This week, I sat down with Bonnies standout freshman Danielle Vis. Vis, a product of Milton, Ontario, was an all-star for the Bonnies in her first collegiate season as she finished third on the team in scoring with four goals and one assist for nine points in 19-starts. Shockingly, that isn’t the only accolade for this freshman phenom. Vis added to her illustrious freshman season by scoring three game winning goals. She was also named an Atlantic-10 Rookie of the Week twice on the year and was just recently named to the 2014 Atlantic-10 All-Rookie Team.
In my exclusive interview with the freshman forward, I asked Vis to comment on her play this season and what she has to do to remain consistent in her next three seasons donning the St. Bonaventure uniform.
Q: As your freshman season just recently came to a close, what can you take from your play this year to build on for next season?
DV: I feel I can take away a lot of experience and a better knowledge of the game. Transitioning from high school to college was a big jump, but now that I have an understanding of what it takes at the next level, I’m excited to start preparing for next season.
Q: This season you were a key contributor on the field, as your 3 game winning goals are just an example of your many contributions. Coach had you playing a lot in high-pressure situations. How did it feel to be relied on so heavily as a freshman?
DV: It feels incredible. Even though I’m a freshman and may not have the strongest presence on the team, it is definitely nice to be able to contribute and help our team win games. It was always an amazing feeling to be called upon in a big role so early in my collegiate career. I just can’t wait to see what coach has in store for the rest of the team and I next year.
Q: Are there any parts of your game that you know you can improve upon? If so, how would you go about making those improvements?
DV: There are always many things an athlete can improve on. I myself truly feel that there are many facets of my game that I can work on getting better at. Firstly, I need to work on finding an open person to make passes, as well as working on making smart passes. I need to know when there is pressure on my back and be able to think quicker. Working on finishing is always important too. To make these improvements I think I just need more practice with a ball, and the team. I will get on the field and work on these things in the off-season in order to get better. As an athlete, when you practice, you just get better and better each and everyday.
Q: What are you and the rest of your team going to miss most about the three departing seniors? (Molly, Brittany, and Alicia)
DV: Number one is their leadership: it will be difficult to replace those three girls. It’s always tough to lose the people who teach you so much, so we as a team have a challenge in front of us to find a way to replace them. We will get it done and use their former guidance as an example.
Q: In what role do you see yourself playing next season for the Bonnies?
DV: First and foremost I see myself as a team player and a positive contributor to the women’s soccer program. After having a year of college experience, I now know what it is going to take for me to improve my game. I also expect to be able to help the new players in the program, just like the older girls did for me.
Q: What are your off-season plans? What are your training plans to stay in shape for next season?
DV: Lifting and conditioning with St. Bonaventure’s Strength and Conditioning Coach Darryn Fiske, in addition to the spring training our coaches have planned for us. The season may be over, but we are already working in preparation for next season.
Q: In my Post-Season report card, I named you team MVP. This is a very uncommon award to be given to a freshman, in any sport. Reflect on that for a bit if you can?
DV: It’s a true honor to be recognized as the MVP of the team in your post-season review, but I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am currently if it weren’t for our coaching staff and my teammates. They help me on a daily basis in every component of the game.
Michael Loffredo 