Wolverine Athlete Spotlight: Nicky Waldeck
10/31/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Heading into the regular-season finale at Purdue, Nicky Waldeck discusses the big step she has taken offensively, her favorite goal this season and her enjoyment of Halloween.
On playing several other sports being getting serious about soccer ... "Growing up I was just a kid who liked to play anything -- I did everything and anything. I was actually a figure skater for about eight years, so that didn't really allow me to play other sports. When I got into elementary and middle school, my friends were starting to join these teams and I said 'I want to join.' So I played softball, I played tennis, I did volleyball -- anything I could get my hands on and compete in. I just loved to play -- scoring goals is fun, and winning is just so much fun. When I got into high school, I got into basketball, soccer and lacrosse and it was great to play one sport and then flip it and switch to another sport. I just like trying to work at things. I wasn't always the best at anything and I just tried to work on my skills and improve and figure out how I could be the best I could be."
On her unusual path to playing collegiate soccer ... "It wasn't until my junior year that my high school coach, who knows Greg (Ryan) asked me what my dream school would be. She told me I had the potential to play collegiately if I wanted to get serious about it. I told her that playing in the Big Ten would be really cool, but I didn't think that could ever happen. A couple weeks later she got coach Ryan to come see me play and everything started to fall into place after that. So it really wasn't until my junior year that I thought that I could keep going with soccer at the college level. It was scary because all I played was high school soccer -- I didn't play club, so I knew college soccer would be a jump."
On the key to becoming such an impact player so quickly ... "I was so lucky to come into the year I did last year with the group of people that I was with. That whole senior class had such great role models in terms of what it means to be a leader, what it means to be a good teammate, a good friend on and off the field. I think that really helped with setting a foundation. By no means was I ready to come in and contribute last year -- I was just kind of winging it and picking up things as I went. I still think about things that they did; they're still in the back of my mind. For me it's been about realizing you have the confidence to do it. Toward the middle of the season it just kind of clicked that I could play at this level and make an impact and help this team. I want to win and I want this team to be the best it can be, so if that means me stepping up then that's what had to happen."
On her thoughts on what this team has accomplished so far ... "We always talk about how it's well known within our program that we weren't supposed to be here in this position. Going into preseason, this was by no means the type of season we thought we were walking into. We were way behind, we weren't clicking, we didn't have the work ethic that it took to win, and it really took some effort from everyone on this team. The only reason we are where we are right now is because every single person on this team is working their tale off and doing the things on and off the field that are needed to win games. It hasn't been easy and we've probably won some games that we weren't supposed to, but it's been a fun ride so far."
On her favorite goal she's scored this season and why ... "I would have to say the Michigan State goal. It didn't really click as to how important it was until later after the game and the week after. In our heads, we were getting those late goals and we had done it a few times. The reason why it was happening is because we don't know that the clock is winding down and we aren't thinking about going into OT or losing the game -- we're just thinking about scoring. So when it finally happens it's not as much of a crazy-OT winner, it's just what needed to be done. Watching the film of that goal afterwards, I didn't even celebrate or run around the field because it was just what needed to happen. Now that I think about it, there were almost 3,000 people in the stadium and to score a placement goal with 24 seconds left -- that doesn't happen all the time so that's probably my favorite goal."
On what the team is focusing on in the regular-season finale at Purdue ... "Purdue is a good team. They keep teams in the game and play other teams really tough. Even though the tournament is right around the corner, we're not looking past them. We need this win to hopefully solidify an NCAA bid. This game is really important for us and we want to finish the regular season on a good note going into post season. We're going to have to be disciplined and keep the attitude we've had this whole season, which is don't overlook any team and stay gritty."
On her favorite Halloween costume of all time ... "Well, last night when we visited Mott Children's Hospital, Z (Zaryn Jennings) and I were salt and pepper. Last year, we were Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen -- we try to match each year since she's my twin. My favorite costume ever would have to be a crayon -- I had this weird thing where I was a crayon for a lot of years. One year I was red and another year I was blue. I don't know why it was my go-to, I guess I just really liked crayons."
On dressing up in Halloween costumes to visit Mott Children's Hospital ... "I love going to Mott -- I know it's not for everyone and everyone has a different relationship with hospitals. I always make an effort to go when I can and that's something the upperclassmen have really put an emphasis on, and I understand why every time I go. Knowing that we walk out of that hospital and get to play soccer and do the things we love, and they aren't as fortunate, it just sticks with you and I always think about it later in the week when I'm playing soccer or doing something I love. So if there's anything I can do or our team can do to just give those kids and their families a smile for even a second we will. Especially on Halloween, I know a lot of them can't always enjoy it and dress up so it's great for to be able to dress up and lighten up their day."
• Previous Spotlight: Anna Soccorsi
Contact: Whitney Dixon (734) 763-4423
