When the U.S. and Colombia kickoff Monday in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup knockout round, the match will also have significance for a newly-signed Bobcat.
Vanessa Cordoba, a recent transfer from the New York Institute of Technology, was a goalkeeper for the U-20 Colombian national team. In addition she won a gold medal for her country at the 2013 Juegos Bolivarianos—the Bolivian Games.
The GoalPost was able to interview the new Bobcat, asking about her transition from New York City to Athens, playing at Ohio and Colombian pride.
The GoalPost: How did you decide to transfer to Ohio University? Was it through coach Aaron Rodgers, or had you heard about the school?
Vanessa Cordoba: I decided to go to Ohio through coach Rodgers. When he contacted me, I looked up the school and fell in love with it. Both programs, academic and athletic, had what I was looking for and gave me the feeling that this Ohio was what I wanted. I look at soccer as more than a sport that I'll play through college. I want to take it further, thinking about professional level and the Colombian national team. Apart from Ohio being D-1, I think having our coach as a retired professional goalkeeper and assistant coach Allison Whitworth still active, for us keepers it will be a great help.
The GoalPost: You’re coming to a program that’s had two impressive senior keepers in the last two years. With both gone and the starting spot available, does that put added pressure on you before you even step foot on campus?
Cordoba: I always train and prepare myself, thinking about the starting spot and contributing to the team as much as possible. I strive for the best every single time I touch a soccer ball or when I'm doing conditioning, so the open spot doesn't change anything. I am very excited to join the team, and I'm going ready and motivated to learn everyday from my teammates and the coaching staff.
The GoalPost: You’re transferring from the New York Institute of Technology to Ohio University. You’re literally going from Manhattan to the foothills of rural Appalachia. Do you think there will be a major adjustment coming to a small college town?
Cordoba: I have been told Athens it's quite a small town, however, I've traveled all my life due to my father's job, so adapting is not going to be an issue. Although I was minutes away from Manhattan, I barely went to the city because I was more focused on my grades and soccer, and I admit I didn't feel the need to go either. I guess this is why I like the idea that Athens is a small town. Plus it helps even more to keep my mind in what I need and want to do. The only major adjustment I think I'm going to get is that I will get to spend extra time in soccer, and I’d sure love that!
The GoalPost: Your Twitter shows that you’re not only bilingual, but you’re Colombian. In 2013 you played in the Juegos Bolivarianos—the Bolivian Games. What was that experience like, playing for the nation and winning a goal medal?
Cordoba: It's a regional multisport event held in honor of Simón Bolívar (a 19th century president of Gran Colombia, Bolivia and Peru, respectively). Athletes from Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama and Bolivia participate. It was an amazing and unforgettable experience for me. That was the first time I was part of my national team, back then U-20, and getting a gold medal was the best prize we could give ourselves and Colombia. Moments like those help you grow in every aspect of your life. However, one must live and motivate itself by the future, not the past. Like I previously mentioned. I like to always strive for more, so Juegos Bolivarianos are past. Now I look forward to new opportunities and get everyday to a higher level.
The GoalPost: Colombia plays in the knockout stage in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The men are still going strong at Copa America in Chile. In general, are Colombians proud of their national teams at the moment?
Cordoba: Although women soccer has not reached the same popularity as in the US, we've seen an increase of followers who are very proud and happy with the performance of the team and will be supporting furiously in the following games. In terms of the men's team, we had a rocky start against Venezuela, however that didn't stop us from watching the game against Brazil and wearing the Colombian shirt with pride.
