|
Kia, you recently spent a month training at Universal Soccer Academy. How was your experience?
I had an incredible experience at the Universal Soccer Academy. At that point in my career I was coming to a point where if I wanted to keep improving and raise my game to the next level I needed to go back to the basics and really hone the technical side of my game. I had heard several positive comments about James and the Universal Soccer Academy from friends on my professional team as well as people who play at the national level; and this is ultimately what steered me towards training with them. The staff was unbelievably supportive and helpful throughout the whole process, and my only regret is that my schedule didn’t allow me to train with them beyond that one month. The improvements I noticed in less than 30 days was incredible and I can only imagine what it I would have felt like if I could have trained longer with the Academy.
Universal Staff designed a program tailored to help you become more comfortable when in possession of the ball and distribution. Did you improve in these areas?
I improved drastically with my ball possession and distribution. As with any sport, a lot of the training is based around repetition, but at Universal we also focused on the technique and the approach in which you receive a ball, turn, pass, take the ball out of the air, etc. In order for repetition to make a difference the technique has to be correct and Universal helped correct a lot of my bad habits on the ball and in the ultimately lifted my confidence as a player.
How did you change Mentally after Universal?
Once you reach the professional level, the mental side of the game becomes huge. At this level everyone has a decent grasp on the technical, tactical, and physical part of their game, but the mental (although it is easily overlooked) is just as important as those other aspects and universal. The greatest point that I learned was fact that you have to train like you play. If you can’t focus and give it your all through a 90 minute practice, there is no way that you will be able to do it in a game. I began to really mentally engage myself to get ready for practice the same way that many get ready for a game and immediately noticed a difference in many aspects of my game, most importantly, my fitness, my touch, and my focus. When you feel good about the way you train, games become second-nature… and that’s just a great feeling.
You played Micro Indoor Games with the rest of the Universal Stud Students. Did you benefit from these games?
The Micro Indoor Games were great. I was really impressed with the level of some of the young guys and girls that I trained with. Anytime you can get games in to train and work on various aspects of your game it is always fun to play. Universal creates a great environment where mistakes are not frowned upon and creativity and work ethic are highly encouraged.
You transferred to Atlanta to continue your pro career in the WPS. How has the change been thus far?
The change has proved to be a blessing in disguise. Playing for Atlanta has been great thus far, not to mention it is a beautiful city. The organization has a great vision for where we want to be at the end of our inaugural season, and that vision of success definitely shows in the intensity that we put forth every day in practice to get better.
Have your teammates made any comments about the new Kia McNeill?
My teammates have made comments about the “new me,” saying that my touch is like ‘night and day’ in comparison to last year. They also say that I look a lot more confident and natural on the ball. It really means a lot to me to hear their comments because for the longest time I felt like I was at a standstill with my game, and there wasn’t much I could do to help my touch, or I didn’t know where to begin. Thankfully, James was there to help initiate that process (and I say process because I’m realistic that there is still so much more to be learned and that I can improve upon).
What are your future aspirations?
I have several long term goals that include playing for the full National Team one day, but first and foremost, I just want to do anything I can to help my team in Atlanta be successful this year and win a WPS championship.
What advice do you have for young aspiring soccer players?
I would say to young aspiring soccer players to just keep playing and work hard. If playing professional soccer is what you want to do make yourself a student of the game. Watch as much soccer as you can, especially those who play your position and learn from them. Work to improve the strengths in your game, but don’t forget to work on your weaknesses as well. I can tell you that getting there won’t be easy, but I can promise that it’ll be worth it.
Will we see you again soon?
Absolutely!
|
