Lauren Fowlkes QnA

Earlier this week, prior to the U.S. Women's U-20 team qualifying for the upcoming U-20 World Cup, defender/midfielder Lauren Fowlkes chatted with Hillcrest Road. The local product (Lee's Summit native and St. Theresa's graduate) talked about the trip to Mexico, her future plans (including WPS and the U.S. Women's National Team) and the future of Kansas City and Kansas City Wizards soccer. Special thanks to Lauren and Kate McMaster of U.S. Soccer for taking the time to chat with us.

Fowlkes

How has the trip to Mexico treated you so far? Are you getting some good sight-seeing done when you're off the field?
"The trip is going awesome. There's been some really great soccer and a lot of fun with the girls. We don't do a lot of sight-seeing but it's always fun to hang out with everyone. We went to see the great pyramid of cholula yesterday, so that was awesome."

How long have you been in the U.S. National Team program? What is it feel like to represent the USA?
"I was in a camp with the U-17s before, but January with the U-20s was my first time since then. It's always an honor to represent my country, and it brings such excitement every time i get to put on the U.S. jersey."

What is your favorite moment thus far with the National Team...either with the U-17s or U-20s?
"I'd say playing against Mexico last Sunday because of the atmosphere and the importance of these qualifying games. This is what we've been training for all spring."

Do you speak any Spanish? Could you understand what the fans were yelling at you?
"Yes, I do speak some Spanish, but I wasn't really focused on what the crowd was saying. I just know they were very loud."

What are your ultimate goals with the National Team?
"Ultimately I'd like to play for the full team, but right now I'm very focused on being part of this team and qualifying for the U-20 World Cup. I think if everything comes together, this team has a chance to win the World Cup, and I really want to make a difference on this team."

With WPS forming next year, would you like to continue playing soccer professionally after college?
"Yes, I would definitely want to continue playing soccer after college. I'm so excited that a women's league is coming back."

We're opening a brand new stadium in 2010 out where Bannister Mall used to be with 12 youth fields surrounding it, what do you think these world-class facilities will do for the soccer community in Kansas City?
"I think the fields will help to solidify and bring youth soccer in KC to the next level. I remember that growing up, a good practice field was hard to find and we always had to travel for tournaments. So, it will be amazing to have a facility of that caliber in Kansas City. It's going to help youth soccer so much."

The KCW Juniors, our youth development program, will likely include women's teams in the future. Would you have wanted to play for a club that was run by a professional team when you were growing up?
"I think that would have been a great option as a younger player, knowing that you'd have the financial support, great practice fields and great coaching staff supported by a professional team."

Our Juniors U-19 team won the regional final earlier today to qualify for nationals. How did your teams do at regionals?
"Of course i have memories from regionals with my club team every year. We always did really well, and those were some of the best memories of my youth soccer days."

What club did you play for back in the day?
"I played with the KC Dynamos for six years (I think) and we won a national championship when we were U-14... then I played with KCFC Alliance and then JB Marine (in St. Louis) and then I went back to the Dynamos. I practice with Dynamos when I'm at home. That's where my loyalty lies... with the Dynamos."