Boston Breakers

The following is part of a weekly series in which writer Todd Civin presents the lighter side of the Boston Breakers of the WPS.

The league prides itself in the down-to-earth nature and approachability of its athletes, and Civin believes that "Getting Silly with the Breakers" is an fun-filled way to create a comfortable bond between the fans and the professional athletes who are the Boston Breakers.

A special thanks to Erica Hunt, the communications director for the team, as well as the players themselves for making this approach possible.

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After three weeks of "Getting Silly With the Breakers" by interviewing the likes of Leslie Osborne, Tiffany Weimer and Christine Latham, my opinion of the Breakers team is that if they weren't playing professional soccer they could be doing stand-up comedy.

Each of the three were not only unintimidated by my dry sense of humor, but were downright equal to the task. Several times during the opening three segments I had to wipe saliva off of my chin after doing one of those disgusting snort laughs which seem to plague me. During my upcoming episode with Breaker star Jenny Nobis, I found myself repeatedly spewing saliva on my cat while typing up her interview. 

And then I ran into Erika Sutton,  who, though certainly kind enough to let down her hair and get into her off the field life, will never be confused with John Candy or Ellen Degeneres.

Let's just say that if Sutton and I were a comedy team there is no doubt which one of us would play the straight man. And, if we were different flavors of ice-cream, my guess is I would be tutti fruity and Erika would be either vanilla or maybe strawberry. And, if we were members of the Book of The Month Club, there is little doubt that I'd be Twilight and Erika would be the Bible.

Erika certainly played within the rules established by yours truly, but never strayed from her kind, straight forward and polite way of answering my slightly zany questions. I guess I now understand it when my mom always asked why I never bring home, "nice girls." They're just too nice.

So with no further need for any comedic build-up, I have changed the name of Getting Silly with the Breakers' to Getting A Really, Tiny Bit Silly with Erika Sutton.

And as my Dad always says, "Todd, that's why they make Chocolate and Vanilla."

Civ: You began your college career in SD State Aztecs and then moved to Florida State Seminoles, will it be an adjustment for you to play for a team without a Native American name?

Erika: Haha. I think that the transition will go smoothly.

 

Civ: The Aztec media guide refers to you as one of the most explosive freshman in the country, do you know how this is calculated?

Erika: I have no clue, but I am guessing it was a personal opinion.

 

Civ: You entered FL State as a junior transfer and then joined the Breakers mid-season, is the transition of being the new kid on the block a similar transition?

Erika: In many ways yes, but a little more intimidating.

 
Civ: Favorite baseball team? Angels, Dodgers, Giants and Padres? And have you ever seen baseball Fenway park style?

Erika: The Colorado Rockies!!! No, I have never seen baseball at Fenway, but I hope to catch a game while I am up in Boston.



Civ: You appeared in one game for the Breakers last year, what thoughts were running through your head as you warmed up for the game?

Erika: Well my mind was racing, so I was just telling myself to stay calm.

 

Civ: How you hope to use your education after your soccer career ends?

Erika: I will most likely go back to school and get my masters in Counseling. Then eventually go into the field of Christian Counseling.

 

Civ: You are 22, while Kristine Lilly is 38, do you feel you'll have to slow down your game so that she can keep up with you?

Erika: Good One! No not at all, if anything I am sure she will be helping me to keep up with her.

 

Civ: If you could invite any three people to dinner, who would they be and what would you serve?

Erika: Jesus, Bobby Bowden, and Mark Driscoll. And I would probably serve BBQ.

 

Civ: The soccer skill which came with most difficulty?

Erika: I am not really sure. All of them come with a lot of practice.

 

Civ: I know you are a very spiritual person, do you point skyward when you score a goal? Do you think it would be odd if this technique was used in non-sports related jobs, like should a toll booth worker point skyward when he collects a toll or a waitress when she serves a dinner?

Erika: I don’t have a ritual celebration, but God gave me the ability to play soccer, therefore I glorify him by playing to the best of my ability. Some may find it odd, but I wouldn’t. I would probably laugh and be encouraged by their faith, and give them a high five.

 

Civ: Are any of your FSU teammates in the WPS and if not, who do you feel could be?

Erika: Mami Yamaguchi, Sarah Wagenfuhr

 

Civ: Would you rather win a World Cup, an Olympic Gold or the WPS Championship Cup?

Erika: All of them would be nice.
 

Civ: You played all minutes in the game against FC Gold, were you tired?

Erika: Yes

 

Civ: Did your family make it to the game?

Erika: Yes, my very supportive mom and dad made it to the game.

 

Civ: Which would you rather do, score a goal or strip the ball from Marta?

Erika: I would have to say both.

 

Civ: You committed a foul in the game you played, was it a good call?

