University of North Carolina Athletics
Q&A With David Stokes
September 22, 2002 | Men's Soccer
Sept. 22, 2002
Chapel Hill, N.C. -- Junior David Stokes is an All-American and All-ACC candidate for the Tar Heels. The Dumfries, Virginia native played an important role in Carolina's National Championship run last season and was named the Defensive MVP of the 2001 NCAA College Cup.
TarHeelBlue.com had a chance to visit with Stokes following the Tar Heels 2-1 victory over ACC foe Virginia.
TarHeelBlue: What are your thoughts about beating Virginia in the ACC opener?
David Stokes: "They scored an early goal, but we fought back and it's the best we played all season so I think it was well deserved."
THB: Did the game pace change after UNC scored the second goal with 24:43 remaining in the first half?
DS: "I think the game might have changed a little bit because we obviously wanted to be a little more defensive to make sure we maintained the lead so we dropped a few players back. I think we did the right thing and it worked for us."
THB: How does it feel beating your home state of Virginia?
DS: "I know a lot of those guys and it feels a little better than others. Every win is great, but it makes me feel a little better because it is my home state."
THB: Was it difficult to focus on this season following last year's National Championship?
DS: "When you are the National Champions everyone is coming for you and we knew it was going to be a tough season. I think we are getting into our rhythm and hopefully we'll keep it throughout the entire season and I'm looking forward to another one."
THB: Do you feel that more fans support the team this year than last year?
DS: "I feel like it. I noticed that the stadium was almost packed and that's just great. I like hearing them give the Tar Heel chant and it gives me a bit of an energy boost. I love it."
THB: How was your experience playing for the National Team in February?
DS: "It was great. That was the highest level of soccer I have ever played at and I learned so much from it and it helps me out here. It was a great experience."
THB: Do you think people are intimidated by your size?
DS: "I'm not sure. I think physical presence is an advantage. I think some people might be intimidated. It's the same thing with Ryan Kneipper so I think it only works in our advantage."
THB: You appear to play with a lot of patience. Is this something you do intentionally?
DS: "As long as I've been defending I think that's the way I've been. It is nothing I do special it is just the way I play."
THB: How is your knee holding up since the surgery in 2000?
DS: "It's not too bad. I have to ice and everything after games but that's something I have to deal with. Other than that it feels really good."
