Last week, while at the NWSL College Draft, the Chicago Red Stars added even more depth to its roster with the selection of the #3 overall pick, Santa Clara University’s Julie Johnston.  Johnston, who was named U.S. Soccer’s 2012 Young Female Athlete of the Year, was able to sit down to answer some fan questions:

Q: When did you begin playing soccer?
A: I began playing soccer when I was 4 years old, and started playing because of my older sister.

Q: What has been your biggest accomplishment in your soccer career thus far?
A: One of my most meaningful accomplishments was winning the U-20 World Cup in Japan. It was the moment that really amplified my love for the game.

Q: What was your initial reaction after being drafted into NWSL?
A: I was so excited to be drafted into the NWSL. Being able to continue my journey with soccer is truly amazing. I was overjoyed when I first heard the news, and can’t wait to start training and playing with the Red Stars.

Q: What is the one piece of advice you’ve gotten from a coach that you will take with you to the pros?
A: One piece of advice I will take with me in the pros is “To always enjoy it. To remember why you play and to play with your heart.”

Q: What is your biggest focus heading into the 2014 season?
A: My biggest focus is to learn all I can at the professional level. I really want to help the team in any, and every way possible.

Q: Who is your favorite soccer player and why?
A: My two favorite soccer players are Messi and Iniesta who play for Barcelona. I love watching the passion they play with. They are two of the worlds best players and add so much class and flare to the field. As a midfielder, Iniesta is spectacular in his vision of the game.

Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
A: I don’t have any pregame rituals, however I love to talk on the phone with my family before.

Q: What are the five most played songs on your iPod?
A: Latch – Sam Smith, Wake Me Up – Avicii, Carolina – Eric Church, The Man – Aloe Blacc, Pompeii – Bastille

Q: What has been your favorite memory in soccer?
A: I have so many memories from soccer. In college, my favorite memory was playing in home games. Internationally, my favorite memory was beating Germany in the U-20 World Cup final game. And my all-time favorite memory was my first camp with the full U.S. Women’s National Team.  I loved every second of it, and couldn’t stop smiling.

Q: What is the first thing you’ll want to see/do when you come to Chicago (outside of playing of course)?
A: I’ve heard so many great things about Chicago! I am so excited to explore the city and to call it home.  The first thing I want to see is Cloud Gate, aka the bean! I want to take a picture in the reflection.