University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
GoHeels Exclusive: Bridgette Andrzejewski Q&A
June 29, 2020 | Women's Soccer, Featured Writers
By Pat James, GoHeels.com
Just over three months since the sports world shut down, the National Women's Soccer League became the first American professional team sports league to resume play amid the coronavirus pandemic when its Challenge Cup tournament kicked off Saturday.
Of the eight teams participating in the World Cup-style tournament in Utah, seven feature at least one former North Carolina player. Overall, 15 UNC alumnae are rostered for the event, including Bridgette Andrzejewski, a second-round pick by the Houston Dash in January's NWSL Draft.
Ahead of her first professional game against Utah Royals FC on Tuesday, scheduled to air at 12:30 p.m. ET on CBS All Access, Andrzejewski spoke with GoHeels.com's Pat James about getting drafted, her experience amid the pandemic and getting to make her NWSL debut.
Q: From graduating in December and getting drafted in January to the pandemic putting your rookie season on hold and now getting to play your first NWSL game, how much of a whirlwind have these past six months been for you?
Bridgette Andrzejewski: It's been so crazy. I guess I'm just, first, blessed that I graduated in December before all this COVID stuff happened. I'm happy about that. But yeah, we had new dates every single week or two weeks, with the season getting pushed back, thinking we were going to start. So, I definitely was on my feet the whole time, making sure I was prepared.
Q: The NWSL Draft was held in Baltimore this year, near your hometown (of Lutherville, Maryland). What was that moment like when you heard your name called and to be in Baltimore of all places?
BA: It's so crazy because the (Baltimore) Convention Center is only 15-20 minutes from my house. We live in the county, so it's about 20 minutes outside of the city. It was just a drive down the street, and all my family could come and all of my best friends came. I was just super blessed to be able to get drafted in a city where I grew up playing soccer and I could celebrate with everyone I love. It was just such a blessing to get drafted in my home city.
Q: How much time were you able to spend around the team before the coronavirus led the NWSL to suspend its season?
BA: We had four days of actual preseason that happened, and then on the fourth day, they said, "We're not going to be training anymore because of COVID." So, I was able to hang out with the team during preseason, but I came early; I came a couple of weeks early before we even started preseason. So, it was really nice to be here because I was able to play pickup and I was able to hang out with all the girls and meet my roommate and all the girls who live in my apartment complex. It was a really good decision that I came early just because I was able to play pickup and get really comfortable before preseason started. I'd definitely suggest that for any draftee that is going to their team, just to come a little early and socialize with their new teammates and get as comfortable as they can.
Q: You said you had four days of preseason camp before the NWSL suspended the season. What was it like watching as other leagues started suspending operations?
BA: We constantly just tried to get as much information as we could. Every day we heard about a new professional team not having their league for a while. So, we kind of were like, "Maybe we probably are going to get held back, too." We weren't really sure. Obviously, the league wanted to start as early as they could in a safe manner, but they just really couldn't and they followed all the other pro leagues and what they were doing to make sure we were safe. It was definitely interesting seeing everything – when they thought it was going to start, when it actually started. But we adjusted really well as a team. I couldn't be any prouder of how our coaching staff handled every single adjustment.
Q: Once the NWSL suspended the season, did you stay in Houston?
BA: I stayed in Houston during the whole quarantine. I was keeping myself entertained in my apartment.
Q: What was it like being quarantined in a city you hardly knew?
BA: I'm super close with my family. I think it's like a two-hour plane ride from Maryland, or something like that, and being away from my family during quarantine and kind of being by myself – I mean, I had my roommates and my teammates. I think I actually handled it a lot better than I thought I was going to, being away from home. I was just so excited for the opportunity. My parents even said, "Oh, Bridgette, you're not missing out on anything because we're not letting any of your siblings in the house." All my siblings have families and are living at their own houses, so they weren't even allowed to see my parents. They were like, "You're not missing anything." They did movie nights and made sure they were six feet apart. I always FaceTimed my family, called them all the time. It made being in quarantine in Houston so much easier. Even my best friends, I stayed in contact with them through the whole quarantine. … Our trainer also sent us workouts ever day to do, so I also did that every day.
Q: With so much uncertainty hanging over the season and with so many gyms and other places closed, how did you go about continuing to prep for the season?
BA: We were doing it by ourselves for a while, and then after weeks and weeks, we were eventually allowed to train with our roommates at our fields. But that wasn't for a while. So, I was by myself a lot of the time; everyone was kind of on their own. I just made sure I did everything our trainer sent us. It definitely was great, him creating workouts for all of us. I think that really helped us adjust as much as we could when we got back into small groups and the big team. It was definitely big with accountability, making sure you're doing what you're supposed to do because it's your job.
