Oct. 20, 2010
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Heading into a big Patriot League weekend with home games against Lehigh and Lafayette, Navy could be counting on Christine Calderon to find the back of the net. The speedy senior tallied goals in wins over both the Mountain Hawks and the Leopards in 2009.
Calderon has played in 82 career games and has scored 12 goals and 38 points. She was chosen to the 2009 All-Patriot League Second Team and is a two-time Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week.
Below is a closer look at the Yorktown, Va. native.
What are some of the reasons you chose to attend the Naval Academy?
I chose to attend the Naval Academy because my dad was a Marine and had mentioned that there was an Academy where you could be an officer in the Marine Corps. I looked into it and saw that they had a great Division I team and also offered a great education, as well as a life as an officer after graduation. My teammate and I came up for a visit and I fell in love with the school and everything that it had to offer.
How has soccer played a role in your development as a future officer?
Soccer has given me a competitive edge in life that has allowed me to achieve my dreams. Soccer has taught me to never give up even when life doesn't deal you the right cards. As an officer you have to be able to handle bad situations and think under pressure. Soccer is a great way to know how I deal with different situations.
What is your favorite memory of your women's soccer career?
All the away road trips where we bond as a team and create so many great memories.
What is your favorite part about life as a midshipman?
My favorite part of being a midshipman is knowing that you would never have the type of camaraderie that you have at the Naval Academy at any other school. It is knowing that your friends are willing to do anything for you and that we are all going to be serving our country when we graduate.
Were there any specific moments that helped to change or define you while at the Academy?
My training at Leatherneck this past summer has definitely helped me to know a lot more about myself and my weaknesses and strengths. It also taught me that the best thing that you can do for your weaknesses is to know them and try to develop yourself in those areas.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I hope to be a Marine Ground officer after graduation.
What is something that people may be surprised to learn about you?
My teammate, Anastasia Abid, and I were on the same club team and rival high schools. She was being recruited to come to the Naval Academy, and I tagged along with her and contacted head coach Carin Gabarra to see if she would be interested in both of us. I was not directly recruited to come and play soccer for the Naval Academy.
## GO NAVY! ##
