Oklahoma State University Athletics
Catching Up With Cowgirl Newcomers Candice Byler and Niccole Grimaldi
August 26, 2004 | Cowgirl Soccer
1. Why did you choose Oklahoma State? “I was born in Oklahoma City. My dad went to OSU for two semesters and my whole family is out here.”
2. Have you had to make any adjustments during your first week of school? “Managing my time has probably been the biggest adjustment I have had to make. Having to make 6:30 a.m. weights is shocking, you could say.”
3. What role do you expect to play on this year's team? “I expect to just work hard. I will get to come into the games and bring a lot of energy. I am going to play very hard.”
4. Which of your teammates has helped you adjust the most? “Definitely Nikki (Wojtowicz) and Jolene (Schweitzer). Their attitude towards the game is always positive. They keep it fun by joking around when necessary. They bring some needed humor to it.”
5. What was your fondest high school memory? “We won the Excalibur Tournament. It is a huge tournament in California that every team in Southern California enters. You win a little sword that you get to put in your school. That was really cool.”
6. What made you decide to start playing soccer? “I got started by watching television and watching Mia Hamm. Seeing those girls play made me think that I wanted to do that.”
7. What are your impressions on the Olympics so far? “I have noticed that the other teams are catching up to the United States. I think that they have figured out the fitness level. I played softball in high school and have been following them. I also like to watch the gymnastics.”
8. If you could play another collegiate sport, what would it be? “I was actually recruited my sophomore year to play softball here. It may happen still, you never know.”
9. Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life? “My parents have been awesome. They are going to go try to go to every game, starting with Vermont.”
10. What is the most important advice you have ever received? “I have always been told to focus on my goals and have something in mind and to go towards it. That is what I plan to do here.”
Freshman Niccole Grimaldi, a native of Los Alamitos, Calif., is one of 12 newcomers to the Cowgirl Soccer squad. She is one of three girls competing for the fourth defender spot.
1. Why did you choose Oklahoma State? “I chose to come to Oklahoma State after I came out here for my visit. I was really impressed with the university, the facilities, the coaches and the girls on the team. I really liked the coaching style and type of play.”
2. Have you had to make any adjustments since arriving here? “California is an entirely different world from Oklahoma. It has been a big adjustment just being away from family for the first time. It has been different being away from everything that I knew while growing up.”
3. What role do you expect to play on this year's team? “I expect to be an impact player on defense. I expect to improve myself and therefore improve the team.”
4. Which of your teammates has helped you adjust college the most? “I think that Adriane Radtke has helped me the most. She comes and sits in my room and talks to me and encourages me when I am bummed about something or wondering about the new system of play. She has been very encouraging and helped me learn to play the style of game here.”
5. What is the most important advice you could give to soccer players? “The most important part of the game is to be confident. You have to be confident in your ability and know that you are going to win the ball. You can't shy off or go in halfheartedly because chances are that the other person will.”
6. What was your fondest high school memory? “My high school team won our league for the first time since 1997. I had a really awesome season, breaking records for goals scored, goals in a game and assists. It was just a really good season for us.”
7. What do you bring to this year's team? “I expect to learn the style of play here and adjust to it. I want to be a defender that no forward wants to go up against because she knows she can't win. I think that will help the team because we will have a very solid defense that nothing will get by.”
8. Why did you start playing soccer? “My mom signed me up for a bunch of sports when I was little. I played soccer for the Golden Strikers when I was 7 years old and it was the most fun I ever had. I used to be a forward, but I guess every little girl starts out as a forward. That pretty much did it for me.”
9. What impresses you the most about the Olympic team? “Working for the Olympics is extremely hard work. I have respect for everyone that goes for it. The most impressive thing is when the athletes that get hurt are able to come out and smile. If you work really hard and something like that happens, being able to come out with a good attitude is admirable.”
10. Who has been your biggest inspiration? “My biggest inspiration has been my parents. They have always been there for me, no matter what happens. They are always there to pick me up and put my head on straight.”