Q: Finally, in late May, the NWSL announced the Challenge Cup. What was your reaction to that news and to the tournament format that was introduced?
BA: My first reaction was I was so excited to play, so whatever the circumstance was, I was ready. I thought it was super cool how they thought of this whole idea of having a tournament-style situation, and they obviously organized it very, very well. They got great new sponsors who really helped us make this tournament happen. So, I was super excited when I heard we were going to play because coming into your rookie season, you're expecting you're going to have like a long period of time of practicing and games for a little less than a year. And then it being squeezed into a month, it definitely is a little more nerve-wracking because it's such little time to prove yourself. But I'm competitive, so it made me push even harder.
Q: Between then and now, how did you and the team ease back into training, while also continuing to take all the necessary steps to ensure everyone's safety?
BA: First, like I said, we were by ourselves. We were sent workouts by our trainer. Then the next step after a while was you were allowed to train with your roommate. And then after a little bit of that, we were able to train with our roommate at the fields; the fields opened up. And then after that, we were training in small groups. And then after that time period, we were able to train with the whole team. So it worked out. It was just a long period of time adjusting each week.
Q: What does it mean for the NWSL to be the first American professional league in a team sport to resume play? How much of an opportunity do you think this is for the league and the sport?
BA: I think the NWSL did such a great job creating this opportunity for our league because I think it really shows how serious we take our jobs and how serious they want us to be seen as a women's league. And I think just being the first league to start playing shows where we stand as a women's sport. … I think just getting the sponsors shows, too, a lot of people have our back and support us. I think having this tournament even happen just shows how much support we have from everyone in the soccer world, and it shows how productive we are as a league each year getting better and better and finding new ways to expand our audience as much as we can.
Q: Just last week, the Orlando Pride announced it would be withdrawing from the Challenge Cup due to multiple players and staff testing positive for the coronavirus. How startling was that news and how has it maybe led you and your teammates to be even safer?
BA: Obviously, it was super tragic that that happened. It definitely was something that came as a surprise to all of us. I prayed to make sure they all were safe and that they recover from it. But I think it showed we have to make sure we're safe the whole time and we're doing as much as we can to keep our teammates safe, because anything we do affects the people around us. So, we just have to be really cautious of what we're doing, and I think it really opened up our eyes to make sure we're going to stay as safe as we can for each other so we can stay in this tournament. And I think our club has done such a great job with making sure we're all being safe and keeping our distance and washing our hands and doing anything we can to get through this tournament and, at the end of the day, win it.
Q: Did you consider not participating due to the virus?
BA: No, I wanted to play right away. If they wanted me to wear five masks on my face, I was going to do it.
Q: What are your emotions like now, knowing your first game is finally here? What do you think that moment will be like when you take the field?
BA: I was able to put on the uniform for media day, and it was super awesome just to be in it. I'm kind of just living my dream right now. Everything is just so overwhelming and in such a positive light. I'm just not taking any moment I have for granted. I know a lot of the older girls always say, "Don't take anything for granted. Make every second of it." So, that's what I'm doing now. (Tuesday) is our first game, and I think we've really prepared very well as a club. I just can't wait to put on the uniform and support my teammates and do anything I can to get the win.
Q: How would you say your experience at UNC has helped you navigate the past few months and will continue to help you as you start your career?
BA: I think the biggest thing that UNC helped me with in transitioning as a pro soccer player is the competitive level because competition is so big within practice with having the competitive cauldron. Everything is a competition. … I'm already a competitive person, but UNC brought it even more out of me. I think being a competitive person brings you really far in this league, and I think that's one thing UNC does a really good job of preparing their players for, if any of them want to play pro.
TAR HEELS ON NWSL CHALLENGE CUP ROSTERS
CHICAGO RED STARS
Zoe Redei
Kealia Ohai Watt
HOUSTON DASH
Bridgette Andrzejewski
Lindsey Harris
NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE
Crystal Dunn
Merritt Mathias
Jessica McDonald
Samantha Leshnak Murphy
PORTLAND THORNS FC
Meghan Klingenberg
OL REIGN
Amber Brooks
Allie Long
UTAH ROYALS FC
Katie Bowen
WASHINGTON SPIRIT
Dorian Bailey
Paige Nielsen
Jessie Scarpa
Just over three months since the sports world shut down, the National Women's Soccer League became the first American professional team sports league to resume play amid the coronavirus pandemic when its Challenge Cup tournament kicked off Saturday.
