Scores, S’mores, and More!

Name: Karina Gupta

Grade: Senior

Height: 5’ 4”

Hair Color: Black

Eye Color: Brown

Date of Birth: October 13, 2007

Name: Rebecca Pereira

Grade: Senior

Height: 5’4’’

Hair color: Brown 

Eye Color: Brown 

Date of Birth: Oct 4, 2007

1. What got you into soccer? Why soccer?

KG: Growing up, I’ve always played soccer with my brother and his friends. I got into playing competitively through DSL (my neighborhood’s rec league). When I was eight, I joined the DUSC travel team and I’ve been playing for them ever since. 

RP: I got into soccer because growing up, I was constantly surrounded by those who played but never had the opportunity to play myself. So sophomore year after hearing about soccer tryouts, I decided to give it a shot and fell in love. 

1. What are your goals for this season, both individually and as a team?

KG: Our main goal this season is to rebuild. Almost our entire back line graduated last year, so our focus is on strengthening defense. We also have been placing a huge emphasis on team bonding. We set up a three night preseason camp at Camp Scatico and made a lot of great memories there. 

RP: My goals for this team as a captain are to foster a joint community of girls with discipline and character, and to have fun! And with that, I hope to challenge myself mentally and physically, leading my team emotionally and athletically. 

1. What is your favorite memory on this team?

KG: My favorite memory was a night at Camp Scatico where we were at the bonfire making s’mores and each stood up and said something about their experience on the team. It was so meaningful to see how much the team matters to everyone. 

RP: My favorite memory on this team was when we were at a sleep-away camp during preseason, and after the team had watched a horror movie together and played dodgeball, we returned to the cabin at 2:00 a.m. to find a mouse, which we relentlessly chased. There were many laughs that night. 

1. Any pre game rituals or superstitions?

KG: Before games we always huddle up and put our left hands in (closest to the heart) and yell “Stuy” on three.

RP: One of my game superstitions is that if I shoot well during warm up, I’m going to shoot terribly during the game, and vice versa. My pre-game ritual is to do my best to not have a “pre-game” ritual, meaning I attempt to forget about the game and have a good time with my teammates. I play best when my head is clear, and I go into the game and let my body take over without too many conscious thoughts in my head. 

1. What’s the biggest setback you’ve faced as a soccer player?

KG: The biggest setback I faced in soccer was probably in middle school when I didn’t really enjoy playing soccer. I didn’t look forward to practice and hated game days. But when I joined the Stuy soccer team, I started to love soccer again. Now, practice after school is my favorite part of the day.

RP: The biggest setback I’ve faced as a soccer player is financial. Playing and attending extra tournaments, training sessions, and leagues is pricey, and not having the means to pay for all these extras has set me back from many opportunities to take my game to the next level. 

Karina’s responses:

Funniest Teammate: Elizabeth

Pump-up Song: Whatever Rebecca’s singing

Post-Game Meal: Pizza  

Sports drink of choice: Water 

Rebecca’s Responses

Funniest Teammate: Elizabeth 

Pump-up Song: Whatever my teammates and I are singing 

Post-Game Meal: Teriyaki chicken 

Sports drink of choice: Water, but I force Gatorade down