University of Georgia Athletics
Georgia Soccer Q&A: Sophomore Nicole Locandro
November 23, 2011 | Soccer
Nov. 23, 2011
ATHENS, Ga. ---- Sophomore midfielder Nicole Locandro built on the success of her breakout rookie season to help the Georgia soccer team throughout their 2011 campaign. Locandro, a native of Marietta, Ga., broke the single season scoring record in 2009 with 33 goals and led The Walker School to a 2010 state championship. She went on to play in all 21 games of her freshman season with the Bulldogs, scoring five goals and totaling five assists, the third most on the team, including a game winner against Utah. Continuing to improve, Locandro started in all 22 games of the 2011 season and stepped into a new position in place of injured teammate Laura Eddy. She concluded her sophomore campaign putting the Bulldogs on the scoreboard with a goal in the second round of the NCAA tournament against the top-ranked Duke Blue Devils. Locandro chats about her sophomore season and why she thrives on the field in this edition of Georgia Soccer Q&A.
Q: How do you feel about the 2011 season?
A: I think we had a great season. Especially for my class, this was the first time we going to the NCAA tournament. So we were definitely all really excited; especially to make it to the second round. Everybody's had a great mindset.
Q: If you weren't playing soccer, what other sport would you want to play?
A: Probably tennis. My dad played at Rutgers and my brother played at Birmingham Southern, so we have a tennis family.
Q: What's your favorite part about playing soccer?
A: The competitiveness. I feel like I am free on the field, I can just do whatever I want. I'm a competitive person, so on the field, I think that's when I can take it out the best.
Q: Why did you choose to play for UGA?
A: It was the first school I looked at my freshman year of high school. I just knew immediately that I wanted to be here. I could see myself being here. The facilities are great, the coaching staff is awesome, the players, I just loved it.
Q: What were your personal goals for this season?
A: I wanted to distribute the ball a lot and keep it for my team. My position changed this year, so I had a little different mindset. But I wanted to keep winning the ball and being aggressive in the air.
Q: Why did you start playing soccer?
A: I tried a bunch of sports like tennis, basketball, and ballet. I have a twin brother, he plays at Georgia State, and they decided to put us on the team together and ever since I've just loved it. It just kind of stuck.
Q: What's your favorite food?
A: Probably my mom's homemade chicken soup.
Q: What's your favorite movie?
A: The Town.
Q: What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
A: That I have a twin brother.
Q: What are two words that you would use to describe yourself, on the field or off the field?
A: Composed on the field. Off the field, determined.
Q: What does it mean to you to be a Georgia Bulldog?
A: I couldn't be happier. I love representing the school. It's bigger than just me. I'm representing an entire University, and I think everyone here knows that.
