Introducing U: Jackie Koerwitz
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Hailing from Sacramento, Calif., freshman Jackie Koerwitz traveled across the country after graduating high school to bring her talents to South Beach.
HurricaneSports.com caught up with the 6-foot, 1-inch forward/midfielder to chat about a variety of subjects, including what she has liked the most since joining the Hurricanes…
Q: To start off, you have been at Miami for almost a month now. How has the experience been thus far?
“It’s honestly been amazing. I am so thankful I was able to come early since I have been able to get adjusted both school and soccer wise. I know all the people and what I need to be doing. It is also just great being here and getting acclimated to the weather.”
Q: What has been your favorite part through the first month?
“I think my favorite part is getting to know the team, especially with everyone starting to trickle back from all of their hometowns. I am just excited to work with new coaches and be a part of a new team and atmosphere. All of the older girls have been super nice and understanding and they are willing to help with anything.”
Q: What do you feel are your main strengths as a player?
“I mean, I am 6’1, so I am pretty good in the air. I am also good with ball distribution and I love to take people on. So, that gives me a little bit more of a creative edge.”
Q: What areas do you think you need to improve on the most?
“I saw this quote yesterday, and it was like ‘mental toughness is to physical as four is to one.’ So I just want to work on mentally being stronger than I am. Because physically I feel fine, I just want to keep pushing. Also, I just want to continue to work on my soccer IQ as well as shooting with my left foot.”
Q: Are there any pros who you look up to and try to emulate or whom you just enjoy watching?
“Watching the World Cup was amazing, they all did amazing. But Alex Morgan, I have always just liked how quick she is with the ball. She is willing to pass it off and then get it back. She doesn’t have to do it all herself. Which is kind of like the player I am. I don’t really feel like I have to dribble through everyone to be the star. Passing and playing a good through ball and allowing someone else to score is just as good. So, definitely her.”
Q: What are you most looking forward to about your college career?
“Just to be successful. Even if we don’t do as well as we want to in this first year, we just have to continue to keep building from there. Every single year I need to progress as a player and we need to progress as a team, as a community. Continue to get better and better myself, even in the classroom. So, just really, be a better person.”
Q: When you think back on it, what made you decide UM was the school for you?
“I committed as a sophomore, so when you are that young it is pretty hard to tell exactly what you want. But as soon as I came here, I knew. This was it. Even being from California and knowing how far Miami was, imagining myself here as a 15-year-old was no problem to me. I was just so excited. Also, I am a biology major and the bio program here is amazing. The soccer here is also amazing, the facilities are amazing. They treat the athletes so well here and I was just excited to come to this weather. I love the beach.”
Quick Facts…
Favorite meal: Pasta
Favorite tv show: Gossip Girl
Favorite movie: Soul Surfer
Favorite ice cream: Coffee
Favorite midnight snack: Cheerios
Go to song to warm-up to:“Eye of the Tiger”
