University of Minnesota Athletics
Freshman Spotlight: Hugrun Friedriksdottir
7/21/2015 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Gophersports.com caught up with incoming freshman, Hugrun Friedriksdottir of Reykjavik, Iceland about what she's most looking forward to this coming season both on and off the field.
How did you start playing soccer?
The girl next door tricked me into trying out a practice and I completely fell in love with it.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
Yeah, quite a few! Partner dancing, gymnastics, handball and figure skating. I enjoyed all of them, but soccer was always number one. As much as the sport itself intrigued me, I think it was the fact that soccer is a group sport and that was what really pulled me in!
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
Away from the academics that University of Minnesota has to offer, there is a great campus life and it's the perfect location. I was trying to find the perfect school that was on the east coast or at least that had a direct flight back home to Iceland. Even though they don't fly directly in the spring, I didn't care because Minnesota seemed the perfect place to be. I had heard really good things about the school, especially from my friend MarÃa Rún who ran track and field at the school last semester. What made it even more perfect was that I have a cousin in Minnesota and after visiting, I was sure that it was the one. On the visit the teammates and staff made me feel welcome which definitely put the cherry on top.
Have you chosen a major or leaning towards a specific area of study?
I was thinking engineering but I am also leaning towards some business majors.
What do you like to do in your free time when you're not playing soccer?
I have been trying out hot yoga and I really enjoy it and I often go swimming with my teammates after practice. I also spend a lot of my free time with friends at cafés. On long breaks, I try to go snowboarding in the Northern part of Iceland.
What are you most looking forward to as a UMN soccer player?
Playing my first game for sure. Even though it won't be until after a couple of months, because I torn my ACL but I am so grateful for getting this opportunity and I am going to take full advantage off it! I will be back stronger than ever!
Who was your athletic role model growing up?
Margrét lára Viðarsdottir was my idol growing up, just like every other girl's idol here in Iceland. She has been playing in Sweden the last couple of years. But, there are so many players that have influenced me. Marta Vieira da Silva, Messi, Ronaldinho, Juan Pirlo, David Beckham and so many more.
What's your favorite part about playing soccer?
I think its definitely the team spirit and the victory feeling after winning a game when you know you put your heart and soul into it. Having a team around you that supports you and are willing to make sacrifices to achieve greatness is priceless.
What type of music most pumps you up for games?
I don't have a certain kind of music that pumps me up but as long as its really loud, I can sing along and no one can hear me everyone is fine.
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
No, not really. I used to have the habit of brushing my teeth before every game, right before we would go out on the field. For some reason I stopped doing it...even though it is a quite good superstition or at least my dentist would agree haha.
Have you traveled to the United States prior to coming to school here? If so, what states have you been to?
Yeah, I went to New York in October, 2013. I loved it and I would love to see the city during summer someday. We spent a little time at my cousin's in New Jersey during that vacation and we also drove to Washington D.C. I have been to Maryland and Virginia as well. I went to Florida when I was about 5-years-old, but I really can't remember much about that trip.
What are some of the biggest things you'll miss about Iceland while away at school?
Away from my family, friends and teammates, I think I will probably miss the Icelandic outdoor pools, the Skyr and the summer nights in Iceland. Since we have a lot of active volcanos here in Iceland, we have a lot of geothermal springs. We use this energy for variety of things: one of them being for outdoor swimming pools. There is nothing better than going after after practice with you teammates and just relax in the hot tub under a clear sky. You might even spot the Northern lights during the winter. Number two is the Icelandic Skyr. I have to admit it, I eat it every day. But that's alright, because its super healthy and contains a lot of proteins. It's good after practice if you're not going home for dinner. People often think it's a yogurt but in fact it isn't, its kind of hard to explain - Google it! Finally, I will miss the summer nights here in Iceland. During the summer, it doesn't get dark at night. I was probably around seven or eight hwne I first realized this. During that time, I spent so much time at the soccer field in the neighborhood; I remember how my mom and other parents would have to come down to the field to drag us home because we didn't realize that it was way past our bedtime haha.
