Katherine Laboissonniere

Katherine Laboissonniere plays Women's Soccer at Assumption University in Worcester, MA. We interviewed Kat recently and here is what she had to say:

WHAT SCHOOL DO YOU CURRENTLY PLAY FOR?

I currently play for Assumption University and I am a rising junior!

WHAT DO YOU SEE YOURSELF ACCOMPLISHING IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS?

In the next 5 years, I see myself graduating from Assumption University and going onto PT school to receive my doctorate of physical therapy.

WHAT STRENGTH DO YOU HAVE THAT HAS MADE YOU AN ELITE ATHLETE?

I am naturally a very competitive person and I am also extremely determined when I set my mind to something, which has helped me immensely in my athletic career.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF SOCCER?

Outside of soccer, some of my favorite hobbies include reading, going to the beach, and hanging out with my family and friends.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ATHLETE AND WHY?

As of right now, my favorite athlete is either Mallory (Pugh) Swanson or Julie Ertz. (But honestly, anyone on the USWNT can be considered a favorite).

DO YOU HAVE A ROLE MODEL? IF YES THEN WHO AND WHY

My role model is definitely my mom. Everyday, she teaches me priceless life lessons about strength and courage without even trying.

DID YOU PLAY OTHER SPORTS GROWING UP?

Growing up I always played soccer and basketball. In middle school, I also joined the track team along with continuing soccer and basketball, and in highschool I also played lacrosse for two years.

WHAT DOES YOUR NUTRITION PLAN LOOK LIKE?

I do not follow a strict or specific nutrition plan. However, I try to eat a lot of protein (especially on game days) along with fruits and vegetables.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT TEAMWORK IN YOUR PAST EXPERIENCES?

In past experiences, I have learned that teamwork is the most crucial component to making a successful team. A team can be immensely talented, but if they are not willing to work together and have each other's backs, their talent won't mean anything. As I have been on many teams in my life, I have experience both types of teams where we have worked great together, and others where we haven't. I can definitely say the most successful and most fun teams to be a part of are those that have great culture and put emphasis on teamwork.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SPORTS MOMENT?

As of right now, my most memorable sports moment was freshman year at Assumption, when we beat our rival Franklin Pierce in PKs in the quarterfinals.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE RECIEVED FROM A COACH?

The best advice I have received from a coach is to be myself and allow my individuality to shine as a player. Leading up to college, I had doubts and anxiety about proving myself when I got to Assumption. My high school soccer coach and good friend, always encouraged me to be the player I am, and not try to be someone I am not. He believed in me and told me I would shine in college as long as I remain true to myself.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUPERSTITIONS?

I have never really been a superstitious person, however I do find myself trying to eat the same foods on game days and attempting to follow patterns that lead to a successful game in the past.

PERSON WHO HAS HELPED YOU THE MOST IN YOUR SPORTS CAREER?

I am lucky to have many people that have helped me to be the player I am today. My mom who has barely ever missed any games in my entire life, is my biggest cheerleader and is the main reason I am the player and person I am today. In addition to her, I have had some of the best coaches around including my high school soccer coach, Bob Squillante, club soccer coach, Dave DeMello, and my AAU basketball coach, Frank Kiser, who believed in me as a player and a person and have always pushed me to higher levels as an athlete.

PREGAME ROUTINE :

I always have to wake up early on game days. Once I am awake, I like to have a good breakfast such as eggs and bacon along with some fruit. On game days, usually my roommates and I are all either packing up to go on the bus or watching game film before heading to the locker room. On bus rides, I typically get some homework done, listen to music, and watch film.

ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS :

My road trip essentials consist of snacks (granola bars, fruit, etc.), homework, headphones, and my laptop to watch game film!

ONE PERSON YOU WOULD LIKE TO MEET

Taylor Swift

DREAM JOB (OTHER THAN PRO SOCCER PLAYER)

Physical Therapist

FAVORITES:

FOOD - Seafood pasta
MOVIE - Just Go With It or The Notebook
GO TO PUMP UP SONG - Not a specific song, but my team listens to the same playlist before every game and that always gets me pumped up!
NON SOCCER ACTIVITY - relaxing at the beach!
VACATION SPOT - Sarasota, Florida
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT YOU FOLLOW
TV SHOW - Vampire Diaries