Athlete of the Week

Daily Vanguard: Why did you choose to come to Portland State?
Emily Rohde: I was originally at Witworth University in Spokane, Wash., and the biggest reason I came to Portland State was soccer. Portland State is, like, 10 minutes down the road and I can go and see my family. The soccer team is awesome, and I am glad everything worked out.

DV: What has been your best moment on the field?
ER: Scoring my first goal. It’s funny, because head coach Laura Schott and I had a deal that if I score my first goal, she is supposed to dance on the sideline. And the team was pretty excited about that.

DV: If you could change one of your sport’s rules, what would it be?
ER: I wish the refs would be more lenient on fouls, because our back line likes to go in strong.

DV: What is your greatest strength?
ER: Being able to get the ball down, and settle it and keep it for the team—my composure on the ball.

DV: What is your favorite place to eat around campus?
ER: It’s probably a tie between Chipotle and Big Town Hero. Goalkeeper Cris Lewis and I go to Big Town Hero often.

DV: What is your favorite thing to do around Portland?
ER: I love going to Blazers games.

DV: What is the first item you would buy of you won the lottery?
ER: I would buy a big boat or a yacht.

DV: What is your most embarrassing moment on the field?
ER: I normally don’t get embarrassed that easily. But on Friday, it was wet and when I tried a throw in, it slipped and went to an opposing player’s feet and the referee said play on.

DV: Do you have any hidden talents?
ER: I can sing, and I don’t think many people on the team know that.

DV: What was the last thing you cooked?
ER: I made pasta last night.

DV: If you could attend one sporting event, anywhere, what would it be?
ER: A game in the World Cup next summer in South Africa. I would probably go see Brazil or Germany.

DV: What has been your favorite class at Portland State?
ER: African Development Issues. That’s because I have taken physics and calculus, and they are not exciting at all.

DV: What’s on your iPod right now?
ER: I have lots on my iPod. My favorite song right now is “Three” by Britney Spears.

DV: If you could have dinner with three people from history—alive, dead, or fictional—who would they be?
ER: Martin Luther King Jr., for one, because of what he did for the African-Americans. Princess Diana would be another one, because of what she did for the poor people in other countries. And Michael Jackson, because he is one of the most famous artists in history.

DV: Do you read the Vanguard? If so, how often?
ER: Probably once a week. I like the sports section.

*This interview was edited for brevity and clarity.