I got the chance to sit down and interview 2024 Defender and Mansfield University commit Tori Ochs.
Q: How long have you been playing soccer, and what positions do you usually play?
Tori: I have been playing since I was 3 years old, I play outside back, center back, holding and attacking mid as well. All at a high level…very position flexible.
Q: Can you describe your playing style and strengths on the field?
Tori: "Very physical and very fast... move the ball decisively and with touch. Let's lock down defense on the best players on the opponent. My major strength is being told I am technically sound and efficient."
Q: What do you love most about soccer?
Tori: "To me, soccer is more than just a game; it’s a lifestyle. But most of all, I love to play soccer because it makes me want to be a better player or athlete, a better person, and a better teammate. Not to mention, I’ve met some of my best friends through soccer!"
Q: Have you played for any club teams or participated in any tournaments or competitions? If so, which ones and what were your experiences like?
Tori: "I have played for many club teams, all with very different successes and challenges. I started my cup career at Steel Town Magic, which was a rough year. We had won one game all year, but I met a group of girls I’m still friends with to this day. Then I moved to Century Main’s white team, where I learned how to work for my spot and play tons of different positions. We even won a championship that year along with getting second place. That team was then cut because of our age, so I moved to Beadling East, where I took and made my first PK kick. Unfortunately, my family had moved that year, so the drive became too far, and I had to leave. I then moved to FCP, where I played up and down an age group for the first year, and my team had two close championship matches where we ended in second place. Then I played with my age group and had a similar year. After that, I went to Victory, where I found my home and my family. I have been here for about 4-5 years, and we’ve had at least 3 second places, and we tied for first place in the FC Capitol Cup this year. I have been able to play up with our older age group, where we have gone to regionals twice and came out champs once, and we went to nationals where we were top 4! I had also played on an Olympic development team, where we went undefeated until the championship game of regionals."
Q: What are your short-term and long-term goals in soccer?
Tori: "My short-term goals are to make all section or all regional and to be captain on my high school team, along with another championship in my spring cup season. My long-term goals are to play on the field my freshman year of college, become stronger and faster, and develop strong bonds with my future teammates. And one of my goals was to commit to college, which I did by committing to Mansfield University."
Q: How do you balance your commitment to soccer with your academic or work responsibilities?
Tori: "It’s very difficult, especially since I always have lots of classes, and difficult ones at that, but I make sure to build a study hall into my day and utilize my time wisely. I also constantly do homework in my free time from extra classes, and I find time before or after soccer for stuff I didn’t get done throughout the day and studying for any tests."
Q: What made you choose Mansfield?
Tori: "The best way to describe it is that the first time I went, I felt like a little kid on Christmas, and I loved the coaching staff, the way they played, and how kind and realistic the girls were when I stayed over for an official visit. I eventually realized during my college search that I was looking for a place closer to home, and that distance was the only thing keeping me from committing. I soon realized that 5 hours didn’t sound like such a bad deal for everything else they had that I wanted. Not to mention they had my major, and soccer is a priority, but education is first and foremost the most important thing, which I found to be a very important attribute. Mansfield had recruited me from day one, and I fell in love with the school at an ID Camp and the coaching staff during my official visit last October."
Q: Do you have any other hobbies or interests outside of soccer?
Tori: "I love to read and paint or draw; baking is also a fan favorite; and I absolutely love to play and spend time with my Aussiedoodle. I played powder puff last year, and I had done track my freshman year, but this year I would love to try rugby. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make that happen, though, as I don’t want to get hurt. I love to spend time with my family and friends, and my favorite place to be is the beach or somewhere cold and snowy. I know they are total opposites, but they are completely true."
Q: Do you have a favorite pro soccer team or favorite soccer player?
Tori: "My favorite team is definitely the USA Women’s team and my favorite two players are Julie Ertz and Alex Morgan!!"
Q: You have to sum up your soccer career in one word. What would it be?
Tori: "I would say determination would probably sum it up the best."
Make sure to follow Tori's Twitter: @ToriGirl2024
Keep an eye out on @SSN_NCAASoccer for more interviews. While you are there, make sure to drop a follow.
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