Introducing U: Tati Pardo
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – A native of Miami, Tati Pardo joined the University of Miami soccer team this spring, midway through her freshman year.
The 5-foot-4-inch defender from Gulliver Prep took the time to detail to HurricaneSports.com how her opening months as a member of the team have gone, as well as discuss what it is like to go to school close to home and more . . .
Q: Joining the team in the spring, what has it been like since then, getting acclimated to everything?
A: It’s been crazy. I’ve never actually trained this hard in my life. I had to train for three weeks straight [when I was joining the team] and go crazy on that part and I still wasn’t anywhere near what the girls were doing fitness-wise. So, I think that’s been the hardest part, but I think I’ve gotten along really well with them. It’s been nice to have a support group again. I tried joining a sorority, but that was not for me. I wanted that team feeling and it’s been nice. I missed the discipline.
Q: How much do you feel like your game, fitness and stamina have progressed in the several month you have been part of the team?
A: I think they have progressed a lot, considering that I stopped for a full year. I was so out of shape. I think it has progressed a lot. I can actually keep up with them now. Playing-wise, we haven’t played that much. I played maybe four games over the summer, but I know my skill is there. It just has to be brought out again. I’m a little rusty, but I’m excited.
Q: What would you say has been your favorite part since joining the team?
A: I think just seeing both sides. I was a non-athlete before and now I’m seeing the athletic side of the school. It’s just been cool seeing both sides and all the benefits the athletes get, like the tutoring. Everyone just wants to help you succeed, whereas, on my own, I was totally lost. It’s been a cool experience.
Q: UM as a whole, regardless of the soccer aspect of it, how much have you enjoyed your first year-plus here?
A: I loved it. I honestly think it’s the best school in the world. I would never want to leave. I always tell my friends to come back home.
Q: Have you thought about what you want to major in and, if so, how did you decide?
A: So, actually, I had no idea what I wanted to major in throughout the year and I figured it out towards the end. I thought I wanted to do the pre-med track, but it’s not my thing. Not specifically because of the classes or anything, just because of the future after undergrad, it’s a little too much for me. I do love exercise, the human body, anatomy and that type of stuff. So, I chose exercise physiology as my major, sports medicine as my minor and I’m going to be on the pre-physical therapy track. My goal is to eventually work with athletes and do that. I’m excited.
Q: What is like going to college near home?
A: It’s a big thing for me. I get to see my goddaughter all the time. She’s growing up, she’s four. Her older sister is six. I’ve been there for this whole year. They’re just starting school. So, it’s been nice. I’m glad I stayed home—I was going to go away—because I went through a lot of losses this year. I’m glad I was home because I could have my support system with me, rather than being alone in a dorm crying by myself, going through all this, maybe not getting to go to any of the funerals. So, I’m happy I stayed home. It’s been good.
Q: What do you see as your strengths as a player?
A: My long balls. That’s my favorite. I would take all the free kicks at my high school.
Q: What do you think you need to work on the most?
A: My left foot, definitely. I can use it in situations where I have adrenaline, things just end up working out when it comes to my left foot, but when I practice it, it’s so frustrating, can’t get things right.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about the season?
A: Just the experience. I have no idea what I’m getting into, to be honest with you. I got a little preview in the spring, but I was only there for three games so I don’t really know what to expect. I know preseason is going to be insane. I’ve been going through those 6 a.m., workouts and it’s a lot. It’s the hardest I’ve ever worked in my life. So, I’m just excited to see what comes.
To keep up with the University of Miami soccer team on social media, follow @CanesFutbol on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
