Getting to Know New Players: Interview with Romy Lakip
Cameron Warren
Provo, Utah (Jan.27, 2012)— Our Getting to Know New Players series continues. Last week we had a fantastic interview with new, but senior member of the team, Josh Patino. This week we chatted with Romy Lakip:
#14 Romy Lakip
Position: Center Mid
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 160
-Tell me about yourself. Who is Romy Lakip?
I’m Romy Lakip. I have 5 siblings. I’m from Atlanta, GA. I served a mission in Paraguay and Los Angeles and I’m a sophomore here at BYU, communications major.
-So, you basically answered my first few questions… How is the weather in Atlanta?
Ha ha, it is nothing like here. It is probably 60 degrees right now in Atlanta.
-Wow, it would be nice to be in Atlanta.
Ya, I love it.
-You said you served a mission in Paraguay and Los Angeles? How was your experience?
I started off in Paraguay, but unfortunately I got sick and ended up in Los Angeles. I got a virus down there, and you can’t go to the doctors there if they have to work on you, so… I had to come back here.
-So you started out in Paraguay, and finished out in LA. How was finishing in LA, that must have been an interesting experience?
It was for good, I loved it. It was an adjustment but…I loved it, it was the best.
-Are you married, dating anyone?
Nope, nothing…. I am dating soccer. That’s my girl.
-You said your majoring in communications, what do you want to get into career wise?
I’m minoring in business, so I want to end up going on to get my masters. Just being able to manage business…I like being able to talk to people and you know… get business through negotiations.
-Besides Soccer, what do you do for fun? What are your hobbies?
To tell you the truth…not much. I play soccer in my free time if I can. I like basketball a lot.
-When did you first get into soccer? When did you know that this was “your” sport?
Just growing up, I mean… day one, my mom, she’s from Columbia, so… South American blood you know, they love soccer. My grandpa played pro, so did my uncle. And so… I just learned it from them.
-What leagues have you played in growing up?
We went to state, and then to regionals and then to nationals. It was with my club team- Atlanta Fire.
-How was nationals?
The best! Great atmosphere. There are lots of college coaches, really nice facilities. We won regionals, and got 2nd and 3rd both times we went to Nationals.
- What are your thoughts on tryouts and making the team, and what do you expect from yourself and the team this year?
Tryouts were super fun, we just played most of the time so it was fun. I’ve gotten to know these guys, I made the team in the fall and got to play with them, so I got to get super close with everyone. And this year, I hope to get in and score some goals and help the team win some games.
-So were you pretty confident going into tryouts?
I was pretty confident going in, but tryouts are tryouts, anything can happen. You get tired… you can get injured… So I was just hoping to stay healthy and perform well.
-How many times have you tried out for the team?
This is my second time. When I got back from the mission, last year, I tried out in February a couple months after I got home and I got hurt, I pulled my hamstring so… I didn’t make it, unfortunately. But this year, I made it.
-What is your favorite soccer moment? You talked about nationals; can you elaborate a little bit?
My sophomore year in high school we won State. Regionals were super hard. We played quarter semis and finals and all of them went to double overtime and penalty kick shootouts and then we made it to Nationals, we got second place. That was a great time. Great summer.
-Who are your biggest inspirations?
My grandparents for sure, because they made a lot of sacrifices to come to this country. They’re from Columbia, so I’ve seen my grandpa even struggle today… he does not know English, so it’s difficult for him. And then… my parents too, they worked hard, and a lot, to give us kids all that they could. They are my inspiration too.
-Finally, any words for the team and the fans for this upcoming season?
Team: I love you guys and we are going to work hard together and pull out some victories.
Fans: Come to the games cause you guys are going to see some sweet goals!
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