Quick Chat: Liz Beardsley

By John Frierson
Staff Writer

Liz Beardsley loves the feeling of making a great save in a big moment. Georgia's sophomore goalkeeper has already made a number of them six games into her first season as the soccer team's starter in goal.

After playing in goal for only one half of a game last season, Beardsley has started out strong in 2022. Georgia (4-2) has given up goals in only two of its six games — three to defending national champion Florida State and one at Wake Forest — and the Bulldogs have posted three straight shutouts for the first time since 2014. Up next for Beardsley and the Bulldogs is North Florida on Thursday at the Turner Soccer Complex.

During a recent Quick Chat, Beardsley, from Lakeland, Fla., talked about her start in the sport, her funniest teammates, her best play, and much more. Here's some of what she had to say:

Frierson: How did you get started playing soccer?

Beardsley: My parents wanted to throw me into every sport possible just to see which one would stick. I played a lot of different sports and soccer was my favorite, so I kept playing and then I got serious about it.

Believe it or not, I actually was really into cross country. It got to a point where I was like, I don't know if I want to do soccer, I don't know if I want to keep doing cross country. I'm very glad I picked soccer because I can't imagine running all the time like that anymore.

Frierson: What about positionally, were you always a goalkeeper?

Beardsley: I played a little bit in rec (league) and I played in the field, but then the goalkeeper one day decided to not play goalkeeper anymore, so they said, "Liz, get in there." It was really fun and I've been doing it ever since.

Frierson: Do you miss being out there running around with the ball at your feet?

Beardsley: I honestly do miss it a little bit. I think it get my fix of it during goalkeeper training, we'll sometimes shoot on each other, so it's a good balance. I played field a little bit in high school, so I got my fix there. Now, when it gets serious, it's still fun to be a goalkeeper.

Frierson: Watching the Premier League, every once in a while a goalkeeper will come forward late in a game and get a header or a shot on goal. Do you ever dream of scoring another goal?

Beardsley: Oh, it's definitely on the soccer bucket list, for sure. I think that would be super cool, so hopefully one day.

Frierson: Would it be on a penalty kick or maybe a late header on a corner kick?

Beardsley: Definitely a late header. I feel like those are always least expected, so that would be a lot of fun.

Frierson: Who is the funniest person on the team?

Beardsley: There are a few contenders. I definitely think Alexis (Parker) and (Lauren) Swoopes are our top comediennes, and Ellie (Gilbert) is pretty funny, too.

Frierson: How valuable are those funny teammates during a long season?

Beardsley: It's very valuable. It keeps everyone entertained — maybe moods are down or people are a little bit stressed, and they'll lighten the mood.

I didn't mention Mallie (McKenzie), but she's really funny, too. Ellie and Mallie like to do a little dance-off in the locker room before we go out, so that will always life everyone's spirits up. It's really funny.

Frierson: Do you ever jump in on the dance-off?

Beardsley: I do here and there, but they're much better dancers than I am [laughs].

Frierson: Do you have a creative side? Is there anything creative you do or wish you could do?

Beardsley: I wish I was very creative — my sister got the creative games, though. I really wish I could dance super well. I think it's so impressive when you see someone that can dance really well. I also wish I could sing.

Frierson: If you could travel anywhere in the world on somebody else's dime, where would you go and who would you take with you?

Beardsley: I definitely would go to Dubai — I just think there's so much cool stuff there and I think it's super futuristic. I've never left the country so I think that would be fun to do, and I'd probably take my sister. We have a lot in common and we're both outgoing with stuff like that. I think it would be a fun bonding trip.

Frierson: What is your best play ever on a soccer field?

Beardsley: I guess just from what I remember most recently, I thought the free-kick save I made against FSU was really fun.

Frierson: What does it feel like in the moment to make a great save like that?

Beardsley: I love it because, this might sound a little mean, but all of these forwards think they're make it, and when you get to rob them of that and keep your team in the game, I just think it's the best thing ever. You really give your team a new energy and sense of hope — it's really fun.

(This Q&A was lightly edited for length and clarity.)

Assistant Sports Communications Director John Frierson is the staff writer for the UGA Athletic Association and curator of the ITA Men's Tennis Hall of Fame. You can find his work at: Frierson Files. He's also on Twitter: @FriersonFiles and @ITAHallofFame.

Players Mentioned

Liz Beardsley

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