LAKE WALES, Fla. - Welcome back Royals’ sports fans to Royal Talk, our bi-monthly segment where you the fan get an up close and personal look at a Warner University student-athlete in a question and answer forum. This segment will be featured on the Warner University athletics website at www.warnerroyals.com and will look at different athletes from the various sports teams Warner has to offer.
In our 3rd installment of Royal Talk, we sit down with junior Abigail Frook to discuss all things women’s soccer. A midfielder for first year head coach Nelson Ramirez, Frook came to Warner University by way of Port Charlotte, Fla., where she was homeschooled and played soccer at nearby Charlotte High School.
Abby (as she is more commonly known) is an elementary education major who hopes to impact the lives of young people whether it be in the classroom, on the soccer field, or wherever else life takes her. Here is more of our interview with Abigail Frook.
1) What were some of your concerns adjusting to a new team, being a college freshman?
Coming in as a freshman to a college athletic program, I think is a bit unnerving no matter who you are. Not sure exactly what to expect, I was no exception. The level of play and my new teammates were the biggest worries that I remember having. I did not know if it was going to be similar to playing club or if it was going to be a whole new level of play. We also had a large group of freshman come in my first year. Competition for playing time, team bonding, and cohesion on the field were all concerns of mine.
2) How have you adjusted to Coach Nelson’s coaching strategy?
Coach Nelson is one of the most knowledgeable coaches of the game that I have ever had. He has a different coaching style and methodology than most coaches in my past experience. His constant pushing for perfection was overwhelming at first, but I now see that it is all because of his belief and pride in his team.
3) Looking back at your first year, what are some of the things you’ve learned (Sport related)?
One of the biggest things that I learned my first year was to be versatile as a player. I never really had a set position to call my own during my soccer career. Of course, I had preferences, but in the end it was up to my coach to decide where I would best benefit the team. I played a number of different places on the field that first year. Through that seemingly chaotic first season, I learned to be more versatile than I had been and to play my best for my teammates, wherever that may have been.
4) Have there been any funny moments for you in practice?
My all time favorite practice was my first year during the fall season. It was a practice where we were using a ball machine to practice our ball receiving skills. That in itself is enough said. In the group I was in, we were all laughing hysterically. I, of course, was the lucky one to be next in line to receive a ball from the dreaded machine. None of us were paying attention and were too busy laughing when we heard in the distance a sound similar to that of a mortar. Thuuuump…. I hear Lou saying, “Abby, go!” I attempted to run and receive the ball while laughing hysterically. It did not really work that well. I can’t remember whether or not I trapped the ball well or not. All I remember is the sound of that crazy machine in the distance.
5) Explain your thoughts on being named team captain in only your second year?
When I first heard that the coaches were asking me to be team captain, I had mixed feelings about it. I have been a team captain on most of the high school and club teams that I have been a part of, so it was nothing new to me. The surprise came from me being one of the younger girls on the team, but yet they wanted me to step up and take that position. I took it as an honor and used it as an opportunity to make myself better and push myself that much harder.
6) How did it feel to score your first collegiate goal against William Carey in the first game of the season this year?
It was such a good feeling. I had come close many times in the past year, but never finished. I am not a player that cares who scores the goal as long as it goes in back of the net and onto the scoreboard. I enjoyed that feeling of the first goal, but I was happier to add a goal to the score for our team.
7) Have you been involved in any big sister roles? Has there been anyone who helped you out?
One of my biggest helps on the field has been Lyndsey “Lou” Weaver. I give her much of the credit for my coming to Warner. Ever since my recruiting visits, she has been a huge encouragement and motivator for me. It is her example that I try to model my own captain’s position after.
8) What’s been the ‘funniest’ off-the-field moment for you so far?
I can’t think of just one moment in particular. Our team is so close and we always have so much fun together that it is almost impossible to name the ‘funniest’ moment we have had.
9) What do you see for the team going forward? (this season, next season, the future)
I see this program growing tremendously. The difference between last year and this year, and even from the start of our season this year, is remarkable. As a team, we have grown so much, and the growth in individual players is continual. If we keep on the track that we have started, we will be achieving great things in the near future.
10) You were home schooled before you came to Warner – how do you like college life? Adjustments, Dislikes?
The college life here at Warner is great. I had no problem adjusting at all. I was very involved at the high school where I played soccer, so there was really not a huge transition from high school to college for me. All in all, the change was great.
11) What would you do differently as a freshman entering college and playing a sport? Recommendations?
I don’t think that I would have done anything differently. The balance that I had between work, soccer, and classes worked out well for me. I didn’t ever really feel pressured for time and overloaded with schoolwork. The only recommendation that I would have would be to be organized and to incorporate time management skills into the whirlwind of college life.
12) What’s your most memorable moment so far?
Preseason of my first year here; enough said!
Be sure to check back on October 28th for our next edition of Royal Talk.