Oct. 7, 2002

By John Yeager, Villanova Media Relations

Julie Battista is a four year starter for the 20th ranked Wildcats. She is a tremendous leader as well as a key offensive catalyst for head coach Ann Clifton and the Wildcats. So far this year the wildcats are 8-1-3 and Battista has been a key part of the early season success. She has two goals and two assists and provides leadership for the entire offense. Battista and Villanova will take their 20th ranking on the road over fall break to face Florida International and Miami(Fla.). The next chance you will get to see Battista and the Wildcats at home will be October 16th vs. Princeton at 4:00 P.M.

JY: When and what was your major influence in starting your soccer career?

JB: I have two older sisters who played soccer when they were younger all the way up to college. Both of my sisters were coached by our father and I would always be around the soccer scene so that is how I became interested in playing. My father also played soccer during his years at Boston College. It is a legacy of sorts in our family to play.

JY: Did you participate in any other athletics during high school or were you strictly a soccer player?

JB: I played soccer in the fall and in my spare time and in the winter I would play basketball (1000 point scorer) and in the spring I would run track in preparation for the upcoming soccer season.

JY: Why did you decide to attend Villanova University?

JB: I liked the environment that Villanova provided and the area around the school. I immediately felt comfortable with the coaching staff and the teammates here. The academic reputation is second to none. It just was the right fit for me.

JY: What is the biggest difference between this year's team and teams of the past?

JB: Experience is a key factor in our early season success. We have been to the NCAA's last year and know what it takes to be successful. We have improved our defense by moving around players and adding a second system and really by just having repetition after repetition in practice.

JY: What was it liked to be ranked for the first time in the Ann Clifton era?

JB: Well it was exciting but we didn't have a chance to fully recognize it. The polls came out on a Monday and we had to concentrate on a pesky Georgetown team on Wednesday. Notre Dame is the measuring stick for our conference and Georgetown beat them, so we had to have two good practices and be focused and ready to play that Wednesday.

JY: Sum up your four years at Villanova.

JB: My career has been a roller coaster of sorts. Soccer is what sticks out in my mind the most at Villanova. We have had good years where we won the ECAC's and we followed that with a down year my sophomore year. Last year was the high point when we got invited to the NCAA's, but this year we are striving to be better and advance farther than ever before. I will miss my teammates because, " We like to have fun."

JY: How would you define yourself as a player?

JB: I use my experience to my advantage. Playing in a familiar position and being surrounded by good players makes it easier for me to flourish in what I am trying to do out there. I have become more aggressive as a player and pose a danger once I am able to get behind opposing defenses.

JY: What are your plans after graduating from Villanova?

JB: I plan to attend graduate school after I graduate. Eventually I want to attain a good job and have a successful career.