Name: Sydney Turnbull
Year: senior
Hometown: Burr Ridge
When did you first start playing soccer?
I started playing when I was in kindergarten. I was actually a forward up until my freshman year of high school, when I changed to being a center back.
What do you enjoy most about the sport?
I really like the sense of competition and also the ability to meet new people on different teams over the years.
What is the most challenging part of playing center back?
I think for me it would probably be communicating, because when I played forward, I didn't really communicate that much. Being in the back and the center, it's important to tell people where to be and what to do at the right time.
How have you improved since your freshman year?
I think communication has come a long way for me and also having more confidence on the field in my decision making. My coaches over the years have told me that confidence is arguably the most important thing when you're playing.
What is the best advice you've gotten from a coach?
If you make a mistake, you can get over it and just keep playing. I used to get really caught up in my mistakes and it would effect how I played and how my teammates played. It's really important to get past that.
What is your goal for the season?
To go far in the playoffs. I think that our team this year is really strong. We have a ton of assets that will help us make this goal attainable.
What are your plans for the fall?
I'm currently undecided on my college. I think at the moment it's between Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois.
Why does coach Tony Madonia like having Turnbull on the team?
Sidney Turnbull is a two-year defensive starter on varsity who brings the intensity when it is needed within the group but is also very good at keeping things "light" within the group. Many of her teammates over the past four years trust her and really get a kick out of her. She is a fun, yet extremely tough and talented competitor. Although a defender, she currently is a one of our goal scoring leaders, as she finds ways to utilize her offensive talent often as well.
- profile by Pamela Lannom, photo by Jim Slonoff
