Q & A with Jenee Witherspoon
9/13/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 13, 2006
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Jenee Witherspoon has played three different positions as a Michigan State women's soccer player. Currently starting as a defender, she is just happy to be on the field. With her strong work ethic, she brings a great edge to the field as well as the academic arena. After the Spartans' 1-0 victory over Detroit, Witherspoon took a few moments to talk about her four years as part of Spartan soccer.
Q: It's your fourth season playing at MSU, and you've made a few position changes during your time here - forward, midfielder, and defender. How is each position different, and what has the transition been like each time? Do you have a favorite position to play?
A: I think the most fun position is definitely forward because you get to try and get forward and score all the goals. The transition really hasn't been that hard because I've got so many teammates that are so good at their positions that they help me out. We've got a couple veteran centers that are very organized, so I would say the biggest transition issue is moving into defense because there's so much more you have to be aware of and you have to be mentally sharp the whole game. But, the other defenders have helped me fit right into the role and I haven't had a big problem. Forward is probably my favorite, but I'm just happy to play and happy to be on the field.
Q: Your fellow defenders had 12 shutouts last season. What is the most important thing that players like that, especially Erin Doan, bring to the team?
A: Erin Doan definitely brings organization to the backfield. She's like the quarterback of the defense - she runs the show. Then you've got a couple other players who are really good in the air. Our defenders really have a physical presence and Doan's the brains of the operation.
Q: How do you balance academics, athletics, and time to yourself?
A: Well, that's something that every athlete has to deal with, and freshman year you get into the routine of practice and study tables right after practice and games. I just try and stay on top of homework everyday and stick with it.
Q: You have been to the NCAA Tournament twice and won in the first round last year. Can you talk about what that was like?
A: That was a very exciting win for the whole team. It was our coach's 150th win for the Spartan program. Also, it's been standard for our team and it's something we expect to get back to every year.
Q: Who has been your biggest influence in your career?
A: My parents have been because they have taught me to work hard and stay committed to whatever I am doing. Soccer-wise I'd have to say Abby Shepherd - she used to play here - because she was one of those players who worked the entire time she was on the field. She never took breaks and I really admired her for that.
Q: Can you talk about freshman Lauren Hill and her great start to not only the season but to her college career?
A: It's really exciting when you have a freshman who can come in and have an impact like that right away. She, along with the other forwards, has jump started our offense. You don't want to put too much pressure on a young player, but it's exciting. I mean, we've got three freshmen starting that really have had an impact right away. Hopefully, they can keep the program moving in the right direction.
Q: What's been your favorite soccer memory you have so far?
A: Our NCAA win and beating Texas A&M (who was ranked sixth in the nation at the time) last year in the Big Ten/Big 12 Challenge in overtime.
By Sara Gutowski, MSU Sports Information Student Assistant
