Home Opener vs Seattle Reign | Sat. March 23, 3pm
January 30, 2014

Red Stars Q & A: With Vanessa DiBernardo

The Chicago Red Stars had a chance to sit down with their first round draft pick and Naperville native Vanessa DiBernardo to discuss her thoughts on the NWSL College Draft and the upcoming Red Stars season. 

Q: When did you begin playing soccer?
A: I started playing soccer when I was 4 years old.

Q: What has been your biggest accomplishment in your soccer career thus far?
A: My biggest accomplishment in soccer has been being a part of, and winning, the U-20 World Cup.

Q: What was your initial reaction after being drafted into NWSL?
A: I was so excited to be given the opportunity to play soccer at the next level, and to continue playing the sport that I love.

Q: What is the one piece of advice that you’ve gotten from a coach that you will take with you to the pros?
A: The best piece of advice I’ve been given is “to be confident and to enjoy the experience.”

Q: What are you most looking forward to about living in Chicago?
A: Since I’m from Chicago, I’m excited to be in my hometown playing in front of friends and family.

Q: What is your biggest focus heading into the 2014 season?
A: My focus for this next year is to enjoy the experience of playing in NWSL, while also developing as a player at the professional level.

Q: What would you be doing if you weren’t playing soccer professionally?
A: Finishing up my degree at the University of Illinois.

Q: Who is your favorite soccer player and why?
A: I really enjoy watching Messi play. He’s very creative, and a fun player to watch and learn from.

Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
A: I don’t have any pre-game rituals that I can think of.

Q: What are the five most played songs on your iPod?
A: I mainly listen to the Lumineers on Pandora.

Q: What has been your favorite memory in soccer?
A: My favorite soccer memory was the entire U-20 World Cup team cycle, as well as my college career.

Q: What is the first thing you’ll want to see/do when you come to Chicago (outside of playing of course)?
A: I love going to the city, so anything in Chicago I look forward to doing. Plus, the food here is hard to beat.

Related Stories

Chicago Red Stars, Wintrust Announce Partnership for Significant Community Investment

Feb 27, 2024
Read More

Laura Ricketts-Led Group of Diverse Investors Buys Chicago Red Stars in $60 Million Deal

Sep 01, 2023
Read More

Red Stars to Host “World Cup Welcome Back” Match Against Angel City FC

Aug 05, 2023
Read More
See More Related
Wintrust logo white
Copyright © 2023
All Rights Reserved
Privacy PolicyTerms & Conditions
crossmenu