Meet the newcomers: Chantale Campbell
July 24, 2012
AUSTIN, Texas -- Chantale Campbell is a three-year member of the Canadian National Team training centre (2010-12). She was a member of the U17 Canadian Women's National Team roster in 2010. Campbell led the Canadian squad to a gold medal at the 2010 U17 Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Costa Rica, scoring the game-winning goal of a penalty shootout to eliminate the United States and send Canada to the U17 World Cup. She played in the U17 World Cup in Trinidad & Tobago, and for her career, she has played in more than 15 international matches. As a member of the Ontario Provincial Team, Campbell earned one gold medal (U16 in 2010) and two silver medals (U14 in 2006 and U16 in 2009). She played club soccer for the London City Flash, leading the team to a U14 Canadian National Championship and U14 Ontario Cup title in 2006. In 2008, she led the North London Flash to the U16 Ontario Cup finals. Campbell helped Mother Teresa Catholic Secondary School win the 2011 Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association soccer tournament gold medal. Campbell recently visited with TexasSports.com as she prepares for her freshman season with the Longhorns. Have you and your twin sister, Emilie, always had the goal of playing collegiate soccer together? We discussed that a lot. We've been together our whole lives, so maybe it was time for a little separation. But ultimately, we're best friends and wanted to go to school together. What about The University of Texas specifically was appealing to you? What I really liked about it was the winning mentality, and how it strives to be the best academically and athletically. I like that Longhorns strive to be the best, to be No. 1, in everything.
What is it about the game of soccer that keeps inspiring your passion? Even as
a kid, I've always been into sports. I was always outside playing and very active. But
I never played on club teams for any sport but soccer. There's just something about
it that I can't explain. I enjoy soccer and feel like I have a natural act for it, like it's
something that's supposed to be in my life.
What goals and dreams do you want to pursue athletically while at UT? I want to win an NCAA title. That's the ultimate goal. Of course, winning the Big 12 wouldn't be too bad either. Really, just anything that will light up the Tower. What excites you about training under Coach Kelly and her staff? One thing I liked about Angela is that she really made me feel comfortable and at ease. I knew she was a genuine, real person who cared about me as a person. With her as my coach, I feel like my four years at Texas will be full of good experiences. Her possession style of play, and the type of coach she is, matches the kind of player I want to be. I have no doubt in my mind I'll be a better player with her as my coach. What are your goals personally before you arrive for preseason? Obviously, we have the summer conditioning manual, and that's really hard by the way. The program is difficult, and it's hard on me, but I feel like every week I'm improving. I think it will have me ready to go by the end of July, ready for preseason. What are your academic plans while studying at UT? I am thinking of pursuing education. I've wanted to be a teacher since I was little, especially because my mom was a teacher and is now a vice principal. That's always something that has been part of my life and very important. But you never know, I could change my mind. |
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