University of Minnesota Athletics
Freshman Spotlight: Cherry Fast
7/22/2016 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Eight freshmen are set to join the Gophers for the 2016-17 season. Get to know incoming Maroon & Gold defender Cherry Fast!
Fast joins the Golden Gophers from Eagan, Minn., where she is homeschooled and trains with David Alberti of the Minnesota Thunder Academy and Kenny Hills of Henry Sibley High School. Fast was named to the USYS Olympic Development Program Region II Team in 2013, attended the Olympic Development Program Thanksgiving Interregional in 2013 and ECNL Player Development Program in 2014. She has also been invited to attend the Philippines Women's National Soccer Team training camp. Fast was named All-Conference during her junior and senior seasons and was voted by teammates for the "Rock the Defense" award. She assisted her team in winning the 2015 ECNL North American Cup, 2015 USA Cup U19 A-flight, 2012 MYSA State Tournament, 2012 All-American Cup, 2015 MYSA Summer State Tournament, and more.
"Cherry has already joined the team this spring and we have been excited about the potential we already see in her," said Golan. "Cherry is super quick, technical and can play almost anywhere on the field. Coming in the spring is giving us the benefit of figuring out where she will most positively impact the team and it is giving her the benefit of settling into college life and adjusting to the speed of play and physicality at this level. We are excited about what she can bring to our team as we look ahead and she is already a Gopher."
How did you first start playing soccer?
I grew up in a family of soccer players as well as soccer fans, and so I found the joy in competition and started playing soccer when I was six.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
I tried gymnastics for about two years when I was eight.
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
The University of Minnesota was my first choice and because of all the amazing coaches and staff here!
Have you chosen a major or a specific area of study?
I have decided to major in youth studies. I want to be a soccer coach in the future.
What do you like to do in your free time when you're not playing soccer?
When I'm not on the field, I enjoy playing piano and composing music. I also love to spend lots of time with family and friends.
What are you most looking forward to as a UMN soccer player?
I look forward to the challenges that this role will give me. I want to make a difference in the program and be an example to others. Being a part of a program such as this one, you can become not just a great soccer player, but also an amazing individual.
Who was your athletic role model growing up?
Growing up my brothers were my role models because they showed me what it means to work hard for something you care deeply about.
What's your favorite part about playing soccer?
I love competition and the feeling of having the soccer ball at my feet.
What type of music most pumps you up for games?
I listen to classical music sometimes to just calm my nerves or to get me back to focusing on what I need to do to help the team before games.
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I don't believe in any superstitions, but I do pray before every game for all the players and for no serious injuries to happen.
