Introducing U: Sammy Neyman
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — In the fifth installment of Introducing U, 5-foot-4-inch midfielder, Sammy Neyman, from North Andover, Mass., took the time to detail with HurricaneSports.com about her transition to UM and the upperclassmen have assisted with this transition . . .
Q: You have been at UM for almost seven full months now. How has it been so far?
A: It has been awesome. It was great to come early to meet the team and now being here I feel more acclimated. I have now gotten used to the school work, as well as, how to manage everything. Overall, it has been really good.
Q: Having the chance to work alongside four other incoming freshman in the spring, how important was that?
A: I think it was a lot easier being with others, especially since it was my first time being away from home. I couldn’t imagine not having them for support. We all went through that transition together, which was good.
Q: What has been your favorite part about Miami thus far?
A: Honestly, the friends I have made. Coming into it I didn’t really expect to make so many great friendships, so quickly, but I did. And the upperclassmen have been very welcoming to us underclassmen.
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 couldn’t even pick someone out specifically, because I go to different people for different things. For instance, [junior midfielder] Lauren Markwith, we have the same major, so I go to her for a lot of advice on classes and stuff. [Forward] Baileigh [Chaviers] is my leader, and she is also a junior so I have gone to her for a lot. And obviously I look up to {junior midfielder Kristina Fisher] Krissy, [junior forward] Dejah [Cason] and [redshirt-senior goalkeeper] Phallon [Tullis-Joyce] and honestly everybody.
Q: What are you most excited for about your UM career?
A: I am just excited for the season. I just feel like there is so much anticipation since being here throughout the spring, and I am just ready to play games and compete.
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: They have been awesome. They have pushed me ways that I have never been pushed before by any other coaches.
Q: What are your main strengths as a player?
A: I think my biggest strength as a player would be my vision in the midfield. I am a very simple player, I don’t think I am very flashy. But I think I make the right decisions, whether it’s playing the ball back or forward into space and at my teammates’ feet.
Q: What do you think you need to work on the most?
A: Honestly, everything. I think I can improve everywhere, which I think is good.
Q: Do you know what you want to major in and, if so, how did you decide that?
A: I am double majoring in broadcast journalism and public relations. I actually did a theater course my first semester and I loved it. I love being in front of people. I am never able to just sit down and do work and I am very energetic. My dad told me, ‘maybe you should take some broadcasting classes.’ So we will see how it goes.
Favorite athlete: Obviously, Tom Brady, and also Rob Gronkowski.
Favorite pro sports team:New England Patriots
Favorite meal: Seafood/Salmon. I love seafood.
Favorite midnight snack: Cheetos
Favorite Ice Cream: Mint Chocolate Chip
Favorite movie: Miracle
Favorite TV show: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
