Oklahoma State University Athletics
Catching Up With Cowgirl Newcomers Breanna Truelove and Sasa Jackson
August 16, 2004 | Cowgirl Soccer
Breanna Truelove, a native of La Habra, Calif., is one of 12 newcomers and five out-of-state players to join the Cowgirl Soccer team this fall. Truelove is one of four goalkeepers competing for the starting spot.
1. Why did you choose Oklahoma State?
“OSU has everything I was looking for; a big sports school, smaller town and great academics.”
2. What are your impressions of your first week of practice?
“I like it so far, it has pretty much been what I expected.”
3. What do you think will be the biggest adjustment you will have to make to play Division I soccer?
“I will have to learn to rely on my teammates more. At this level everyone knows what they are doing and I need to trust them to get their job done. My focus needs to be on what I need to do in goal.”
4. What are your expectations for the team and yourself?
“I want to earn the starting job and post as many shutouts as possible. We will have a great defense this year so it will be fun. We also want to repeat as Big 12 Champions.”
5. What is the biggest asset you will bring to the team this year?
“My biggest asset is my presence on the field. I am always involved in the game and actively encouraging my teammates.
7. What is your most memorable moment outside of soccer?
“Being able to come to OSU and play Division I Soccer is the best thing so far.”
8. How long have you been playing soccer?
“I started playing when I was six. I remember coming home from school with a sign-up sheet for a local team. I was really excited and told my dad I had to play. I started training to be a goalkeeper at age 13. I was taught that a keeper has to lead the team and be vocal on the field.”
9. Does the pressure of being a goalkeeper still get to you?
“No, I take responsibility for any goals that I allow but have learned not to let it stress me out during a game. I have to do my job to the best of my ability and let my teammates help me out.”
9. What are your hobbies?
“I enjoy kickboxing as a stress reliever and like to spend time with my family.”
10. Do you have a nickname?
“My teammates call me Brea. It's just my full name shortened because everyone got tired of yelling Breanna on the field, Brea was easier.”
11. Is it a big adjustment to move from California to Oklahoma?
“The weather will be the biggest thing. It has been cooler here since I arrived than it is in California, not what I expected. My first time to visit Oklahoma was my recruiting visit and it was snowing then. That was the first time I had seen snow.”
Sasa Jackson didn't have to travel far to realize her Division I Soccer dreams, the midfielder is a native of Edmond, Okla., and one of 10 Oklahoma players on the squad.
1. Why did you choose Oklahoma State?
“Most importantly to get a good education. The atmosphere is laid back, the team is great and I like the girls a lot. I have also known Coach Carmichael for a long time because he coached me on the Olympic Development team. I also came to several games last year and saw the excitement the fans are gaining for Cowgirl Soccer and wanted to be a part of that.”
2. What are your impressions of your first week of practice?
“I didn't know what to expect coming in and it has been challenging. I trained hard over the summer but it is still difficult.”
3. What do you think will be the biggest adjustment you will have to make to play Division I soccer?
“The level of play overall will be completely different. The speed of the game will be so much faster and intense, it will be a challenge everyday.”
4. What are your expectations for the team and yourself?
“I want to get as much playing time as possible. There are a lot of returners ahead of me but I think I can earn more time as the season goes on and I become more comfortable. I am going to push myself and my teammates to get better throughout the season. As a team we want to improve upon last year, win the Big 12 again and advance farther in the NCAA Tournament.”
5. What is the biggest asset you will bring to the team this year?
“I see the field well and know when to dish it off and set my teammates set up for scoring opportunities.”
6. What is your most memorable soccer moment?
“My most memorable moment is when I was a part of the Regional ODP team that went to National Camp in Wilmington, N.C. It was the summer before my junior year of high school and having the opportunity to be play with so many talented girls was incredible.”
8. How long have you been playing soccer?
“I started playing when I was eight and have played in the midfield since the beginning.”
9. What are your hobbies?
“I love spending time at the lake, mountain biking or just participating in any outdoor activity.”
10. Do you have a nickname?
“My name is pronounced ‘sa-sha' but is spelled oddly so my teammates sometimes call me salsa or squash.”
Stay up-to-date with Cowgirl Soccer and catch highlights of OSU's other newcomers on www.okstate.com throughout the season.
