Darby Kroyer Q and A

Oct. 22, 2003

DURHAM, N.C. - This week, GoDuke.com sat down with freshman Darby Kroyer to get to know the San Ramon, Calif., native. A 5-7 midfielder, Kroyer has started all 14 of Duke's 15 games, while registering three goals and two assists.

How has the transition been for you from high school to college?

It's been different but I've become adjusted.

How different is college soccer than high school soccer?

Actually, I feel that college soccer and high school soccer has a lot of similarities. They are both really physically demanding. I think that club soccer is a little different but college soccer has a little better competition as well. They're both really physically demanding.

Did playing on the U-16 and U-19 national pool teams help with your transition from high school to college?

Yea, I think that playing with people that you are not really comfortable with helped a lot. So that when you get to this environment, where you're not in your comfort zone, there are a lot of good players on your team and surrounding in the ACC. I helped a lot.

Has it been hard for you being so far away from home?

Not really. My parents have been here almost every weekend. They've only missed one home game. I miss my family a lot and all of my friends who are all scattered across the United States playing soccer. I really miss my bed a lot also.

Duke has five players from California on the team. Did you play with or against any of those players growing up?

Yes, Rachel [Rose Cohen] was on my rival club team from North Cal/So Cal so I've played her since I think I was 10 years old. They always ended up beating us, but it was a big competition. Lauren [Tippets] was on my Northern California rival team, and I played her through the state and the regional team so I know her well. Carly [O'Connor] played for my club team, but was two years older so I used to play against her and I actually played indoor soccer with her a couple of times.

What are your impressions of Duke so far?

I love just walking around campus here. It's so pretty. The professors all seem really interesting. They've accomplished a lot so that's really neat. The soccer program, I love playing for this team.

How is it playing for head coach Robbie Church?

I enjoy it. He's funny. I enjoy him a lot and he helps me a lot too. He's a good guy.

What age did you start playing soccer? Do you remember scoring your first goal?

When I was four. Not exactly, but I think I scored my first goal in indoor soccer. I was wearing a little jean skirt at the time.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Not really. I am superstitious so if people start doing something, it bothers me. I pretty much do the same routine. I put on my stuff and sit there and watch everyone else. I'll listen to music also.

Who has had the biggest influence on your athletic career?

Probably my dad. He's always coached me as he's been my coach since I was seven. He's always been there cheering me on.

Did you play any other sports in high school?

I ran cross-country my freshman and sophomore year.

What is the best thing about living in California? Where is San Ramon close to?

The weather definitely is the biggest difference. San Ramon is 45 minutes east of San Francisco. It's really pretty too and I like the hilly aspect.

What are the biggest differences from California and North Carolina?

Definitely the weather and N.C. is not as crowded. The people in California are really laid back. The people here are really nice. Some people in California can be really rude.

What is one thing that most people don't know about you?

I was born in Tokyo, Japan and lived there for two years.

What is your favorite movie?

Rudy

What is the one television show you cannot miss each week?

I like all of the WB shows. I like Gilmore Girls and just got hooked on One Tree Hill and I also like Alias.

What is in your CD player right now?

I listen to a lot of variety. I don't really have a favorite CD.

What web site do you visit often when online?

GoDuke.com

Give some words that best describe yourself?

Competitive and laid back

What is the one thing that you always pack for road trips?

I usually always pack my baby blanket.

If you could appear on the cover of one magazine, what would it be?

Probably Soccer America or Sports Illustrated for Women

What is your favorite place on campus?

My room hanging out with Lauren

I know you are only a freshman, but do you know yet what you want to do when you graduate from Duke?

I have thought about law school. My uncle is a judge and was a lawyer, and I think that might be really interesting. I kind of just want to take a variety of class and see what I enjoy.

Players Mentioned

Darby Kroyer

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