Hannah de Haan
Grade: Sophomore
Position: Goal Keeper
Hometown: Leer, Germany
By Malika Andrews |
Why did you choose to come to play in America?
[I came] to combine studying and soccer, because that is not easy in Europe to do both. Soccer is my absolute passion. I love playing soccer, but I know that studying is my future, and it is more important to have a bachelor’s degree. My first priority is studying, and then to play soccer. I like the way that I have the chance to do both in America.
Why specifically at UP?
I visited first in April of this year. I heard about the good soccer program and I heard about Portland. I Googled the city of Portland and I saw a lot of good things. I like rain, and I love windy weather. But for sure the soccer program was most important to me. I have a great goalkeeper coach and he (Coach Aiden Brown) played professionally, and I would like to improve myself through his coaching.
What was difference for you coming in and adjusting to the American game?
It is great. Sometimes in Germany I had problems combining club soccer and school because I have to do a lot for school and I had practice all the time. My school didn’t understand that I had practice, so it was hard to combine it. Here it is so much easier because you can leave class earlier if you have a game or if you are traveling. Everyone is much more understanding.
Have there been any differences in the actual match?
The rules are the same, but what is different between German and American soccer is Americans are more aggressive. I really like that. It is more like one vs. one play instead of in Germany, passing around and tactical things. It is sometimes slower play in Germany too. We analyze a lot of our next moves, and here we just get to play. I really like that.
What is your favorite tradition with the Pilots?
Listening [to] Michael Jackson in the training room before home games.
What are your feelings about this past season and not making the playoffs for the first time since 2000?
You know, we are a very young team and I really like that we have the chance to grow up together. We are a very close team. We had ups and downs, but the overall experience will make us better. I am a little disappointed, but I know that we improved a lot in the last games. I think this season was for us as a young team to learn together. So I am really looking forward to next season.
What are your goals for next season?
I would like to stay healthy, help my team by being a confident goalie, and I would like to make the playoffs.
What is your favorite thing to do off the field?
Hanging out with my teammates, even just going for dinner together. I love my teammates. They are a great group of girls. They have helped ease my transition to America a lot.