Erika: Yes

Civ: Favorite snack food?

Erika: Oreos

Favorite fast food restaurant?

Erika: Chick-Fil-A

Civ: Favorite food? Favorite cartoon character? Favorite desert item?

Burrito, Ariel, Brownie Pizza

 

Civ: As part of the maiden season of the WPS, what do you think this will mean to women players in the future?

Erika: I think that this will inspire women to play at the next level, and am thankful that women have been given such a great opportunity.

 

Civ: What number do you hope to wear this year?

Erika: It doesn’t really matter to me. I am just excited to wear a Breakers jersey.

The Boston Breakers announced they will face off against the expansion Philadelphia Independence in their opening home game of the 2010 Women’s Professional Soccer season on Sunday, April 18 at 6:00 p.m. at Harvard Stadium.  

Philadelphia Independence is one of the two 2010 WPS expansion franchises and features former Breakers Heather Mitts, Amy Rodriguez, and Sue Weber.

Boston’s Home Opener will be featured on Fox Soccer Channel and it will be the first television appearance for the Breakers in 2010.

WPS play will begin the weekend of April 10-11, two weeks later than the start of the inaugural season in 2009.  The Breakers’ season opener will be on the road against the Washington Freedom on April 10 at the Maryland SoccerPlex.  The remainder of the 2010 schedule is anticipated to be announced in early February.

Fans can secure tickets for Opening Night with the Breakers annual one-day pre-sale Friday, December 18 from 9:00 am to 6:00 p.m. 

This is the only opportunity to purchase single game tickets for Opening Night until the official single-game on-sale date in late February 2010.  

Tickets will be available in both Category I ($27) and Category II ($20) seating areas.  Online ticket orders may be printed at home and are subject to an additional $2 per ticket convenience charge. 

There are two ways to order Opening Night tickets during Friday's pre-sale, either by phone at 781-251-2100 or online at www.breakersgroups.com  between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. 

To order online, enter the following password to access the ticket sale: opener10 (password activates at 9 a.m. on Friday and de-activates at 6:00 p.m.).

About Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS)

Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is the premier women’s soccer league in the world and the global standard by which women’s professional sports are measured. 

The Inaugural Season kicked off in March 2009 with seven WPS teams based in the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. 

The league’s eighth and nine franchises, Philadelphia and Atlanta, will begin play in the 2010 WPS Season, which begins April 2010. For more information, visit www.womensprosoccer.com .

The previous story is excerpted from a Press Release by the Boston Breakers of the WPS by What's News.

What's News is the alternate profile of Bleacher Report writer Todd Civin and is used to re-post Press Releases for the AHL, The WPS and the NY-PENN baseball League.

Civin is a supporter of the award winning children's book A Glove of Their Own , which promotes Pay It Forward through sports.

While the General Managers in the Women's Professional Soccer league are busily preparing their long list of needs and wants for the upcoming season, Bleacher Report Community Leader Todd Civin is preparing a list of a much different kind. 

Since the birth of the WPS, Civin has worked diligently to build a staff of top-rated citizen journalists to work hand in hand with the league in order to promote and present the fast-paced and exciting WPS product.

From the onset, both Bleacher Report and the league's media department have worked diligently to provide soccer fans with up to the minute, creative, and well-crafted features to further the growth of the league.

"We currently have dedicated beat writers for six of the nine teams," explains Civin, who covers the Boston Breakers, in addition to working as the liaison between the WPS and BR. "While Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Washington, Philadelphia, and Sky-Blue (NY/NJ) have dedicated writers, we continue to look for talented journalists to cover Atlanta, St. Louis, and FC Gold."

Rob Penner, the Director of Communications for the WPS, has been a supporter of the relationship since the league formed last year and has been instrumental in granting accessibility for the BR bloggers.

Penner explains, "WPS is a grassroots league, so we support grassroots writers and we welcome amateur journalists from established sites, as long as it [their writing] is responsible and accurate."

Penner, who is a long-time sports media and marketing veteran who has worked with the ATP, the U.S. Open, and NBC, as well as with Puma, and is a founding partner of the WPS, added, "The two most important aspects of a WPS writer for Bleacher Report is passion for the game and WPS, and an ability to convey that passion and stories in cogent writing to fans."

The writers, who all are volunteer journalists with a love of the sport and the craft, are hand selected by Civin and the other beat writers by submitting writing samples and a brief resume and personal bio. If selected, they are then credentialed by the individual teams, which allows them admission to the game, press box access, and post game, on-field access to the team.

"Any writer, regardless of experience, can write stories about the WPS. This is what citizen journalism is all about," explains Civin. "However, we are looking for are the cream of the crop; soccer writers who are willing and able to forge a personal relationship with the team, their players, and the league's media departments to present the WPS in a close-up and personal way." 

