Introducing U: Michelle Giamportone
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Hailing from the Hyde Park, N.Y., freshman forward Michelle Giamportone of the University of Miami soccer team went south after graduating high school, looking for a different experience.
HurricaneSports.com caught up with the 5-foot-10-inch freshman out of Rhinebeck High School to chat about a variety of subjects, including what she is most looking forward to about college and her major . . .
Q: To start off, you have been at Miami for about a month now. How has the experience been thus far?
A: It’s been good. It’s been a lot chaos, there are a lot things that need to be done, paperwork to be signed and organizing stuff. Moving in was difficult. There are a lot of miscellaneous things that you didn’t realize you had to do. So, it’s been chaotic, but it’s been fun. It’s definitely an eye-opener and I’m loving it so far. Overall, pretty good.
Q: What has been the most enjoyable aspect?
A: I think being in a different place and going around, getting used to new sights. Waking up to palm trees. For me, it really was about coming somewhere that was different than what I was used to and I’m definitely enjoying the different culture that’s around here, the different people. It’s totally different from home. I love that aspect of it and I love the team. The whole atmosphere is totally different than I was used to on my old team and we just do everything together. So, I like that as well.
Q: Although you were looking for something different, has there been anything adjustment-wise that was different than you expected?
A: I think getting used to the air has been a lot different than I expected because you’ll be running and it’s like you’re breathing in water, the air is so heavy. [Laughter] I thought I was going to be fine with the air until I got here, but other than that, everything else has actually been a lot smoother than I originally thought.
Q: Are there any upperclassmen in particular who have gone out of their way to help show you around and help you get acclimated?
A: I guess Ronnie [Johnson]. She’s been a very big influence on how the team is sort of coming together and us freshmen getting introduced. She pushes us a lot, too, to start acting like we’re actually on the team already. Lexi [Castellano] helped me figure out where I was, mostly.
Q: How would you describe yourself as a soccer player?
A: Physical. Technical. I have bursts of speed, but not very fast. I’m strong. I’m a good target. I think my physicality is the most important part of me as an athlete, like the height. I don’t weigh much, but I’m big. So, that benefits me a lot. I’m very technical, my technical skills are probably a great asset. Other than that, first touch and dribbling, I don’t dribble that much, but I know when to utilize those certain things. I’m left-footed.
Q: What do you think you need to work on the most?
A: There is so much to always work on. Where do I start? Honestly, a big thing that I’ll have to work on, I think, would be probably my aim. When I shoot, I’m not that tricky. I just kind of kick the ball. It’s soccer, you kick a ball. I think that would probably be the most important thing for this preseason and coming into the fall season would be to definitely work on placement of my shot. Playing in the ACC, there are better goalies. That’s going to be important for a forward.
Q: What are you most excited for about your college career?
A: Honestly, just to become my own person, soccer-wise and academically. This is that time in your life you get to be whoever you want and I think that will be what I’m most excited for. [I get to] just to start my life on my own, focus on what’s important to me and have people around me who focus on the same things I do. Becoming better at what I love. I’m excited about a lot of things, but just in general, I think it’s to be able to be free.
Q: Do you know what you want to major in and, if so, how did you decide that?
A: Mechanical engineering. I want to do that for four years and see how that goes. If I honestly love it as much as I possibly could, I might stick with it. I hope I stick with it, mostly. It’s a good field. It’s very difficult. I chose it mostly because I really didn’t want to do anything else [Laughter] to be completely honest with you. It’s a field I can do a lot with, so it’s broad enough for me to make a decision based off lots of options.
Q: What made you decide Miami was the school for you?
A: I wanted to play in the ACC. The ACC is one of the biggest women’s soccer conference. Also, there is a lot that comes from being at a school with a lot of history and they have a lot of successful sports, not just soccer, like basketball and football. I wanted to go to a school with a lot of money because when there is a lot of money, you get a lot of nice things, like training rooms, new soccer equipment, nice lockers. I get to play on a team that is up-and-coming, sort of the underdogs, but hopefully will be on the top by the time I’m out, in the ACC. Endless opportunities.
To keep up with the University of Miami soccer team on social media, follow @CanesFutbol on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
