May 23, 2009 by Tom Ginocchio
Q & A with LA Sol (and former WCSC) player, Val Henderson:
Question #1: You were drafted in the 5th round for the Women's Professional Soccer league by the LA Sol. Having played and starred for UCLA, how did you feel being drafted by your local team?
Val: I would've felt really fortunate to be drafted to any of the teams, but getting to play for LA, what has become my second home, is a great bonus. It's been great to meet fans who followed me in college and are just as excited about the LA Sol. I feel very well supported here and am happy to be close to a lot of my friends from college.
Question #2: Going from one of the top college programs to the professional league, you were in training camp with some of the top players in the world. What were your expectations going into training camp?
Val: Training camp was a really exciting and nerve-racking experience. I felt the tremendous desire to prove myself and the pressure to do well and make good first impressions. But going in, I felt I had done what I could to prepare and just went in with confidence and looked forward to meet everyone and be a part of something so special.
Question #3: How does the level of play in the WPS compare to the college game?
Val: The greatest thing about the WPS is how good every team is. Each team is loaded with amazing US and international players, and every game is a battle. Playing for a top college, we often went into games confident that we were very likely to win. In the WPS, every game has the atmosphere of a final four game. In every game you're facing full national team players, olympic medalists, world cup champions: the best of the best. The smallest mistakes will be punished.
Question #4: As a goalkeeper, you get shot on daily by one of the top players in the world in Marta, what is that like?
Val: Marta and I have a fun relationship. She scores ridiculous goals on me every day, and I throw the ball at the back of her head...haha, playing with Marta is great because she's always preparing me for the worst. No, I'm not going to be able to stop her every time, but playing against her speed, agility, and trickiness is great experience. I also constantly try to get feedback from her....in this scenario, what makes it harder for you to score? What are you thinking about on this play? What can I do in this situation? Etc. Having the access to one of the best soccer minds in the world, I really have an opportunity to better learn the game.
Question #5: During your youth career you were an extremely focused and motivated player, and one of the mentally toughest game day competitors. Having played in the Walnut Creek Soccer Club, you are a role model to many young players out there with dreams of playing at the college and professional level. What advice would you give to them in their training habits and preparation for games?
Val: Make every training worthwhile, and always strive to do your best. When training, make yourself your greatest rival. Always try to outdo yourself. Once you see that you can do something, hold yourself to that standard and keep raising the bar. If you've done it once you can do it again. When you work hard and are happy with your performance in practice, you can go into games with confidence. Remember great passes that you connected or goals that you scored or saved in practice, and know that you can repeat it in a game. Most importantly remember that you play the game because you love it. Have fun!