Penner added, "As print media continues to cut back and lose editorial space, we continue looking for new ways to increase WPS content for fans. One way is to promote the stories, opinions, and columns being done on Bleacher Report or other online sites who are interested."

Current Bleacher Report beat writers and their teams include Jo-Ryan Salazar (Los Angeles Sol), John Howell (Chicago Red Star), Kat Galsim (Washington Freedom), Lauren Green (Sky Blue FC), Phil Andrews (Philadelphia Independence), and Civin (Boston Breakers). Green and Galsim are currently doing feature work on an interim basis for the remaining three clubs until dedicated beat writers are found.

Laura Kozak and Shobha Kondragunta submit quality feature stories on the league as time allows, and are active contributors to the WPS media family.

If you would like to become a WPS beat writer for the Atlanta Beat, St. Louis Athletica, or FC Gold Pride and can attend a minimum of 60 percent of the home games, please submit your bio, resume, and a minimum of two writing samples to toddcivin1@aim.com.  

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report , Sports, Then and Now , and Seamheads . He is a supporter of A Glove of Their Own , the award-winning children’s story that teaches paying it forward through sports. He is available for hire by writing to toddcivin1@aim.com.

With the 2010 WPS draft less than a month away, many college soccer seniors enter exam week with one eye on their GPAs and the other eye on draft boards. Although that may make for one funny looking photo, each one hopes to hear her name called when draft day rolls around.

At the same time, GMs from Boston to Los Angeles have prepared their lists and hope to find more nice than naughty when their turns to select from the best of college soccer arrives.

The WPS has polled several experts in the women’s game who have weighed in with their “Top Five WPS Prospects” by position for the 2010 WPS Draft. Each week, the WPS will present a different position, starting with the keepers, followed by the top defenders, mid-fielders, and finishing with forwards.

The 2010 WPS Draft is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2010 at the NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia, PA, and will include the nine WPS teams and the top college stars in the game.

The WPS poll included the opinions of Scott French of The Soccer Magazine , Graham Hays of ESPN.com, Paul Kennedy of Soccer America , Dan Lauletta of WomensProSoccer.com, and Mark Rogondino of FoxSoccerChannel.com.

Although their individual opinions are listed below, I have weighted their votes and come up with my own unofficial, but mathematically conclusive ranking. Each first-place vote was worth five points, four for second, down to one point for a fifth-place vote.

Top GK Prospects for the 2010 WPS Draft—Goalkeepers

Todd Civin (with a little help from the experts below), Bleacher Report, and Sports, Then and Now
1. Ashlyn Harris, North Carolina
2. Alyssa Naeher, Penn State
3. Kristin Olsen, USC
4. Kelsey Davis, Portland
5. Erin Guthrie, Rutgers

Scott French, The Soccer Magazine
1. Alyssa Naeher, Penn State
2. Ashlyn Harris, North Carolina
3. Kristin Olsen, USC
4. Kelsey Davis, Portland
5. Mallori Lofton-Malachi, South Florida
Others to Watch : Erin Guthrie, Rutgers

Graham Hays, ESPN.com
1. Kristin Olsen, USC
2. Kelsey Davis, Portland
3. Alyssa Naeher, Penn State
4. Ashlyn Harris, North Carolina
5. Erin Guthrie, Rutgers

Paul Kennedy, Soccer America
1. Ashlyn Harris, North Carolina
2. Alyssa Naeher, Penn State
3. Kristin Olsen, USC
4. Kelsey Davis, Portland
5. Erin Guthrie, Rutgers

Dan Lauletta, Womensprosoccer.com
1. Ashlyn Harris,  North Carolina
2. Alyssa Naeher, Penn State
3. Kelsey Davis, Portland
4. Kristin Olsen, USC
5. Erin Guthrie, Rutgers
Others to Watch : Lauren Robertson, GK, Ohio State

Mark Rogondino, Fox Soccer Channel
1. Ashlyn Harris, North Carolina
2. Alyssa Naeher, Penn State
3. Kelsey Davis, Portland
4. Kristin Olsen, USC
5. Erin Guthrie, Rutgers


About the 2010 WPS Draft

The 2010 WPS Draft is Jan. 15, 2010 at the NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia, PA. The draft is scheduled for seven rounds with the two expansion teams each being given an additional selection at the end of Round One.

Interested players must declare their interest in the draft by Monday, Jan. 4 at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT by registering on-line .

For more 2010 WPS Draft information, visit the Womens Pro Soccer Site.

About Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS)

Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is the premier women’s soccer league in the world, and the global standard by which women’s professional sports are measured.  The Inaugural Season kicked off in March 2009 with seven WPS teams based in the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C.

