World Cup Q&A with the Beat's Kelly Parker
June 30, 2011 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Atlanta Beat News Release
ATLBeat: Describe your pre-match feelings and routine. What did you eat before the match against Germany on Sunday' Do you always put your gear on in a specific order' Anything that makes the locker room strange in Germany'
KP: Pre-match feelings are always the same. I'm always super anxious to start or get into the game. I don't really get nervous- just excited. I listen to music to keep me calm. I play some slower music first, so I don't use all my adrenaline before the game. I maybe listen to a bit of Chris Brown or Adele. Then the closer I get to the game, the more up tempo my music gets. We have a pretty controlled environment as far as what we can eat, but that's because it's been proven to work. Carbs carbs carbs are our motto! Pasta with plain tomato sauce or plain white rice with tomato. I'm not superstitious about my gear but I do have a small wooden cross that's on me all game. As for the locker room in Germany, Fanta is the drink of choice. It does a body good!!! Hahaha! Half time with some water is good energy.
ATLBEAT: What was going through your head when you were told to get ready to go in the game against Germany'
KP: Excitement and mental preparation. Soccer is 90 percent mental. I want to have a smart performance first and foremost. I focus and go over what my responsibilities are.
ATLBEAT: What was your first reaction when Canadian teammate Christine Sinclair broke her nose'
KP: My first thought when Sincy went down was that she is a machine and that she will get back up and back on the field.
ATLBEAT: Have there been any other fun, interesting, or entertaining thoughts that you would like to share'
KP: Germany has been incredible, and the fans are just genuine fans of the sport and of the game. They applaud good competition, and it's been amazing to see the support the Germans have shown us. Even against Germany, they supported the effort and competition.
I can't wait to have (Beat teammate) Cat Whitehill covering our game versus Nigeria, but France is the focus for now!
Kelly Parker and the Canadian side take on France Thursday, June 30 at 11:45 a.m. on ESPN and ESPN 3.
• Discuss this story on the Women's Professional Soccer message board...
Women's Professional Soccer Stories from June 30, 2011
- Sky Blue FC's Nogueira Corners WPS Player of the Week Honors - WPS
- Nogueira Named WPS Player of the Week - Sky Blue FC
- World Cup Q&A with the Beat's Kelly Parker - Atlanta Beat
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
