Oct. 20, 2009
This week's featured women's soccer Q&A on TarHeelBlue.com is with senior midfielder Tobin Heath from Basking Ridge, N.J. Heath has helped lead UNC to NCAA championships as a freshman in 2006 and a junior in 2008. She was also a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team that won a gold medal and a current member of the U.S. Women's National Team.
T.J. Scholl, a sophomore in the UNC athletic communications office, sat down with Heath this week for the following Q&A.
THB.com: Coming into your senior year at UNC, what are your personal goals and teams goals for your final season?
Tobin Heath: Since it's my final year I really just want to have fun and enjoy being around my teammates. Obviously as a team we want to win the national championship but we also want to have fun and love each other along the way.
THB.com: Compared to your freshman year, how much has your game changed on the soccer field?
Tobin Heath: My game has certainly developed over my four years here at UNC. Each year I have had to adapt my game to contribute to my team in the best way possible. This year I have taken more personal responsibility in the team, whether its setting the tone through my defensive presence or putting work into the offensive side of things I'm always looking to help out in any way my team needs me.
THB.com: What is the favorite memory of your soccer career?
Tobin Heath: My favorite soccer memory changes daily. I love this game and all the memories that come with it. So, I cant really pick a favorite, I love all of them.
THB.com: Last year you won an Olympic Gold Medal as the youngest member of the team. How has that experience helped you this year? Not only with soccer skills, but also with leadership skills?
Tobin Heath: The experience of playing in the Olympics was incredible and I am so thankful for that opportunity. I think the greatest thing I learned through that experience was how to be the best teammate. In terms of soccer, soccer is just soccer, whether you are playing in your backyard or playing in the Olympics (it's no different).
THB.com: What player do you like to model your style of play after? And why?
Tobin Heath: There are so many players' style that I try to incorporate into my own game. I love the dribbling styles of Messi and Ronaldo. I am mesmerized by the creativity of Ronaldinho. I am intrigued Drogbas' ability to find the net. And I love the vision of Kaka. There are so many players that are an inspiration to my game. These are just some of them.
THB.com: After you graduate, what are you going to miss most about playing for Coach Dorrance and UNC?
Tobin Heath: After I graduate, I am definitely going to miss seeing my teammates everyday. Anson has been so instrumental in my life and I am going to miss his constant voice in my ear correcting, encouraging and just simply talking to me.
THB.com: Besides soccer, what is your favorite thing to do at UNC?
Tobin Heath: Besides soccer, my favorite thing to do at UNC is hanging out with my friends. There is never a dull moment, we are always finding something to do that ends up making us laugh.
THB.com: What is your favorite book?
Tobin Heath: My favorite book is the bible. It is my companion through life.
THB.com: What is your favorite place to eat on Franklin Street?
Tobin Heath: Great question. If I'm with my parents the places we are going are either Top Of The Hill or 411 West. If I'm with my friends its usually Qdoba, Franklin Street Pizza & Pasta, Ye Olde Waffle Shop, or Italian Pizzeria III.
