Off The Pitch: MaKayla Waldner

Over the offseason, HailState.com will interview select Mississippi State soccer players in an effort to learn more about their lives on and off the pitch. Upcoming sophomore MaKayla Waldner is next on our list as we sit down with last season's freshman sensation.

MaKayla Waldner Q&A

Q: How has practice gone so far?
A: "Practice is going well, it's a little stressful at times but the team is improving every single day. We play our first spring game this Saturday, so it's pretty exciting right now and things are finally coming together for us as a team."

Q: What are your expectations for the fall?
A: "I have high expectations for the team this fall. I know Tom, Matt and Jason really believe in us and think they can help turnaround the program. We have a good team, we are finally all coming together and realizing our strengths. If one of us is weak in something we work on it to improve. The coaching staff takes time to get to know us as not only players, but as people too and they really bring us together."

Q: What have you improved on from last fall?
"My touch has gotten better on the ball and the new coaching staff has instilled more confidence overall in my game. The team chemistry has improved as well, but for me the main thing that has gotten better is the way I control the ball."

Q: What is the atmosphere like on the team this spring?
"The competitiveness has definitely increased dramatically. Not only is there a standard now throughout the team, but we have so many small competitive things going on. It makes you really compete harder than you ever have before."

Q: You come from an athletic family, are you used to competing in everything?
"All throughout my life I have been raised to compete in everything I do. Whether it's how fast you can tie your shoes or how fast you can run. With my family growing up there was always something competitive going on between us. So, it's nice coming here and being able to compete with other athletes instead of just my family members."

Q: Who is the most athletic person in your family?
A: "I would have to say me, if I had to pick someone else I would go with my older brother because he is very athletic. He was a state champion in wrestling and right now he is an Army Ranger, so he's pretty top notch."

Q: You played football in high school, how did they come about?
A: "So, I played tennis in high school and I was out on the courts one day in August right before the start of football season when the offensive line coach came out and asked me to come tryout. He was just like, 'MaKayla, I know you play soccer and we don't have a kicker so can you just come out and try.' So one day after tennis practice I walked over to the football field and beat out the kicker on the first day."

Q: How was the experience being the only girl on a team full of boys?
A: "It was so odd. I didn't really know what to expect and you can tell all the guys didn't know what to expect either. They would say things on the sideline and then catch themselves and apologize. There were a few times when I would get hit hard and the opponent would come up after the game and apologize because they didn't know I was a girl, but I was like 'no, it's fine I put myself in this position.' So everyone was kind of cautious, but it was a fun experience."

Q: On the road, what reactions did you get from the fans?
A: "When we warmed up no one would wear their helmet, and as you can see my hair big and bushy. It really stands out, so people would look over at our sideline and you could just see the confusion on their faces."

Q: What plans do you have upon graduation with your major?
A: "My major is biological engineering, so I plan to design prosthetics and things like that. In one of my high school physics classes, we did a bunch of small building projects. We did things like building a mousetrap car and making it go 15 meters or dropping an egg 30 meters high and not letting it break. So you just had to put your mind to work and think about things and how to solve issues. With my brother being in the military it makes me think about all the veterans coming back home who might have amputations and stuff like that. I really just want to help people and this is one way I think I could."

Q: How important have the upcoming senior class been to the team?
A: "It's going to be so weird when they leave because there's like nine of them. Whenever we go out on the field, half of that class are leaders for us. They're always there for you on and off the field and they have your back whenever you need it."

Q: What is the most important lesson you've learned in your first year at MSU?
A: "Time management, definitely. I've learned that whatever is important to you to take advantage of it, whether that is school, family or soccer. You learn that time is a precious thing and you can't take it for granted. It's always nice to take a step back every now and then and realize the importance in life and what we have now."

Q: How is it living in Starkville?
A: "I love Starkville, I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. The town I come from, Dexter, Mo., is a really small place. It's a very loving community, where everyone knows everyone, so when I got here everyone was just so sweet. The southern hospitality here is incredible."

Q: What's the biggest thing you've gained since coming to MSU?
A: "I have a very close-knit family and my dad has told me from a young age that family is the most important thing. It didn't change when I got to MSU. I wasn't trying to find a new place, or a new home. It was already here right in the clubhouse."

Quick Hitters
Favorite thing to get out of the MSU Soccer Clubhouse fridge: Bagels
Favorite place to eat in Starkville: City Bagel, I am a sucker for some bagels
Favorite sport to attend besides soccer: Women's basketball, they're so good
Who she would take to trivia night: Rhylee DeCrane, she can spit out random facts
Smartest teammate: Ciara Donnelly, she has a 4.0 and I would trust her with my life
Funniest Teammate: It's a tie, Khalyn Harmon and Kayleigh Henry
What gets her ready for a game: Visualizing the game and preparing mentally
Hobby outside of soccer: I love art and like to sketch or paint
Three words teammates use to describe her: Fast, strong and smart
One word to describe 2016: Eventful
One word she hopes describes 2017: Successful

Social Media
For more information on MaKayla Waldner, or any other Bulldog soccer player, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at "HailStateSOC."

Mississippi State University Athletics

Off The Pitch: MaKayla Waldner

Related News

Players Mentioned

Rhylee DeCrane

Khalyn Harmon

Kayleigh Henry

MaKayla Waldner

Related Videos