Colorado University Athletics
Draft Day Quotes - Washington Freedom
Related Links
Jim Gabarra -Washington Freedom Head Coach
What drove your decision to pick Nikki Marshall as your first round pick?
"We were looking for someone that will help us defensively but also a versatile player. We were prepared to pick between her and one other player both of which we knew would be available, but she was the one we have had targeted for the past four to six weeks. "
What first caught your interest in Nikki as a player for the Freedom?
"I was impressed with her performance with the USWNT U-20's and the more we spoke to other coaches and Nikki, the more we were impressed."
What are you hoping she will bring to the team?
"We believe that she will bring a very good defensive presence and fit in very well."
What was your final deciding factor to pick Nikki?
"Her personality."
Bill Hempen -Colorado head coach
What do you think Nikki will bring to the Freedom?
"Incredible work ethic that will drive the rest of the team. Nikki will fit right in."
"She'll run through a wall and take every bit of coaching that Jim has to offer and put it immediately into action."
"She has a great deal of respect for players on team and will learn immediately from."
What do you think could have prepared her most to play for the Freedom?
"The Big 12 Conference is a conference that tests you in every realm of the game, physically and finesse - she's experienced it all. "
"Having the opportunity to play at the world stage at the youth level - she's played against the very best and wants to be the best"
"She's the kind of kid that can be the face of a franchise. She's such a great person."
"I think the Freedom has got a great kid. A great person to be representing the franchise"