The NCAA Division I women's leading scorer hails from Harrogate, England and spent 2012 watching from the sidelines due to NCAA eligibility rules. A year later, Rachel Daly, is clearly in the spotlight, her 23 goals have helped lead St. John's to the NCAA tournament and a first round upset of Central Florida. Daly spoke to Soccer Banter about St. John's, a goal scorer's mentality, Leeds United, and more. Follow Daly on twitter @RachelDaly3
Soccer Banter: For those that haven’t seen you play, describe yourself as player? What are the strengths of the current side that has made this campaign so successful?
Rachel Daly: I would like to say I’m a very passionate player (sometimes that gets me in trouble haha!). The biggest strength of our current side is mainly are depth. We have a strong squad from the starting 11 to the bench, which puts us in good stead in tournament soccer
SB: Looking back now, what are your feelings on having to sit-out last season due to NCAA rules?
RD: It was definitely a blessing in disguise because coming in I wasn’t very confident that I would do well with my academics so instead I could focus on school. Also to be able to watch how the American college game is played definitely helped me more than just going straight into it.
Soccer Banter: For those that haven’t seen you play, describe yourself as player? What are the strengths of the current side that has made this campaign so successful?
Rachel Daly: I would like to say I’m a very passionate player (sometimes that gets me in trouble haha!). The biggest strength of our current side is mainly are depth. We have a strong squad from the starting 11 to the bench, which puts us in good stead in tournament soccer
SB: Looking back now, what are your feelings on having to sit-out last season due to NCAA rules?
RD: It was definitely a blessing in disguise because coming in I wasn’t very confident that I would do well with my academics so instead I could focus on school. Also to be able to watch how the American college game is played definitely helped me more than just going straight into it.
SB: How would you compare college soccer to the women’s game in England with Leeds United and Lincoln Ladies?
RD: College soccer is completely different. I feel like it isn’t as technical and as creative as we play at home, but the level of physicality out here is just enough to change the game.
SB: What made you decide to leave England and play college soccer in America and more specifically attend St. John’s?
RD: I wanted to try something new and with me being 20 years old at the time it was my last shot to get a scholarship. I chose St. Johns because I had a friend here and she told me good things about the school and the program. After speaking to Coach Stone, he definitely reassured me it was the right decision.
SB: Growing up, were there players that you watched and tried to model your game after?
RD: I guess it would have to be Kelly Smith as a female.
SB: Much is always made of the mindset of goal scorers - describe your own mental state when it comes to playing the game - what are some of the reasons you believe have helped you become so successful?
RD: I think I just play so free minded. I go into a game with no worries or negative thoughts. I put myself under quite a bit of pressure because I feel like that helps me more.
RD: College soccer is completely different. I feel like it isn’t as technical and as creative as we play at home, but the level of physicality out here is just enough to change the game.
SB: What made you decide to leave England and play college soccer in America and more specifically attend St. John’s?
RD: I wanted to try something new and with me being 20 years old at the time it was my last shot to get a scholarship. I chose St. Johns because I had a friend here and she told me good things about the school and the program. After speaking to Coach Stone, he definitely reassured me it was the right decision.
SB: Growing up, were there players that you watched and tried to model your game after?
RD: I guess it would have to be Kelly Smith as a female.
SB: Much is always made of the mindset of goal scorers - describe your own mental state when it comes to playing the game - what are some of the reasons you believe have helped you become so successful?
RD: I think I just play so free minded. I go into a game with no worries or negative thoughts. I put myself under quite a bit of pressure because I feel like that helps me more.
SB: How would you describe your experience of going from a football-mad country to living in the biggest city in the world where every sport is celebrated?
RD: It was a big adjustment especially because soccer is so huge at home, but at the same time it’s quite nice to learn about the other sports. I do like basketball a lot since coming here.
SB: You have previously experience playing for England at youth levels - what are your aspirations as a player in the future?
RD: I just want to concentrate on getting better honestly. I don’t think about where I want to be I just play every day to get better, which will put me in good stead to play professional soccer after college.
SB: Quite a few Americans wouldn’t know that a little over 10 years ago, your club, Leeds United was in the Champions League Semifinals - they have had quite the fall from grace since then! What is your most memorable moment as a Leeds Supporter?
RD: Honestly no matter how bad they are or how good they are, they will always be my team! My favorite memory was watching them beat Chelsea 2-0 on my 10th birthday, I believe it was my 10th!
RD: It was a big adjustment especially because soccer is so huge at home, but at the same time it’s quite nice to learn about the other sports. I do like basketball a lot since coming here.
SB: You have previously experience playing for England at youth levels - what are your aspirations as a player in the future?
RD: I just want to concentrate on getting better honestly. I don’t think about where I want to be I just play every day to get better, which will put me in good stead to play professional soccer after college.
SB: Quite a few Americans wouldn’t know that a little over 10 years ago, your club, Leeds United was in the Champions League Semifinals - they have had quite the fall from grace since then! What is your most memorable moment as a Leeds Supporter?
RD: Honestly no matter how bad they are or how good they are, they will always be my team! My favorite memory was watching them beat Chelsea 2-0 on my 10th birthday, I believe it was my 10th!
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