Ben Dines '15
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Women's soccer freshman Kat Uhl (KU) spoke to Santa Clara Broncos (SCB) about what brought her to SCU, what she's experienced so far, and what she is looking forward to.
SCB: How did you end up choosing Santa Clara?
KU: Ever since I can remember, I have wanted to attend Santa Clara. It truly represents the full package! The academics are phenomenal and the soccer program is one of the top programs in the country. I especially love the Jesuit foundation it's built upon. Santa Clara really has everything I looked for in one university! I know Santa Clara University is an environment that will both challenge and inspire me to achieve my potential. I could not be happier to attend this prestigious university.
SCB: You're not the only "Kat" on the team…how are you and Kat McAuliffe working this out?
KU: Funny you should ask! I do not have a definite nickname yet, so currently Kat McAuliffe and I both respond to "Kat". We have definitely had some comical and confusing moments, especially in the game against Notre Dame when we were both playing on the left side. I love playing on the same side as Kat, but it became confusing when instructions for "Kat" were yelled and we weren't sure who they were directed to! It has been tricky to think of a nickname for Kat, which is already a nickname, but so far the coaches have come up with "Uhlie" and "Little Kat". I'm sure something will stick soon, but in the mean time, I'll answer to just about anything!
SCB: You got the first minutes of your collegiate career against UC Irvine. What was it like when you got your named called and when you entered the game?
KU: That moment was surreal. Honestly, I was beside myself! On the outside I wanted to make sure I was composed and prepared, but on the inside I was quite ecstatic! Stepping on the field that first time is a moment I will always remember. While I was definitely anxious and had some jitters, my teammates were right there guiding me and supporting me throughout that game, just as they have supported me every moment along the way since I joined the team. Words cannot convey how thankful I am for my coaches and teammates.
SCB: How do you feel about school starting? Balancing your academics with soccer?
KU: I am really looking forward to school starting! Having been on campus since late June for summer training, I am used to a relatively empty environment. It will be so exciting to finally have the student body on campus! With that said, I am going to miss this fun summer of living and training with my teammates. We've made some incredible memories like barbecuing at Jerry's house and watching the World Cup together, our team bonding trip in Bear Valley, and simply the overall day in and day out routines of living together. While I am excited for school to start, I couldn't have asked for a better summer! Balancing academics and soccer may be initially difficult, but I am confident I will figure out a system that works best! I love school as much as I love soccer, and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to be a student-athlete here at Santa Clara.
SCB: What are you most excited about at SCU?
KU: I honestly would have to say everything! But if I had to narrow it down to one thing, I would have to say I am really excited for classes to start. I can't wait to meet all the incredible professors! I am going in undeclared business, so I have the opportunity to experience different classes and departments. No matter which field I ultimately pursue, I know I will receive a quality education from a prestigious university. I am so excited to experience this next chapter of my life as a Bronco!!