The league’s eighth and ninth franchises, Philadelphia and Atlanta, will begin play in the 2010 WPS Season, which begins in March 2010.

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The previous story uses excerpts from a press release by the Women's Professional Soccer League. Todd Civin is the community leader for the WPS on Bleacher Report and acts as the liaison between the site and the league. He is also a beat writer for the Boston Breakers. His work can be found on Bleacher Report and Sports, Then and Now.

Ah, the holidays. A time to decorate the house, shop for gifts, bundle up and drink some hot chocolate. A time to sing carols, watch TV specials and spend some quality time with the family.

It's also a time to bring tidings of comfort and joy.

The Who Gives? campaign by Athletes for Hope does just that. The charitable organization that assists athletes in contributing to the community started its campaign with an online debate that asks the question, "Do professional athletes have an obligation to give back to the community?" Athletes including Tony Hawk, Mia Hamm, Steve Nash and Heather Mitts have weighed in with their thoughts on are-athletes-obligated.org .

And if the online debate is all talk, now it's time to walk the talk. December 16, 2009 marks the launching of the second part of the campaign, called Who Gives? Racing for a Cause . Athletes from all over the country compete in a fundraising challenge for their charity of choice. The athletes who raise the most money and receive the highest number of donations will win additional monetary prizes for their respective projects. They have until January 15, 2010 to accept donations.

"It's an interesting thing because athletes like to compete, and now we're competing to help others," observes Boston Breakers captain Kristine Lilly.

The World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist is one of the athletes involved in this friendly competition. Her charity of choice is Clifford's Gift , a West Chester, PA-based non-profit organization founded by her high school best friend, Elizabeth DeRosa.

"Clifford's Gift gives to the homeless. It gives to people that need money for medicine, for food, for clothes, for just the opportunity to keep [their] feet on the ground. It's amazing how many people [DeRosa] has reached and how much more we could reach with this campaign," explains Lilly.

The organization, with the help of donations, has so far done a lot for the less fortunate. This includes purchasing three vehicles as modes of transportation for homeless people, donating blankets, pillows and toiletries to shelters, sending relief items to Hurricane Katrina victims, and providing food and medicine to the needy.

Yet with all these, more help is still needed.

Those who are feeling the spirit of giving during this time of the year, and would like to help Clifford's Gift provide the homeless with life-sustaining medications and bedding supplies, are welcome to visit its page on Global Giving to learn more. Donations can be as low as $10.

"I think we all have an obligation [to give back to the community]. If we stop giving back in some way, the cycle for helping others really stops. I think it's just important for people to give to others that need help," adds Lilly.

"That's really the heart of humanity, to help others."

The following is part of a weekly series in which writer Todd Civin presents the lighter side of the Boston Breakers of the WPS.

The league prides itself in the down-to-earth nature and approachability of its athletes, and Civin believes that "Getting Silly with the Breakers" is an fun-filled way to create a comfortable bond between the fans and the professional athletes who are the Boston Breakers.

A special thanks to Erica Hunt, the communications director for the team, as well as the players themselves for making this approach possible.

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Well, I hope Breakers fans have enjoyed my first two visits to the Breakers locker room (well, not really, but a guy can make believe, right?). I was tickled to have the opportunity to share a light and airy peak at the two transplants from the left coast, Leslie Osborne and Tiffany Weimer.

In this week's, edition of "Getting Silly with the Breakers," we travel to the great north and get to tip back a few cold ones with Canadian-born Christine Latham. Latham played in 16 games for the Breakers last season following stints with the San Diego Spirit, New Jersey Wildcats, and Atlanta Silverbacks between 2003 and 2008. 

Latham attended the University of Nebraska from 1999 to 2002 and has been a member of the Canadian National team since 2000.

Like her sisters in the previous two "Getting Silly" articles, Latham was willing to let her hair down and mix it up in the corners. Here's to throwing back a few Molson, taking an elbow to the chops, and taking off to the Great White North with Christine Latham.

Civ: Your bio said you used to play for the Celtics (Calgary Celtics, soccer).  How cool was it to play with Paul Pierce?

Latham: Paul didn't know when he needed to let me shine. He was always stealing my thunder. I had to get outta there.

Civ: Being born in Calgary, did you consider a career in hockey?

Latham: I thought this whole time that I was playing hockey...

Civ: Was it your Canadian hockey background that led to your two-game suspension this season?

Latham: This is the exact reason I got suspended.

Civ: Did you ever actually husk corn when you attended Nebraska?

Latham: Had to go shag balls that went into the corn fields at practice. So that counts.

Civ: You scored a record 69 goals when you attended Nebraska; does the record still stand?

Latham: Yes, the record still stands and I am very proud of it.

