Wolverine Athlete Spotlight: Ani Sarkisian
9/18/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
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Redshirt freshman Ani Sarkisian reflects on Michigan's 2-0 start in the Big Ten, her pair of Big Ten weekly awards and discusses her transition to being a Michigan student-athlete.
On starting the Big Ten 2-0 ... "I don't think we were really expecting to get those two big wins over Minnesota and No. 9 Wisconsin. The Wisconsin game was one we definitely went into knowing we had nothing to lose. Coming out with a win was probably the biggest confidence boost we could get. Now that we know we can compete with the top teams in the country, I think it allows us to realize that there's nothing holding us back from beating any team we face."
On Michigan sweeping the Big Ten weekly awards ... "I was definitely surprised. I wasn't really expecting it when I saw it on the website. It was so exciting, but I think it's nice to see that two freshmen, Megan (Hinz) and I, earned it. It's great that we were big contributors on this team. Our teammates are helping us through this and they're the reason we got this recognition. I never would have scored the goals I did if it wasn't for everyone contributing."
On the team's growth since the beginning of the season ... "Being practically a brand new team, it's really hard learning how to work with each other. I think that was Greg's (Ryan) biggest focus and he knew that once we got the hang of it that we would have a fast growth rate in a short amount of time. Going from a poor effort in San Diego and then winning four straight games after that, it really proves that we've learned from our mistakes and that we're growing as a team.
On the difference in level of play in the Big Ten ... "Every team has their strengths and weaknesses, but in the Big Ten, the weakest link is still a great opponent. We have to realize that when you come out and play, you have to bring it every single time -- 100 percent. They're not going to let up on you; they're going to compete just as hard to make sure you don't get our job done."
On being a vocal leader on the team as a redshirt freshman ... "Ever since I was little I was pretty vocal on the field. I think it makes everyone else's job on the field easier. Telling someone to switch the ball, they skip the thinking part and go straight to switching the ball. It makes everything faster and smarter. Giving your teammates directional commands allow them to switch the field faster, attack faster, and do everything at a faster pace so the other team can't defend and organize behind you."
On adjusting to the college game ... "This is definitely a formation that I haven't played in a while. It's a little bit of muscle memory from club soccer. I think the players on the field fit the positions that we have and that's why I think this formation works so well for us. Greg (Ryan) has done a great job of directing us, telling us what we need to do, and what we're responsible for in our position. It's been an easy transition."
On working with U-M's other forward and attacking midfielders ... "From our functional training, training separately with the attackers, I feel like we have a good bond together and we understand how each other plays. We know who wants the ball in space and who wants the ball at their feet. When I send Nicky (Waldeck) or Madi (Lewis) or Corinne (Harris) or any of my teammates a ball, I know I'm going to get a quality pass back. When one of them gets the ball, I want to sprint up the field as fast as possible because I know it's going to be a good opportunity and you don't really don't get many of those in the Big Ten so you really have to capitalize on what you can get."
On the goalkeepers and back line ... "I think they've made the most impressive growth. They're pretty much a new back four and you don't really see that in college soccer. I think everyone made a good effort to realize that they have to own those positions and take on that responsibility. They've developed so quickly, especially in their functional training. I don't necessarily see their practices every day, but when I do I can see how organized and focused they are. They're the reason we're winning these games. When I see them working, I'm proud to call them my back four."
On her transition to being a Michigan student-athlete ... "Transitioning here has been a lot easier than I expected. I was thinking that making new friends was going to be so hard and the academics were going to put a lot of pressure and stress on me and it hasn't been that way. I think everyone in this community has made everything less of a burden. My teammates are amazing and I consider them my family. I haven't been this close with a group of girls since probably my U-10 team. They make me feel comfortable and they welcomed me as soon as I came here and that's a great feeling. They supported me on and off the field from day one."
• Previous Spotlight: Jen Pace
Contact: Whitney Dixon
