11 Questions With Alex Butera
8/26/2008 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Aug. 26, 2008
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Rolltide.com and the Alabama women's soccer team have started a new weekly segment called 11 Questions. Select players and coaches will check in weekly on Rolltide.com and answer questions pertaining to things on and off the field. The first edition features junior defender Alex Butera.
Rolltide.com: With the start of the season just a couple days away what are you most excited about? Alex Butera: I am most excited to see how much our hard work has paid off against Memphis and then Jacksonville. We've put a lot in these past couple of weeks and to see results this weekend will be exciting.
Rolltide.com: How has the new coaching staff been and how is the transition? Butera: The new coaching staff is amazing and the transition has been easy. They are so positive with us and are always willing to help, which is what we need when trying new things. It's nice to see how dedicated they are to the sport and to our team, because we invest a lot of time and so do they.
Rolltide.com: What are the team goals and what are some of your personal goals for the season? Butera: A team goal for us would be to make it to the SEC's and to the NCAA's. We have the ability to and we work so hard, so I think if we continue on like we have been for the rest of season we should do well. A personal goal for myself would be stronger defending. I just recently moved to defense last season, so my goal is to make better decisions as a defender.
Rolltide.com: What matches are you most looking forward to? Butera: I am looking most forward to our game against USC because they are the defending champs. Knowing that we get to play the best competition out there is such a thrill and I think it will be a good game. I also always look forward to every SEC game because they are always a good match up. Beating Florida would make my week too because I HATE the gator chomp.
Rolltide.com: You play your first home game on Sunday, what is the best thing about playing at home? Butera: The best thing about playing at home is the familiarity and tradition of it. I get a good night sleep the night before in my own bed, I usually eat the same thing, I can mentally prepare myself for the game in our locker room, and I get to see familiar faces cheering us on in the stands.
Rolltide.com: What is something that most people don't know about you? Butera: Something most people don't know about me is that I once sent in a tape to Oprah trying to get on her show because I wanted to be just like her. I am still waiting for her answer...
Rolltide.com: What is on your IPOD right now? Butera: I have a variety of different music on my IPOD. I tend to listen to more hip-hop and rap before games like Lil Wayne because it gives me such energy. But I also have artists ranging from Michael Buble, to Andrea Buccelli, to Britney Spears.
Rolltide.com: What is your favorite pregame meal? Butera: My favorite pregame meal is something light. I get so nervous before games so if I eat too much I will get sick. I usually eat a sandwich or a bagel. We recently had Olive Garden before our game and I enjoyed that!
Rolltide.com: When and why did you start playing the game of soccer? Butera: I started playing at age seven. I had just quit gymnastics and wanted to be involved in another sport. Most of my friends were playing soccer so I decided to join.
Rolltide.com: Why did you choose to go to the University of Alabama? Butera: I knew the minute I came on my visit that I wanted to go to Alabama. My visit was on the Alabama vs. Auburn football weekend, and the amount of pride and excitement Alabama fans showed their team was overwhelming for me as an athlete. I knew I wanted to play for a school that cared for and took pride in their athletes.
Rolltide.com: What do you plan to do after you graduate? Butera: Well after I graduate I will most likely go on to graduate school. I am not ready to go into the real world yet so I plan on prolonging it as long as I can. I am a broadcasting major and would like to eventually end up doing something with sports, who knows maybe I'll be on ESPN one day!
