Oregon State and Canadian Under-20 national team forward Jenna Richardson rejoined her collegiate teammates last September after competing in Japan at the 2012 U-20 Women's World Cup.
Individually, the year already was a success for country; now Richardson turned her attention to the Pac-12 Conference. The junior scored seven goals and added an assist helping OSU to a 11-6-3 record concluding with a loss to Oregon during the rival's annual meeting known as the Civil War.
Top Drawer Soccer ranked Richardson as one of the nation's top performers at season's end.
In addition to this and other postseason accolades, the forward earned an invite to the Canadian national team year-end camp.
The assessment-based camp, a nine-day training experience, marked Richardson's first call up into the senior team, no doubt a result of her strong performances at last March's CONCACAF U-20 Championship and the U-20 Women's World Cup in concert with her fall campaign at Oregon State.
The Surrey, B.C. native kindly spoke via email about competing at the U-20 World Cup, the best away venue in the Pacific-12 and her experiences training with Canadian superstar Christine Sinclair.
1. Can you give some insight into the U-20 Women's World Cup now that you've had some time to reflect on the experience?
The U-20 Women's World Cup was an amazing experience in some surreal venues. We all felt very accomplished qualifying and went into the tournament with big expectations and goals. Although the results were disappointing the experience made for amazing memories. Playing and starting for my country and playing against teams like North Korea and Japan (exhibition) were so beneficial to my play.
Coming back from Japan I realized how much knowledge I had absorbed through my time with Andrew and the rest of the staff and my teammates. Being at Oregon State now I constantly refer back to that World Cup and use what I have learned to better myself and my teammates.
2. The Pac-12 is a fantastic women's soccer conference, perhaps the best in the country. Which away venue is your favorite?
The Pac-12 is an amazing conference. Very physical and competitive!
My favorite away venue would have to be Stanford because it is always a huge game and that is when my team is truly tested. The atmosphere is always loud and exciting which makes for an intense game. Can't complain about the weather either!
3. How has the rapport between you and head coach Linus Rhode developed since you arrived on campus?
I think the relationship between me and Linus has made great progress over my past 3 years here. I was initially interested in his coaching style when I found him similar to my Whitecaps coach (Jesse Symons) back at home. Overtime, I have come to respect him and his program here at Oregon State.
And three for fun:
4. Best off campus food/restaurant?
Cheba Hut is a new sub shop that popped up on Monroe and I can't get enough of it! I have also grown to like Mexican food which is a fan favorite around here.
5. What's playing on the iPod?
ED SHEERAN is sheer perfection. I am going to see him this summer <3
6. Player or club you supported growing up?
Growing up I supported (surprise, surprise) the Canadian Women's team and The Women's Whitecaps.
Kara Lang was one of my favorite women's players along with Christine Sinclair and I would always chase them around trying to get their autographs wherever I could!
Being at camp with Christine this past winter break was surreal (she probably didn't know I secretly idolize her).
Read more Six-a-side Spring 2013 interviews.
Links:
1) TopDrawerSoccer.com
2) Official website of Oregon State Athletics
3) Official website of the Canadian Soccer Association
4) U.S. Soccer official YouTube channel
5) Official website of Oregon State Athletics
6) Official website of Vancouver Whitecaps FC
7) Cheba Hut
8) Vancouver Whitecaps official YouTube channel
Photo Credit: Oregon State Athletics
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