University of Minnesota Athletics
Freshman Spotlight: April Bockin
10/20/2015 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Oct. 20, 2015
Gophersports.com caught up with freshman, Eden Prairie, Minn. native, April Bockin about her soccer experience and what brought her to the University of Minnesota as a Division 1 athlete.
How did you first start playing soccer?
My brother, who is two years older than I, played soccer and I would go to all of his games and run around. So, when I was old enough, my parents signed me up. My mom also signed me up for gymnastics, but gymnastics didn't quite click like soccer did.
How did you first start playing soccer?
My brother, who is two years older than I, played soccer and I would go to all of his games and run around. So, when I was old enough, my parents signed me up. My mom also signed me up for gymnastics, but gymnastics didn't quite click like soccer did.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
I was a competitive figure skater for 11 years. I also ran track in high school.
I was a competitive figure skater for 11 years. I also ran track in high school.
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
I choose the University of Minnesota because it was a perfect fit for me both academically and athletically. I love the campus, the city, as well as the soccer facility. Also, the team and coaching staff are welcoming and full of energy. They are very passionate, competitive and driven to win.
I choose the University of Minnesota because it was a perfect fit for me both academically and athletically. I love the campus, the city, as well as the soccer facility. Also, the team and coaching staff are welcoming and full of energy. They are very passionate, competitive and driven to win.
Have you chosen a major or leaning towards a specific area of study?
As of now, I am majoring in Kinesiology and then planning on attending P.A. school.
As of now, I am majoring in Kinesiology and then planning on attending P.A. school.
What do you like to do in your free time when you're not playing soccer?
When I am not playing soccer I like to spend time with my friends and family, eat food and the occasional Netflix binge. Some of my favorite foods include Punch Pizza, Chipotle and any and all pasta.
When I am not playing soccer I like to spend time with my friends and family, eat food and the occasional Netflix binge. Some of my favorite foods include Punch Pizza, Chipotle and any and all pasta.
What were you most looking forward to becoming a UMN soccer player?
Representing Minnesota as a state as well as the competitive atmosphere that comes with college athletics fueled me and I'm happy to be living that out!
Representing Minnesota as a state as well as the competitive atmosphere that comes with college athletics fueled me and I'm happy to be living that out!
Who was your athletic role model growing up?
I didn't really have any athletic role models growing up. No one in my family had participated in team sports. The people I looked up to most for athletic direction were my youth coaches.
I didn't really have any athletic role models growing up. No one in my family had participated in team sports. The people I looked up to most for athletic direction were my youth coaches.
What's your favorite part about playing soccer?
I love scoring goals. As a forward, that is my main job and I think it is the most fun part of soccer. I love the feeling I get when the ball leaves my foot and I know that it is going in.
I love scoring goals. As a forward, that is my main job and I think it is the most fun part of soccer. I love the feeling I get when the ball leaves my foot and I know that it is going in.
What type of music most pumps you up for games?
I don't really have any specific type of music I listen to. I usually just put my iPod on shuffle and listen to whatever comes on.
I don't really have any specific type of music I listen to. I usually just put my iPod on shuffle and listen to whatever comes on.
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I do not have any pre-game rituals that I follow. I can be a little bit superstitious, but I don't go crazy over it. The most superstitious I have ever been was my final high school season - I had to wear the same white socks for every home game. The one home game I didn't wear them, we lost.
I do not have any pre-game rituals that I follow. I can be a little bit superstitious, but I don't go crazy over it. The most superstitious I have ever been was my final high school season - I had to wear the same white socks for every home game. The one home game I didn't wear them, we lost.
What was the most valuable lesson you took away being captain for your high school team senior year?
The most valuable thing I took away from being a captain for my high school soccer team was how to be a leader both on and off the field. When you are a captain, everyone is looking to you for direction whether you know it or not. Being a captain is a lot of work, but in the end, when the team is successful, it is rewarding to see that your hard work paid off.
The most valuable thing I took away from being a captain for my high school soccer team was how to be a leader both on and off the field. When you are a captain, everyone is looking to you for direction whether you know it or not. Being a captain is a lot of work, but in the end, when the team is successful, it is rewarding to see that your hard work paid off.
Players Mentioned
Forward
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