I had the luxury of being able to catch up with US women’s soccer gold medalist Amy LePeilbet tonight at the ASU women’s soccer game. LePeilbet, who attended attended ASU from 2000-2003, never missed a start in all four years, and played in 74 games. She was a First-Team All-Pac-10 selection from 2001-2003. In 2003 she led a Sun Devil team which finished the season ranked as the No. 14 team in the country. LePeilbet made her first start for the US national team in 2004 against Sweden. She established herself as a key member of the team in 2011 for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. She played in all six matches of the World Cup, including the tournament final in which the US lost to Japan in penalties. LePeilbet and the rest of the US women’s national team were able to avenge the World Cup loss this summer by taking gold in the London Olympics by defeating Japan 2-1. LePeilbet was visiting ASU for Homecoming weekend.
Mauricio (WCSN): This was a huge summer for you as you were able to get the gold in soccer. Can you describe how it felt once you won the gold?
Amy: It was super exciting to win. We put in so much work all year long after losing in the world cup. That was heartbreaking, so we were all motivated to win gold this summer. For me it was all about the journey, and it all came true when that final whistle was blown and we all won gold.”
WCSN: Can you talk about your time spent at ASU and your most memorable moment here?
Amy: “I absolutely loved attending ASU. I got a great education here, and I got to play four years at the highest level in D1 for the PAC-10. There were challenging games every weekend, and I think that’s really where my soccer foundation really began. [I developed] my technical skills and put in that hard work and that’s really what propelled me forward in making the US team and achieving what I did this year.”
WCSN: What would you say the best part about playing for the national team is?
Amy: “I would say the best part about playing with the national team is getting to represent your country. It is so incredibly amazing to be able to walk out in red, white, and blue, and have your entire country supporting you. It is an honor to do that, and I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to play for this amazing country.”
WCSN: How do you think ASU’s soccer program has transformed or changed since you graduated?