Being a goalkeeper is the most nerve-wracking position in soccer. You may not have to do anything for the longest time but when it boils down to it, the game relies on the person standing between the goal and the ball. Sierra Bonham has to handle that pressure. Last year she was a redshirt but now feels that she is up to the challenge of taking over as goalkeeper for NDSU soccer. Bison Illustrated caught up with Bonham to discuss the mental side of goal keeping.
BI: How does it feel when you make that big save?
Bonham: It’s such an adrenaline rush when you make that save for the team. It’s really motivating and it’s nice to put the team on your back when you need to.
BI: How does it feel when you don’t make that big save?
Bonham: It’s a little discouraging. (Laughs) You never want to NOT make that save. You’re definitely letting the team down.
BI: How do you jump back after you’ve let a goal in?
Bonham: You shake it off. You can’t focus on that one goal, because it’ll occupy you for the rest of the game.
BI: What do you do to get in the zone?
Bonham: Usually during the pregame I listen to music, I have my own playlist. I watch a few motivational videos before games. It helps me get in the zone.
BI: Favorite pregame song?
Bonham: “Sing for the moment” by Eminem.
BI: Who will be your toughest opponent this year?
Probably SDSU or Oakland.
BI: What’s the hardest part about being a student athlete?
Bonham: The traveling. It’s difficult to juggle your homework and everything else.
BI: What’s your team motto?
Bonham: We always strive to be the best, work hard and never give up.
BI: Who is going to be big this year?
Bonham: I think Steph Jacobson; she’s going to hold the midfield really well this year.
