in the U.S. In 2009, your first year in the WPS with the Los Angeles Sol, you helped lead the team to a Regular Season Champion title and a place in the league championship game. In 2010 the Freedom reached the playoffs. While you were playing with the Western New York Flash in 2011, you helped your team win the WPS championship title. What do you think is the biggest factor in winning a league championship; individually as a player and collectively as a team?
BBock: I think passion is a huge part of the game that elevates an individual to the next level. You have to put in a lot of hard work, sacrifice a lot, and be able to overcome many obstacles. Winners have that attitude in them that they will not ever give up, and even when they fail, they pick themselves back up. For each player, and collectively as a team, you have to BELIEVE in yourself and your abilities and trust in the system. We have such a fun group of girls and great coaching staff this year and we really enjoy being around each other! I think that cohesiveness is HUGE in winning a championship!
Monz: After playing a short time with Vittsjo GIK in the Swedish professional league this past year, what have you noticed is the biggest difference between the two leagues?
BBock: I would have liked to have a full season abroad to really soak it all in, but from my time out there I noticed the speed of play was a little different. I think about college soccer, and how a lot of it is geared towards high intensity and pressuring, and that carries over to our professional league and national team. Overseas, that was not always the case. Some were reliant on their skill and awareness of the game, rather than just pressuring and running all game. That is not to say they did not bring a physical game, because often times I felt the game was a bit more physical in Sweden, and there were some pretty speedy players! The beauty of soccer is that it is a fluid game that allows and rewards creativity, yet grit and determination can often allow a cohesive hardworking team to outperform and opponent that may have more talent "on paper." I have noticed that in any country I have played in or against.
Monz: After playing a short time with Vittsjo GIK in the Swedish professional league this past year, what have you noticed is the biggest difference between the two leagues?
BBock: I would have liked to have a full season abroad to really soak it all in, but from my time out there I noticed the speed of play was a little different. I think about college soccer, and how a lot of it is geared towards high intensity and pressuring, and that carries over to our professional league and national team. Overseas, that was not always the case. Some were reliant on their skill and awareness of the game, rather than just pressuring and running all game. That is not to say they did not bring a physical game, because often times I felt the game was a bit more physical in Sweden, and there were some pretty speedy players! The beauty of soccer is that it is a fluid game that allows and rewards creativity, yet grit and determination can often allow a cohesive hardworking team to outperform and opponent that may have more talent "on paper." I have noticed that in any country I have played in or against.
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