Civ: What teammate is most likely to be arrested and for what offense?

Latham: Easy. Kristine Lilly for stealing pampers for her daughter li'l Sidney!!! Shame!

Civ: In the interview posted on YouTube conducted last June, was that Carrot Top who was interviewing you?

Latham: I thought so. I should have been interviewing him.

Civ: Your motto on your Web site is "If You're Not Living on the Edge, You're Taking Up Too Much Space." Do you have a problem with us fat guys?

Latham: I need to change that. I need to get on a diet myself. I have been taking up too much space.

Civ: Your WPS bio states you have an affection for money. How'd that $250 fine feel when you were suspended?

Latham: I wanted to die!

Civ: If you could have dinner with any character from The Office, who would it be?

Latham: Dwight, because he is sooooo sexy!

Civ: Any relation to Chris Latham the rugby star?

Latham: He is another prick that is stealing my thunder!

Civ: You haven't made an entry in your blog in  months; how is that working out?

Latham: I cant keep up with every little thing I do in a day. I need a helper.

Civ: Your bio states that if you had a dinner party and could invite four people, they'd be Lil Wayne, Michelle Obama, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James— what would you serve?

Latham: I would serve a whole lotta fun. What else?

Civ: How much time could you spend on Newbury Street with your father's AMEX card?

Latham: I would live there.

Civ: What is the best British word that Kelly Smith taught you?

Latham: The word is stodgey. It's whatever you want it to be.

Civ: In your initial segment of "Boston Breakers Behind the Scenes,"  you appear to have a British accent, and in the second segment you do not. What's up with that?

Latham: I am a woman of many faces.

Civ: Who is bigger in Canada: Jason Bay, Alan Thicke, or Michael J. Fox?

Latham: Christine Latham. That's who's bigger.

Civ: Which movie was better: Strange Brew by the McKenzie Brothers or Slap Shot?

Latham: The Mighty Ducks.

Civ: Which Canadian comedian is funnier: John Candy, Rich Little, or Rick Moranis?

Latham: Loved John Candy.

Civ: And lastly, who is the hottest male athlete in Boston?

Latham: Too many. Can’t pick one...CALL ME!

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Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He is a supporter of A Glove of Their Own, the award-winning children’s story that teaches paying it forward through baseball. When not writing sports, he is supposed to be looking for full-time paid work. To date, this has yet to occur.

Boston Breakers midfielder Kelly Smith has been named one of the five finalists for the 2009 FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year Award. 2009 marks the third year Smith has been named a finalist for the award.

“Kelly Smith has a unique and special soccer talent,” said head coach Tony DiCicco.  “Her athletic ability, coupled with her amazing ability to read the game and not only make the right decision but have the skill to get it done, puts her as one of the best women to have ever played the game.

"I am privileged to coach her, and our Breakers fans and fans all across the WPS are treated to an exceptional talent every game she plays in. I am delighted that she is one of the finalists for FIFA Female Player of the Year.”

In the inaugural season of play, Smith lead the Breakers in total points, scoring six goals and two assists in just 15 games. She finished among the top five in WPS in goals scored and was selected to the WPS All-Star team but was unable to participate due to English National Team duties. 

Smith was awarded WPS Player of the Month honors for April, becoming the league’s first-ever monthly award recipient.

The English National Team forward helped England win the 2009 Cyprus Women’s Cup, defeating Canada 3-1, including a goal from Smith. She also played for England during the 2009 European Championships, where England reached the finals.

Smith was nominated to the FIFA Women’s World Player 2009 short list in October by the FIFA Football Committee and the FIFA Committee for Women’s Football. She was selected as a finalist for the Player of the Year award after a poll in which the coaches and captains of women’s national teams from around the world voted for candidates from the short list.

Smith joins two other WPS players, Marta of the Los Angeles Sol and Cristiane of the Chicago Red Stars, as finalists for the award. The other two finalists, Inka Grings and Birgit Prinz, come from 2009 European champions Germany. Both Marta and Prinz have won the award three times, and each is looking to win for the record fourth time.

The winner will be announced at the FIFA World Player Gala scheduled for Dec. 21 in Zurich, Switzerland.

The previous story is excerpted from a Press Release by the Boston Breakers of the WPS. What's News is the alternate profile of Bleacher Report writer Todd Civin and is used to repost Press Releases for the AHL, the WPS, and the NY-PENN baseball League.

Civin is a supporter of the award-winning children's book A Glove of Their Own, which promotes Pay It Forward through baseball.

The following is part of a weekly series in which writer Todd Civin presents the lighter side of the Boston Breakers of the WPS.

The league prides itself in the down-to-earth nature and approachability of its athletes, and Civin believes that "Getting Silly with the Breakers" is an exciting way to create a comfortable bond between the fans and the professional athletes who are the Boston Breakers.

