University of North Carolina Athletics
Q&A: Brooks Haggerty
October 2, 2009 | Men's Soccer
Oct. 2, 2009
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - After taking over as starting goalie late last season, senior Brooks Haggerty has been impressive in goal for the Tar Heels, making all eight starts this year. With three shutouts this season the Cary, N.C., native is currently tied for most shutouts in the ACC.
Haggerty and the Tar Heels look for their third ACC win and fourth shutout Friday night against No. 12 Virginia at 7 p.m. on Fetzer Field.
TarHeelBlue.com: How do you keep the defense focused and motivated after the other team scores a goal?
Brooks Haggerty: After a team scores a goal I command them to have more urgency and just use encouraging words to motivate them to perform at a higher level.
THB.com: What is your favorite save in your career as a Tar Heel thus far?
BH: My favorite save is in the NCAA tournament semifinal against Wake Forest. I stopped two consecutive shots from one of my good friends growing up that plays for Wake. It helped us preserve a shutout against one of the best teams in the country and go on to the national championship game.
THB.com: What is the best part of being a Tar Heel?
BH: Playing for one of the best sports programs in the nation and wearing that Carolina blue.
THB.com: The Maryland fans were pretty rowdy last weekend. How do you keep your focus at away games when opposing fans are taunting you?
BH: The Maryland fans were ruthless and awesome. It is pretty tough to keep them out of your head, so I just focus on the role I need to play for the team and sometimes have a little laugh with them. Making saves will help quiet the crowd, somewhat.
THB.com: How did you become a goalie?
BH: To tell you the truth, I was awful at goalie growing up as a kid. I always had pretty good hand-eye coordination and size, so when I was about 11 my coach tried me at goalie and I stuck with it somehow.
THB.com: If you could go one-on-one against any attacker (past, present, whatever), who would you want it to be? How would you stop him?
BH: I would go one-on-one with Cristiano Ronaldo. I would probably have to break his leg to stop him because he is just too good. Actually, I would hopefully just throw my body at the ball and hope he doesn't blast it or dribble around me.
THB.com: Who is the toughest attacker you face in practice? Why?
BH: The toughest attacker that I face in practice is either Enzo Martinez or Michael Farfan. Enzo is just an outstanding worker and quick. He tries to dribble at the goalie and is hard to stop. Michael Farfan is pretty cheeky with his chip shots, which are pretty amazing, but they can be stopped now.
THB.com: Other than winning a national championship, what are your goals for the rest of the season?
BH: I want to have a winning record in the ACC and win the ACC regular season and tournament, which we have not done since I have been here. I also want the team to allow the fewest goals in the league.
THB.com: Do you have a pregame ritual or routine?
BH: I like to do things exactly the same way every game. From listening to the same songs to getting taped at a certain time before each game, it is done in order and it is done every game. I also pray before every kick off.
THB.com: What is the best advice you've received?
BH: To always play my hardest, because you never know who is watching you ... and to go along with that, in the Bible it says "... Do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)
THB.com: Where is your favorite place to eat on Franklin St.?
BH: Sutton's.
THB.com: What are you plans after graduation?
BH: I hope to play professional soccer.
