SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with recently-committed players who have Featured Profiles in the SoccerWire Recruiting Directory. The series allows players to share their stories on the college recruiting process, travel and high school soccer, and their passion for the beautiful game.
In this edition we will showcase Olivia McPherson, who has committed to play NCAA Division I soccer in 2025 at Cal. McPherson plays travel soccer in the ECNL for Slammers HB Køge.
McPherson plays on a dominant Slammers HB Køge defense, helping the team to a ECNL National Championship in 2022 and two more ECNL Finals appearances in 2021 and 2023.
SoccerWire: What made you decide to commit to Cal?
Olivia McPherson: Deciding where you want to attend college is a very hard decision and can be intimidating and there are many factors that go into it. I think once you visit all the schools you’re visiting you really do love one school and it just feels right, that was how Cal felt for me when I visited. There were so many things I loved about the school, the program, and the team. The team dynamic and pure enjoyment when the girls were practicing was something special, the beautiful campus, and the whole athletic department were some specific things I loved about Cal.
SW: What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
OM: The recruiting process can be different for everyone, but I think for most it can be a stressful process. For me, it was a process that I definitely will never forget and it was a special experience for me, nonetheless it was still stressful and there was a bit of pressure that I felt making sure that I would pick the “right” school. I learned a lot from this whole process, three key things I learned were to trust myself, believe in myself and have lots and lots of patience.
SW: What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
OM: My favorite subjects in school are English and Spanish. In college, I would like to major in journalism and minor in media studies or sports management.
SW: Growing up, who was your favorite soccer player?
OM: My favorite soccer player growing up was Mallory Pugh. Her accomplishments at such a young age was super inspirational because I was also watching her at a young age which made me feel like it wasn’t impossible to achieve goals at a young age.
SW: Outside of soccer, what clubs, organizations, and/or jobs are you involved in?
OM: I actually have a job, I work at a retail store on the weekends and sometimes weekdays when I don’t have practice. At school, I am in BSU, which is the Black Student Union.
SW: What are your favorite pair of cleats that you have ever owned?
OM: My favorite pair of cleats I have ever owned are my Copa Mundials, and I still play them now, to this day.
SW: What has your experience been like playing for Slammers HB KOGE?
OM: The Slammers organization is like one big family. One thing I will always appreciate about my club team is the closeness of everyone and how all the coaches and girls treat each other. All of the coaches for both Slammers and Slammers HB KOGE are super involved in not only their teams but also others. There has been a countless number of times where there are multiple coaches from different teams and age groups on the sideline there to support my team and be there to cheer us on. I’m close with all the girls on my team, and I know it’s not always like that for everyone but it’s something that I don’t take for granted.
SW: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play defender what would it be?
OM: One piece of advice that I would give to a younger player that wants to be a defender, would be to work hard and train hard at your game and you can accomplish anything, and that you may have a bad day or a bad game but don’t let that discourage you. Use the harsh moments and bad days to fuel your energy to train and make you a stronger player both mentally, and physically.
SW:Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
OM: Two people in my life to this day have helped me extremely as a player and a person. Without my dad, I wouldn’t be where I am today, he has made countless sacrifices for me, always been there to support me, given me all the resources there are, and so much more. My dad will do anything and everything possible to make sure I am the best player that I can be. From driving me to training in Orange County and Santa Clarita multiple times a week, getting me the best cleats that I can have, making sure I do all the recovery after games and training, etc. He gives the best pep talk speeches hands down and when I have a rough day or am struggling he’s always there to pick my head up and motivate me to be stronger.
The second person who has also helped me is my old coach and trainer Greg Baker. No one else has ever pushed me so hard and made me believe in myself more. He has helped me gain my confidence as a player and do things I didn’t even know I was capable of. He has made me a more aggressive player and a smarter player. Without both of these people in my life I would not be anyone near where I am today.
