#ECNLAYW | ZAYNE MATULIS
RICHMOND, Va. (November 4, 2014) – The 2014-2015 ECNL season is dedicated to celebrating the Amazing Young Women that have helped mold this league into the top female youth soccer platform in the world. As part of the campaign, ECNL is encouraging amazing young women to share their stories. Zayne Matulis is a current ECNLer out of Austin, TX. She is a member of the Lonestar Soccer Club and committed to play at Harvard College next fall.
Q: What is your juggling record?
A: My current juggling record is 3,020 with only my feet.
Q: Do you have any siblings?
A: Nope, I am an only child and would not want it any other way!
Q: What is your favorite ECNL Event?
A: My favorite ECNL events are the National Playoffs. They are held in great cities and the competition is always of the highest quality.
Q: If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
A: If I could be an animal, I would like to be a kangaroo. I think kangaroos represent me well because I am always bouncing around.
Q: Coffee or tea?
Tea, without a doubt! I have never liked coffee; the smell of it gives me a headache.
Q: Who is your soccer idol?
Paul Scholes. His amazing field vision and ability to string passes makes him so mesmerizing to watch. Unfortunately, he retired, so my favorite player that currently plays would be Angel Di María. Needless to say, I’m a Manchester United fan.
Q: What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
A: I’d have to say Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, but I also love Vanilla.
Q: Left footed or right footed?
A: I am left-footed
Q: Who is your favorite actor/actress?
A: My favorite actor is Matt Damon and my favorite actress is Kristen Wiig.
Q: What is your biggest fear?
A: Probably scorpions. I’m fine with snakes, spiders, and insects (for the most part), but I cannot do scorpions.
Q: Define “team” in your own words
A: I think that “team” means being part of a family. It means sacrificing for your teammates and always having their backs!
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: I love all comedies, but I’d have to say that my favorite movie is either Bridesmaids or Just Go With It.
Q: What is in your purse/backpack at this moment?
A: I always have my wallet with me, a water bottle, headphones, and a snack!
Q: One thing you wished you knew at age 12.
A: Never give up the opportunity to take a nap.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: St. Barth’s in the French West Indies! Crystal clear waters, French food, and virtually no tourists? It does not get much better than that.
Q: Champions League or English Premier League?
A: I believe that the English Premier League is the most competitive out of La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, etc. However, I’d have to say that I prefer watching the Champions League because I enjoy watching the different styles of play between the clubs of different countries.
Q: What is your favorite ECNL memory so far?
A: I do not think I can specify just one. From taking a ferry to an island off of the Seattle coast to joking around on the bus shuttles at the airports, every ECNL event gives my team the opportunity to make so many hilarious memories.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: My dream job consists of working with people on a day-to-day basis, lots of travel, as well as my passion for science. However, above all, I want to do something that is going to make a difference in the world.
Q: If you had to sing karaoke, what song would you sing?
A: I would definitely sing “Señorita” by Justin Timberlake. I have had every word memorized since I was nine years old.
Q: Do you have any pregame superstitions?
A: I am actually a very superstitious person. I must listen to “Disco Inferno” by 50 Cent on my Beats headphones before the match and I always put my socks, shin guards, and cleats on my right foot, before my left.
Q: ECNL prepared me for _________
A: A bright future ahead. Without ECNL, I would be nowhere near where I am now. Being an ECNL player has taught me valuable skills such as time management, balancing school and soccer when spending time away for tournaments during school.
Zayne, you are an Amazing Young Woman. Thank you for sharing your story.
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About Elite Clubs National League: The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) was founded in 2009 to enhance the developmental experience of female youth soccer players in the United States through: (i) Improving the competitive environment through creation of a true national competitive league; (ii) Improving the process for identifying elite female soccer players for the U.S. Soccer youth national teams through a systematic scouting and identification program based on national competitions; and (iii) improving the daily training environment at top female youth soccer clubs through developing best practices and training and organizational guidelines for its member clubs. The ECNL is sanctioned by US Club Soccer and is sponsored by Nike Soccer.
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