The Yellow Armband: Getting to Know Amy Klippert
6/16/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
On April 16th, seniors Amy Klippert and Kylie Neschke, senior/junior Alex Jendruschand junior Jackie Carronwere introduced as the captains for the 2009 Michigan women's soccer team. Over the next four weeks, MGoBlue will sit down with each of them to discuss everything from wearingthe yellow armband, summer plans and the expectations of the 2009 Wolverines.
First up is Klippert,aphysical defenderwho has started from day one on campus. Klippert has been on the field at the beginning of all 56 games she
has appeared in, alternating between the backline and the midfield. Her first career goal against Eastern Michigan last season was among the moments she discussed with MGoBlue.
On being named captain
It is an honor to be named a captain, especially under the coaching staff we have. They are so amazing, but they are so strict -- they really know what kind of leaders they want to lead the team. Its a nice honor.
On the type of leadership she brings
I am more of a vocal leader. I take a harsher stance on discipline and I really want to push my team to be successful. I don't really care about always leading drills, I just want to make sure my team is successful and to push them and make sure that they don't just settle.
On getting to spend a full season at the U-M Soccer Complex
It is such a relief. It is nice to have atop-notch field and you always want to win on your home field. It is so hard traveling every week, especially since we travel 22 girls. It is hard playing away and it is nice to play at home in front of our fans. It is very motivating and it gives us something to look forward to.
On the team's goals for the 2009 season
We really want to make sure that we play as a team. We all know we are great individual players, but it is important that we play together. When we do, we are really good. There is not one team from last season that I thought we should have lost to, we were just as good or better than the opposition. We are learning so much from the coaches and we are learning it quickly. Our goals during the spring and into the fall were just to work hard and focus every practice and do the best we could as a team.
On her best Michigan soccer memory
One came during my freshman year. I was a starter and after one of the games a girl came up to me and asked for my picture and autograph because she said I was her favorite player. The other is last year, as a junior, the first time I scored. It came close to home (at Eastern Michigan), which was nice. I didnt know I scored at first, so it was pretty funny when I found out it was my goal.
On any advice to the three freshmen from California on coping with the chill of a late fall games
Suck it up. The cold is awful, but it isn't too bad. Soccer players tend to travel a lot, so you learn to play in different weather. I think they will be okay, but it is definitely a shock.
On her summer plans
I am playing in a soccer league that is designed for Div. I soccer players who stay in Michigan. There are six teams with two practices a week and a game every Friday. It is just to keep your foot on the ball and keep your touch. Other than that, I am coaching soccer camps and taking classes.
On what is on her iPod
Right now, I have a lot of Tom Petty and Incubus and Kings of Leon.
On if she could play another sport at Michigan, what would it be
Inner tube water polo. I have always wanted to do that. I could take (U-M water polo player and high school classmate) Leah Robertson in an inner tube.
Contact: Ryan Sosin (734) 763-4423