A special thanks to Erica Hunt, the communications director for the team, as well as the players themselves for making this approach possible.

---

Last week, I walked on the wild side and took a figurative tip-toe through the locker room of the Boston Breakers in my maiden segment of "Getting Silly with the Breakers." My fear was that my reputation would precede me and I would see a sign on the outside of the door stating "Men Named 'Civ' Need Not Enter."

Much to my chagrin, I found newcomer Leslie Osborne quite willing to let down her hair and share some light-hearted fun with your local beat writer.

Always one to take success for granted, I've decided to wade into the locker room, yet again, and present another newcomer to the Breakers in the form of Tiffany Weimer.

Like Osborne, Weimer brought her game from left coast to best coast and is busy preparing for her premiere season in Beantown. Weimer played last season for the FC Gold Pride and is looking forward to running the sidelines with the likes of Lilly, Smith, Scott, and, of course, Osborne.

So before her feet get cold and she opts to wait for a more serious interview, here is the latest segment of "Getting Silly with the Boston Breakers."

Civ: You went to Penn State, where you were dominant as a collegiate player. Who was more popular on campus, you or Joe Paterno?

Tiffany: People only know him because he has a statue on campus. If I had a statue, we would've had the same popularity.

Civ: What was the best pizza place on the Penn State campus?

Tiffany: I never went to a pizza place before 2 a.m. at Penn State.

Civ: How does a Nittany Lion differ from a regular lion?

Tiffany: Nittany Lions live on Mount Nittany, duh.

Civ: You are from Connecticut, the Nutmeg State? Is Nutmeg your favorite spice? Do you own a radar detector? Grow tobacco?

Tiffany: Nutmeg is my favorite move, that's about it.

Civ: I know you are very close with your Mom...will she get to come to more games now that you are in Boston?

Tiffany: She will be there as much as possible...and everyone will know because she still yells at me during games.

Civ: Your bio states that Mom quit her job to follow your career...what did her boss say?

Tiffany: My mom makes the rules—so it didn't matter what anyone said.

Civ: In the video "Got Our Swag On," your bathroom seems to be extremely messy. Is it always like that, and does your Mom know?

Tiffany: That was Carrie Dew's bathroom.

Civ: You assisted on the first goal in FC Gold history in game four of the season; what took so long for the team to hit the back of the net?

Tiffany: We actually scored in the first game. (Gotta check those facts.)

Civ: My bad. You're right...Next...You scored 109 goals in your high school career, a school record —will that record ever be broken?

Tiffany: Doubtful.

Civ: You made the McDonald's All-America team; what is your favorite fast food item?

Tiffany: You can't beat McDonald's fries.

Civ: According to your WPS bio, your perfect day off consists of movies and takeout food while wearing sweat pants. Just sweat pants?

Tiffany: That's awkward.

Civ: Any good stories playing on the left coast? Laid-back CA stories?

Tiffany: Well, Carrie Dew, Meagan McCray, and I aren't necessarily morning people, and the three of us would carpool to our 9 a.m. practices every day. We didn't want to drink coffee before practices so we had to figure out a way to wake ourselves up during the car ride to practice.

Once we knew we were about five minutes from the locker room we would blast Love Shack as loud as we could and sing at the top of our lungs—it seemed to help quite a bit.

Civ: Is it true that you and Leslie Osborne were part of a "Buy One, Get One Free" Signing?

Tiffany: I'm pretty sure Leslie was waiting for me to make my decision before she made hers...it wasn't so much of a buy one get one free—rather a follow the leader type thing. Love you, LES :) :) :) :) :)

Civ: The Breakers don't currently have a No. 8, is that why you signed here?

Tiffany: I didn't think it was that obvious, but, yes, that is the reason.

Civ: The person who inspires you most is Kristin Wiig from SNL...What is your favorite character she does ?

Tiffany: Gilly and Penelope are the best.

Civ: Tell us what your grandma said when you missed a PK last year?

Tiffany: My grandma acted as if it were the worst thing in the world. You would have thought someone in my family had died.

Civ: You said you'd like to invite Sarah Silverman to the same dinner party as Roger Waters, Joe Montana, or Fernando Torres...what would you serve?

Tiffany: I would have my grandma make her world-famous meatballs. (Yes, they are world famous).

Civ: Your top place to shop is Adidas.com, does Puma know?

Tiffany: Now they do.

Civ: If you were stranded for life on a desert island...who would you take with you...Fernando Torres or Joe Montana...?

Tiffany: Fernando Torres because he is nice to look at.

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Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He is a supporter of A Glove of Their Own, the award-winning children’s story that teaches paying it forward through baseball.

