Oct. 27, 2008

With their final regular season match at Regal Stadium fast approaching, the seniors on the Lady Vol soccer team are looking to close out their careers on a high note. Yet, before Jaimel Johnson, Kylee Rossi, Sarah Van Sickle, Leslie Vineyard and Alissa VonderHaar move on to their next adventure, they're sitting on the hot seat to each answer 20 questions leading up to their Senior Night on Friday, Oct. 31 against Georgia.

Senior midfielder Leslie Vineyard has started 67 matches during her career and notched her first career goal in Tennessee's 2008 opener at Chattanooga. Hailing from St. Louis, Mo., Vineyard is one of the team's co-captains this season. A speech pathology major, Leslie is a three-time Academic All-SEC selection and earned adidas/NSCAA Scholar All-South Region honors in 2007.

1. If there were one rule you could change in soccer, what would it be?
I would change the rule about redshirting. I think that if there is a bad injury preventing an athlete from continuing and they've played less than 50 percent of the season they should still be able to redshirt.

2. What is your favorite place to eat in Knoxville?
Its not really high class but I could eat Moe's everyday of the week, even though that's probably not the best food for an athlete.

3. Which celebrity would you like to date?
Hmm...that's a toughie. Probably a big-time athlete so I could be the athletic trophy wife and produce amazing little athlete kids.

4. What was your favorite game to play in elementary school?
Without a doubt it was KICKBALL. I was the only girl at recess that the boys would let play with them, so I was kind of a big deal.

5. What would you do with a million dollars?
"I would do nothing, I wouldn't work, I would just do nothing." -Peter, "Office Space" Well that and probably shop a little. I AM a girl after all.

6. What Halloween costumes are you wearing this year?
Actually it is really funny, Kylee, Alissa, Sarah Van Sickle, Sarah Jackyra, Melissa Speros and I are all being characters from the Wizard of Oz. I'm going to be the Cowardly Lion.

7. If you had a theme song, what would it be?
I have no idea, probably a Coldplay song because I am just a chill, easy-going person who doesn't get too crazy about much of anything.

8. What sound or noise do you hate?
I HATE the sound of someone's fingernails along a chalkboard, it makes me cringe just thinking about it.

9. If someone rented a billboard for you, what would you put on it?
I might put a picture of me smiling with big words just saying "Have a nice day." People would either smile or laugh at my goofy smile so that would accomplish my goal.

10. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?
Cereal. I love Coco Pebbles and milk. It's like getting two treats in one. The actual cereal which is good, and then the chocolate milk after the cereal is gone. It would be like getting two foods I guess.

11. If a sandwich were named after you, what would be on it?
Probably salami, pepperoni and melted provolone cheese with a pickle on top. It's spicy, hot, and fills you up. Perfect.

12. What is your dream job?
Not to work? Is that a good answer? Well that's my dream "job"

13. What is something that most people don't know about you?
I like watching it rain.

14. When are you happiest?
When I am with my team on the road and winning, of course. We have the most fun together and even though this season has been tough, I wouldn't trade these girls for anything. It also helps that Coach Kelly really takes care of us when we travel.

15. What is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere hot, and tropical where I can lay, catch some rays and swim. I love swimming.

16. What is your favorite word?
I have no idea.

17. What advice about college would you give to the freshmen?
Enjoy it. You have such an advantage over any average Joe in this world because you are learning things that make you a better person in life. The four years fly by and it is harder said than done when you are going through all the tough times soccer brings, but I think I will miss those tough times the most. They really shaped who I am and I am a more mature person who is ready to get out there in the "real" world, even though I don't necessarily want to. Enjoy your teammates and don't worry about the adversity soccer throws at you, there are worse things in the world than running 120s!

18. Always...
Smile, laugh, and eat good food.

19. Never...
Cry, pout, frown, or complain. I hear it'll knock minutes and hours off your life!

20. Describe fellow senior Jaimel Johnson in three words...
Crazy, beautiful, and best goalkeeper in the country. I know that's more than three, but she rules.