Introducing U: Erika Middleton
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Sunshine State native, Erika Middleton joined the University of Miami soccer team this spring.
A 5-foot-10-inch defender from Jacksonville Beach, Fla., the Duncan U. Fletcher graduate took the time to detail to HurricaneSports.com how her opening months as a member of the team have gone.
Q: You have been at UM for almost seven full months now. How has it been so far?
A: It has been really good. I enjoyed coming early because I felt like I got a lot farther ahead than I would have if I came this summer. It was good to train with the team and get acclimated to how we are going to play.
Q: How was it joining midyear as opposed to coming in the fall?
A: It was good, because there was a group of four of us and we were all in the same boat. So no one felt like they were behind or anything because we were all in it together.
Q: What has been your favorite part about Miami thus far?
A: The weather, I love warm weather.
Q: What are you most excited for about your UM career?
A: To score goals from center back. I am trying to get some headers.
Q: You have had a few months to get to know head coach Sarah Barnes and assistant coaches Alan Fread and Jeremy Williams. How have they been and what have you learned from them so far?
A: Great. I really like all of them. And I feel that they have a really great mindset for where our team needs to be and they will continue to help us to get better and carry us into the future. And I am really happy that they are here.
Q: What are your main strengths as a player?
A: I’m big, I’m strong. I win balls. And I believe I have a good vision of where to play the ball.
Q: What made you decide Miami was the school for you?
A: The weather. I wanted to stay warm.
Q: Do you know what you want to major in and, if so, how did you decide that?
A: Exercise physiology. When I was growing up I wanted to be a teacher. But I didn’t want to be a teacher after my mom was a teacher. So then I wanted to be a nurse, but I wanted to stay in sports which is why I chose exercise physiology.
Favorite athlete: Julie Ertz
Favorite pro sports team:Jacksonville Jaguars
Favorite meal: Steak and potatoes
Favorite midnight snack: Cheese-Its
Favorite movie: Ocean’s 11
Favorite TV show: Friends
First pet: Pit bull boxer named China
