Sept. 27, 2007
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Vanderbilt soccer forward Sarah Dennis responds to your “Ask A ‘Dore” questions submitted online earlier this week.
Are you excited about conference play starting this weekend?
Of course. We’ve been waiting all season for conference play to begin. Our team always steps it up once we get into SEC play.
How did you become such an accomplished goal scorer?
I never actually thought of myself as an accomplished goal scorer. When you talk of forwards, you talk of high stats when it comes to goal scoring. I’m happy that I’ve scored a few goals this year. Hopefully there are more to come, but as far as goal scoring goes, my objective every game is to make something happen…make a goal happen…not necessarily score myself, but have a teammate score or at least get an assist if I can do that.
Does being competitive on the soccer field make you more competitive and focused off the field in other areas of your life?
Definitely. It sets a precedent for other things like school. Even if you’re in competition with yourself, you always have to be better the next day: in the weight room, on the field, in artwork, in everything I do. I like to think of myself as a competitive person.
Since this is your senior season, what at Vanderbilt has had the most lasting effect on your outlook on life?
I am so happy that I have been able to be part of a small knit community. I love Nashville. My family loves Nashville. They just moved here last August. They live 20 minutes away. As far as something nostalgic, I’m really going to miss having everyone always around. There’s always something going on. My friends, teammates, and memories…we’ve definitely had fun.
What is your favorite Commodore sport besides women’s soccer?
I love men’s tennis. I dated a tennis player for a little while, and I started to love the game. I love going to see the women’s matches and men’s matches on campus. I even bought my own tennis racket, so after the (soccer) season ends, I plan on starting to pick up my tennis game.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
I always put on my right cleat before my left cleat. I never put on my shin guards during warm-ups. I just don’t like it. I love to get all of my blood flowing before an event.
Your Uncles Bill & David state that you are a much better player than I (Dennis’ father) ever was. What is your opinion of that statement?
They all played soccer for Navy. I have to say like `father, like daughter.’ He has taught me a lot. When I grew up, he always use to go out in the back yard and play with us. He’s always been a good player. He taught me love of the game, and I’m appreciative of that, but as far as playing goes, I never saw him play, so I can’t make a judgment about that.
Is there any specific reason that you wear number 19?
I’ve been number 19 since my very first travel team when I was probably 11 years old. I was lucky enough that it was open when I got here. That was part of my requirement that if I was to commit to Vanderbilt, I had to have number 19.
Who is your hero?
It may sound typical, but my hero has to be my mom. My mom has been through more I think than many people realize. We’re more similar than I ever thought we were, and that’s really come out in my college years. She’s helped me through a lot of things, and it’s priceless to me.
Who is your favorite roommate – Amy Baumann or Meredith Kohn?
Since Amy’s father asked the question, I have to say Amy, but they’re both irreplaceable. We’ve roomed together for three years now. They bring different qualities to the table. It’s been an amazing experience. I think that’s one of the hardest things that’s going to come along after college ends is breaking apart from them. Who knows, we may end up in the same town or city when we graduate, but they have definitely become my sisters and family since I’ve been here.
Have you been watching the Women’s World Cup and do you have a favorite player?
I have been watching a little bit. I watched the U.S. when they played Sweden the other day. I personally love to study Abby Wambach. We’re very different players. She’s a huge goal scorer and someone that can hold the ball, but I love to see what separates us. I like to take things she can do well and try to incorporate them into my game. She’s an exciting player.
Who is the funniest member on the team and why?
I have to say Meredith Kohn, my roommate, is hilarious because she’s the type of person that basically says everything that everyone is thinking but is afraid to say. I always find her funny.
What attracts you to painting and soccer, and do you feel they go together in any way?
I don’t put them together. I treat painting as an escape, not that soccer is dreadful by any means, but painting is an alternative aspect of my life. I’m really starting to get into it this year being a senior art major. It brings out emotions, such as ones that are brought out by soccer, being in college, and all that good stuff. Painting is my source of output.