As the quasi-beat writer for the Boston Breakers of the Women's Professional Soccer League, I presented a weekly expose of the Breakers players last season in an attempt to introduce Boston's newest professional athletes to the fans of Beantown.

Though a valiant attempt, my "Meet The Breakers" series was at best, a recap of goals, assists, caps, and career highlights and never really presented the players as the down-to-earth, approachable athletes that they are.

I have never been and probably never will be a little girl (thank God for little miracles) but I've found the athletes of the WPS to be real life idols to the thousands of girls who watch them from the stands. In an effort to present the Breakers stars as a bunch of "little girls just like them" I thought it would be fun to "get silly" with the team this year and present them in a more personal forum.

I want to thank Erica Hunt, the Breakers Communications Manager, for being receptive to my out of the box approach and also to newcomer, Leslie Osborne for being brave enough to step into the leadoff position.

You'll find Leslie to be an open and willing participant and a big fan of the :) smiley face. I thank her for taking time away from her training in Germany to participate and I welcome her to Boston. I hope you enjoy getting to know Leslie as much as I did.

And without further ado, here is the maiden entry of "Getting Silly with the Boston Breaker's Leslie Osborne".

 
Civ:   If you could win a World Cup or be named America's Next Top Model, which would you prefer?

Leslie:  Hmmmm…let me think about this for a while...Okay, I think I would much rather win a world cup:) That was a tough one:)

 
Civ: You're a self-proclaimed PUMA gal, how many different pieces of Puma Designed clothing, bags, shoes and balls do you own?

Leslie: Well let's just say I have a separate closet for my Puma collection:) I am very lucky to be a Puma gal:) I am usually covered in Puma gear, along with my friends and family!!!

Civ: You modeled the new WPS uni as part of the Puma Fashion show, is that the most elegant outfit you've ever worn in a fashion show?

Leslie:  Well I don't think it was the most elegant outfit, I would say the most comfortable outfit rather I have worn in a fashion show. I didn't have to worry tripping on my dress or rolling an ankle with heels on:) I felt very comfortable and athletic walking down the runway in New York.

Civ: Who is more attractive, you or Heather Mitts?
  
Leslie: You can determine that if you wish.

Civ: With Mitts taking her game to Philly this season, I'm going to pick Leslie.

Civ: The FC Gold Pride had a challenging year last year. Have you ever played for a team with a losing record before?

Leslie: Yes FC Gold Pride did have a challenging year last year. However, if you watched the team play you would have been surprised that the team was not more successful because we had very close games and lost most of the games by only one goal.

The team played possession style soccer that was very fun to watch at times.  I have not played on a team before with a losing record but it was an experience that I know will help me down my career (both as a player and as a person).

 
Civ: What made you sign with the Breakers?

Leslie: Multiple reasons:)  Great coach, new opportunity, awesome city, great talent and potential, Newbury Street:).

 
Civ: You're a Wisconsin girl who will be living in Boston; will it be an adjustment for you?

Leslie: Well, I am a Midwest girl at heart but have been a California girl for the last eight years. Of course it will be an adjustment coming to the east coast, but a pretty easy adjustment. Growing up in Wisconsin will help me adjust quicker:)

Civ: Do you own a Cheese Head Hat? And what are your feelings about Brett Favre?

Leslie: I did own a Cheese Head when I was younger and in Wisconsin, however I don't have it anymore. My family and I will always be a Packer fan and Brett Farve fan!! It's hard to see him in Minnesota now and hope that he can figure out his retiree plans without all of this unnecessary drama.

Civ: Have you ever been to Newbury Street in Boston and how much of your free time will be spent there?

Leslie: Yes I have been to Newbury Street and make sure every time I come to Boston I have a whole afternoon to spend there. From the cafes to the parks to the boutiques, I am in heaven:) I have a feeling I will be spending a lot of my free time there:)

Civ:   Have you ever been to Fenway Park?

Leslie: Yes I have been to Fenway Park in 2005 and it was great!! I even got to sit in the Green Monster and meet some of the players in the locker room like David Ortiz (who is a big soccer fan) and Johnny Damon. Thank you Arden and Puma:) I hope to be at plenty more of their games!!

Civ:   You haven't written on your blog on your Osbornesoccer.com site since February; what's up with that?

Leslie: I need to get on top of that:) I will be starting again for the start of the new WPS season:) I will have great things to blog and talk about from being in Boston:)

Civ: You've been training this offseason in Germany, do you speak German?

Leslie: Yes I have been training here in the off-season with a German trainer and team. The head coach doesn't speak much English and I'm learning German as we speak. Let's just say there is a lot of drawing, hand movements and translation between the girls and I. My boyfriend speaks fluent German so he is a great teacher to have.

