Introducing U: Madison Louk
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Madison Louk of the University of Miami soccer team is getting adjusted to college life this summer as she awaits the start of the 2016 season with great anticipation.
Louk, a defender from Murfreesboro, Tenn., took the time to chat with HurricaneSports.com about the beginning of her Miami experience, her style of play and much more . . .
Q: You’ve been at UM for three weeks now. What has it been like for you thus far?
A: Well, at first it was a little overwhelming because you’re trying to get adjusted to college, soccer, training and everything, but for the most part it’s been awesome. It’s a really cool experience.
Q: What has been your favorite part in the early stages of your UM career?
A: My favorite part would probably be the soccer part because obviously I love soccer, but it’s really cool getting to meet the new girls, the freshmen, [as we are] starting to become a team . . . just training with them and becoming friends. So, I like that part of it.
Q: How much does it help with building chemistry that there are so many freshmen in at the same time and you’re all getting to experience everything and adapt together?
A: I think it’s a really good bonding experience, for sure. I would’ve liked it if everybody could have been here, but obviously that’s not always possible . . . It’s really cool how we’re all doing it together and it’s just creating this really cool bond and we’re becoming a lot closer as time goes on, so far.
Q: What excites you most about the future at Miami?
A: I can’t wait to play. [Laughter] I’m so excited to play. We’ve been talking about that nonstop since preseason is only two weeks away. So, I’m just excited to go on the field, honestly.
Q: What emotions will be going through you when you first take the field for your first match as a Hurricane?
A: Whoa, [Sigh] it’s going to be so overwhelming because, first off, you’re representing your school, getting to play the sport you love. So, it’s going to be so great. I’m going to be overjoyed, for sure.
Q: Have you decided what you want to major in yet and, if so, how did you make that decision?
A: I want to go into medicine, so right now I’m on the pre-med track, and I decided that because I really like helping people. I specifically want to get into sports medicine and I’ve seen how sports injuries just affect a lot of my teammates, friends and family. So, I just really want to help athletes get back on the field. I want to do something with that.
Q: When you think back on it, what made you decide Miami was the place for you to go to school?
A: Well, obviously the location. I mean, 20 minutes from the beach, that’s pretty awesome. But, I also really wanted to be in a really good, competitive soccer conference, for sure, and the ACC is as good as it gets. It’s the best in the country. Also, the academics are very strong. So, I wanted to go somewhere where I [might not] necessarily be able to go without soccer. So, this was an awesome opportunity. It is kind of far away from home, but it is still a great school and everything. Also, the coaches—I love the coaches. They have the same coaching style as my club coaches, so it’s kind of cool that I would get the same kind of feel for my college team as I did for my club team.
Q: For people who haven’t seen you play, how would you explain the type of player you are?
A: I’m more of the aggressive, fast player who likes to run up and down the line, and I love tackling and I love heading. I’m an outside back, so I obviously love defending, too, but I will get up in the attack, as well.
Q: Is there anyone you watch and you try to emulate in the way you play?
A: Well, on the [United States Women’s] National Team, I really like Ali Krieger. I like her game, I like how she plays. She likes to get in the attack, too. So, I try to kind of base my play off of her, but for the most part I do a lot of my own things, too.
For more information on University of Miami soccer, follow @CanesFutbol.
