Meet the Freshmen: Emily Steil

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State is off to a 4-2 start in 2015 and a number of freshmen have contributed to the Cyclones' success. One freshman who has made her mark is defender Emily Steil.

Steil, a native of San Juan Capistrano, California, has really stepped up after a pair of Cyclones, Danielle Moore and Mia McAleer, were sidelined due to injuries. McAleer is working herself back into the lineup, but she doesn't have to overdo it because Steil has filled in and the Cyclones haven't missed a beat.

Cyclones.com caught up with the freshman defender before the season kicked off.

Why did you choose Iowa State?
The soccer program is in the Big 12, so that's really cool. I wanted to go to a big school and I wanted to get away from home. I have family in Davenport, so it's nice that I have some family back here. The coaches were super nice and super friendly and I like their coaching style. Our program is definitely growing, so overall it felt like the perfect pick for me.

What are you looking forward to the most this freshman year on the field or off the field?
I'm just looking forward to getting to know my new teammates and making a new life for myself and playing, hopefully.

What's your style of play like?
Our style is possession and I am definitely possession. I like to get the ball and play it to the forwards and through balls, long balls and stuff like that.

What other sports do you like to play or watch?
Soccer mostly took up a lot of my time. My dad and I are really close so he, my brother and I would watch a lot of football on TV so that helped with wanting to go to a big school and be a part of that atmosphere.

What's going to be your most difficult adjustment coming to Iowa State?
Soccer wise, I'm not that tall. Everybody is a lot taller here and a lot more aggressive so the physical aspect and getting used to that. Then just being on my own probably and being responsible for myself. Not having my mom to tell me to clean my room.

What's your favorite soccer memory?
In club soccer when I was U14 we went to Boise and played for the national championship there, but right next to our hotel there was a rope swing and our whole team went to the river and went on the rope swing and it was really fun.

What are you most looking forward to this season?
Going back home to play Long Beach State and Pepperdine. I'm excited to have all my friends and family be able to come out and watch me because that'll be the only time all of my friends and family back home will be able to see me play.

Steil has started all six games and has been a strong player on the back line. At her left back position, Steil has advance into the offensive attack on a few occasions and has fired three shots, all of which have been on goal.

Check out how the California trip went here.

Cyclones.com will be introducing the rest of the freshmen newcomers throughout the season.

Players Mentioned

Mia McAleer

Danielle Moore

Emily Steil

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics