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Melissa Crespo
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Sept. 10, 2007
By Deanne Stevenson
Starting her senior year for University of Utah women's soccer team, Melissa Crespo, is excited for this year's season. Crespo had a solid junior year, starting all 22 matches. She was ranked third on the team with 11 points in 2006. She scored two goals and tied for the team lead with seven assists. Last year, Crespo also received a Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Week, Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Week and Soccer Buzz Elite Team of the Week honor.
UtahUtes.com had a chance to speak with Crespo as the 2007 season was getting under way. The following is a look at that interview:
Question: What is your biggest pet-peeve?
Melissa Crespo: When people aren't in shape.
Q: When you have a hard day or need to talk to someone, who is the first person you call?
MC: I call either my mom or my older sister.
Q: What is your goal for this season, both individually and for the team?
MC: My goal for this season is to figure out my role and to fulfill that role. As a team, my goal is to make it to the Sweet 16.
Q: What advice have you given to this year's freshmen on how to be successful in Division 1 soccer at the U?
MC: The advice I have given them is to not dwell on things (past plays), because the next play is the one that counts.
Q: As a senior what legacy to you want to leave for your younger teammates?
MC: I want them to know and remember that I worked hard and tried my best.
Q: What do you think will be the key to this year's success?
MC: Our key this year will be our defense. We have a great offense but we need our defense to step it up this year.
Q: What is the best thing about soccer?
MC: The best thing about soccer is that the game has freedom and creativity. There aren't many set plays. It just flows.
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Q: How has being a student-athlete changed your life?
MC: I have met tons of great people and made good friends. Also I have realized a lot about myself.
Q: What have you learned as far as how you manage to juggle your schedule with school, travel time, soccer and your social life? What is the secret to being able to do them all so well?
MC: Well I didn't get the hang of it for awhile. It's always a constant struggle, because every day is different from the day before, so I never know exactly what to plan. I guess my secret is that I constantly re-evaluate things on a daily basis as far as juggling school and a social life. And I try and get lots of sleep.
Q: How would you describe being an athlete for the University of Utah?
MC: Being an athlete for Utah you have a lot of responsibility. We are always representing the U. and we try to do our best to fulfill the roles we were chosen for and to keep the successful tradition of Utah alive.
Q: What is the motto that you play and live by?
MC: Play with a cool head and a fire in your belly.
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