The German language is challenging to learn but I am determined to get better.

Civ: Your boyfriend plays professional basketball in Germany. Who's a better dribbler in their respective sport?

Leslie: I would say Kyle is a better dribbler in basketball than I am in soccer:) His best attribute is his ball handling skills and I would say that although my dribbling is pretty good, it's not my strongest quality as a soccer player.

Civ: How loud was the pop when the ACL tore?

Leslie: It was a very loud and snappy pop!! Let's just say I was absolutely sure that my ACL just tore!! Heather Mitts was right there when it happened, we both just looked at each other because we knew.

Civ:   On a serious note, you do a lot of charity work. Can you tell us about it?

Leslie: Oh good, we are being serious now:) Well I have been very blessed and lucky to have had all these wonderful opportunities. If I can help in any way that I can, I will do it. I love children so anything related to kids is my favorite:)

I am involved with the Grassroot Soccer, The Boys and Girls Club  and the Women's Sports Foundation. Every day I remind myself how lucky and fortunate I have been and I hope to give as many kids as I can a sign of hope to go make their dream possible.

Civ:   Best player you've played with? And best you've played against?

Leslie: All three of these players I have learned from, both on the field and off :( They are Shannon Boxx, Kristine Lilly, Formiga. The best I've played against are Kelly Smith and Marta (thank goodness Kelly and I are now on the same team).

Civ:   Most inspirational coach you've played with?

Leslie: I have two coaches that have been very inspirational to me. One would be Jerry Smith. He was my college coach at Santa Clara University and I have helped coach for him at Santa Clara for two seasons. He inspired me to be be a better person, leader and player.

The other is Tracey Leone. Tracey coached me for two to three years in preparation for the U-19 World Championship when I was 19 years old. Her charisma, love, energy and dedication to every single player on our team, made our team come together and play for each other. I still have not been part of a team that had that chemistry, dedication and pure joy. Tracey is responsible for that kind of environment.

Civ:   And lastly, in the spirit of Getting Silly, your nickname is Ozzy, is it true that you are the music legends long lost offspring?

Leslie: No, I am not related to the Osborne's, you would know that if you ever heard me attempt to sing!! I am tone deaf!! TC

 

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He is a supporter of, A Glove of Their Own, the award-winning children’s story that teaches paying it forward through baseball.

The Joe Niekro Foundation is the most recent non-profit organization to join the A Glove of Their Own team and will earn $3.00 dollars from each sale of the book purchased using the donor code JNF636 Joe Niekro Foundation.

Boston Breaker and US National Team star Kristine Lilly appeared last night on "Greater Boston", a Boston based talk show on WGBH Channel 2 Boston, and spoke in detail about the recent violent incidents in woman's high school and collegiate soccer. 

Appearing with Dan Lebowitz, Executive Director of Sport in Society at Northeastern University, Lilly spoke candidly with show host Jared Bowen about the well publicized incidents that happened recently at a high school in Woonsocket, Rhode Island and a college game in New Mexico. In each of these incidents video footage has been blasted across the Internet showing the violent actions of women players during soccer games.

"I think it's an incident that you don't see frequently," explained Lilly, who sees the incidents as isolated and made more newsworthy by Youtube. "The part for me that's hard is the game of soccer is so great and then it's focused on that. That's the part we need to bring back and show the great game of soccer."

"That's what Women's Professional Soccer and the Boston Breakers is trying to show."

Lebowitz agreed with Lilly that if the events had happened 20 years ago before the advent of Youtube, the incidents wouldn't have received national attention.

"For that to become the face of New England women's soccer, or for the New Mexico incident to become the face of women's collegiate soccer is just wrong," explained Lebowitz. "When you really look at the growth of women's sports, it's a beautiful growth.

He continued, "It's a growth about healthy development of young women. It's about cognitive development and conflict resolution. It's about competitive spirit and cooperative spirit and working together."

Lebowitz explained that through the media glamorization of incidents like these it "takes away from what sport really is."

Lilly has quickly become the face of Women's Soccer in Boston after starring for the Breakers in their maiden season in the WPS last season. Together with stars Kelly Smith and Alex Scott, Lilly led the Breakers to a 5-7-4 record last season, their first in the newly reformed WPS.

Greater Boston is aired nightly at 7 P.M. on Boston's WGBH Channel 2.

WGBH is PBS’s single largest producer of content for television (prime-time and children’s programs) and the Web. WGBH also is a major supplier of programs heard nationally on public radio. And is a pioneer in educational multimedia and in media access technologies for people with hearing or vision loss.

The previous story is excerpted from a press release by WGBH TV and is reprinted by Bleacher Report writer Todd Civin. Civin is a freelance writer who works as part of the coverage team for the Boston Breakers of the WPS.