Q&A with Beverly (Goebel) Yanez

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – A standout at the University of Miami from 2007-09, Beverly (Goebel) Yanez is now playing professional soccer in the NWSL with Seattle Reign FC.

A native of Moreno Valley, Calif., Yanez spent three seasons at Miami after transferring in from Sacramento State. She graduated from UM in December 2009 with a degree in sport administration.

Seattle is currently in third place in the NWSL and Yanez has started every game this season. Tied for the team lead in goals, the talented forward recently took some time from her busy schedule to do a Q & A for HurricaneSports.com . . .

The U . . . will always be a part of me. My playing and schooling experiences will always be some of my best memories.

When I first came to Miami . . . I was so excited because the campus was beautiful and I the team was a wonderful group of girls. The weather was so warm and the beach was just beautiful. I felt blessed to pursue a college degree and soccer career at UM.

My favorite part about the U family . . . is the constant efforts to keep relationships with the alumni while focusing on building a strong squad for the future.

Transferring to Miami . . . was a difficult decision, but one I am so grateful for! I knew once my plane landed and I saw the campus that it was definitely somewhere I wanted to be.

Receiving my diploma . . . was the most amazing accomplishment. It felt so good to receive my diploma and know I could pursue a career in something I loved, sports.

Playing soccer has given me . . . an opportunity to travel the world and meet some amazing people!

If I wasn’t playing soccer . . . I would have pursued a career in dermatology or nutrition. I am still looking to become a Registered Dietician Nurse once I am finished playing.

I first started playing when . . . I was five years old. My parents said I loved it so much they just continued to sign me up year after year.

Life as a student-athlete was . . . difficult at times, but also very fun. Being able to travel, play and work on homework gave me a new setting besides sitting at home or in the athletes’ study hall.

I’ll never forget . . . when I missed my first PK! I never wanted to take PKs again, but by the time I was in college I was out for complete revenge. I forced myself to be confident in kicking again.

I had no idea . . . I would live in Japan for two and a half years and have the opportunity to work on different aspects of my game, as well as immerse myself in a completely foreign country. I love everything about the Japanese culture and style of soccer.

The hardest part . . . about being a professional soccer player is constantly being away from family. Although, being away has given me the chance to grow as a person and have much more respect for the time I do get to spend with my family!

I’ve learned things . . . do not always go always planned, try to always find the positive out of any situation and control what you can control. Let the rest take care of itself.

Looking back . . . there is nothing I would’ve changed. Maybe I didn’t make all the right decisions, but all my decisions have made me who I am today. Life is a journey and accepting that not all the decisions you make will be the right ones, is a part of it.

I was raised . . . to believe that anything is possible!

The most influential people in my life are . . . my parents and my husband. My parents support and love growing up allowed me to pursue my dreams. My husband’s constant support and willingness to relocate with me has allowed me to pursue my dreams. I am so thankful in so many ways for these three and will forever be grateful to have them in my life.

If I could spend a day with anyone, it would be . . . Lionel Messi!

Other than soccer, I’m talented at . . . wanting to learn more. To be honest, I have no real other standout talents, but I do take pride in wanting to learn more. I love watching documentaries on a variety of different topics.

Growing up in . . . a family of five, there were always some fun activities going on! My mom ran a daycare when we were younger, so we had so much fun interacting with the other daycare kids and doing crafts.

When I was six years old . . . I didn’t have a care in the world. I enjoyed swimming every day and eating candy!

I really want to continue . . . to inspire people and hear about their journeys.

I secretly wish . . . I was an amazing cook and on the Food Network channel!

If I could model myself after anyone it would be . . . my husband. He has the biggest heart and works so hard to make others around him happy. His personality is vibrant and inspiring.

If I could wake up anywhere in the world tomorrow . . . it would be Alaska. I have always wanted to go on a cruise to Alaska!

The best advice I ever received . . . was from my parents. They always encouraged me to follow my dreams and treat people the way I wanted to be treated.

A lot of people don’t know that . . . I have 10 nieces and nephews! I love every minute of being an aunt and enjoy spending time with each of them!

Competition . . . runs through me daily.

I’ve always wanted to be . . . a background dancer. I absolutely love dance, all forms, but am way too shy to be the lead dancer. Therefore, a background dancer would be more my style, haha!

I grew up . . . with a big family. Holidays and birthdays were so loud you couldn’t hear a thing, but I loved everything about being a part of a bigger family and hope to have a big family of my own someday.

People might be surprised to know that . . . I was married at age 23 to my high school sweetheart!