Of the eight teams participating in the World Cup-style tournament in Utah, seven feature at least one former North Carolina player. Overall, 15 UNC alumnae are rostered for the event, including Bridgette Andrzejewski, a second-round pick by the Houston Dash in January's NWSL Draft.
Ahead of her first professional game against Utah Royals FC on Tuesday, scheduled to air at 12:30 p.m. ET on CBS All Access, Andrzejewski spoke with GoHeels.com's Pat James about getting drafted, her experience amid the pandemic and getting to make her NWSL debut.
Q: From graduating in December and getting drafted in January to the pandemic putting your rookie season on hold and now getting to play your first NWSL game, how much of a whirlwind have these past six months been for you?
Bridgette Andrzejewski: It's been so crazy. I guess I'm just, first, blessed that I graduated in December before all this COVID stuff happened. I'm happy about that. But yeah, we had new dates every single week or two weeks, with the season getting pushed back, thinking we were going to start. So, I definitely was on my feet the whole time, making sure I was prepared.
Q: The NWSL Draft was held in Baltimore this year, near your hometown (of Lutherville, Maryland). What was that moment like when you heard your name called and to be in Baltimore of all places?
BA: It's so crazy because the (Baltimore) Convention Center is only 15-20 minutes from my house. We live in the county, so it's about 20 minutes outside of the city. It was just a drive down the street, and all my family could come and all of my best friends came. I was just super blessed to be able to get drafted in a city where I grew up playing soccer and I could celebrate with everyone I love. It was just such a blessing to get drafted in my home city.
Q: How much time were you able to spend around the team before the coronavirus led the NWSL to suspend its season?
BA: We had four days of actual preseason that happened, and then on the fourth day, they said, "We're not going to be training anymore because of COVID." So, I was able to hang out with the team during preseason, but I came early; I came a couple of weeks early before we even started preseason. So, it was really nice to be here because I was able to play pickup and I was able to hang out with all the girls and meet my roommate and all the girls who live in my apartment complex. It was a really good decision that I came early just because I was able to play pickup and get really comfortable before preseason started. I'd definitely suggest that for any draftee that is going to their team, just to come a little early and socialize with their new teammates and get as comfortable as they can.
Q: You said you had four days of preseason camp before the NWSL suspended the season. What was it like watching as other leagues started suspending operations?
BA: We constantly just tried to get as much information as we could. Every day we heard about a new professional team not having their league for a while. So, we kind of were like, "Maybe we probably are going to get held back, too." We weren't really sure. Obviously, the league wanted to start as early as they could in a safe manner, but they just really couldn't and they followed all the other pro leagues and what they were doing to make sure we were safe. It was definitely interesting seeing everything – when they thought it was going to start, when it actually started. But we adjusted really well as a team. I couldn't be any prouder of how our coaching staff handled every single adjustment.
Q: Once the NWSL suspended the season, did you stay in Houston?
BA: I stayed in Houston during the whole quarantine. I was keeping myself entertained in my apartment.
Q: What was it like being quarantined in a city you hardly knew?
BA: I'm super close with my family. I think it's like a two-hour plane ride from Maryland, or something like that, and being away from my family during quarantine and kind of being by myself – I mean, I had my roommates and my teammates. I think I actually handled it a lot better than I thought I was going to, being away from home. I was just so excited for the opportunity. My parents even said, "Oh, Bridgette, you're not missing out on anything because we're not letting any of your siblings in the house." All my siblings have families and are living at their own houses, so they weren't even allowed to see my parents. They were like, "You're not missing anything." They did movie nights and made sure they were six feet apart. I always FaceTimed my family, called them all the time. It made being in quarantine in Houston so much easier. Even my best friends, I stayed in contact with them through the whole quarantine. … Our trainer also sent us workouts ever day to do, so I also did that every day.
Q: With so much uncertainty hanging over the season and with so many gyms and other places closed, how did you go about continuing to prep for the season?
BA: We were doing it by ourselves for a while, and then after weeks and weeks, we were eventually allowed to train with our roommates at our fields. But that wasn't for a while. So, I was by myself a lot of the time; everyone was kind of on their own. I just made sure I did everything our trainer sent us. It definitely was great, him creating workouts for all of us. I think that really helped us adjust as much as we could when we got back into small groups and the big team. It was definitely big with accountability, making sure you're doing what you're supposed to do because it's your job.
Q: Finally, in late May, the NWSL announced the Challenge Cup. What was your reaction to that news and to the tournament format that was introduced?
BA: My first reaction was I was so excited to play, so whatever the circumstance was, I was ready. I thought it was super cool how they thought of this whole idea of having a tournament-style situation, and they obviously organized it very, very well. They got great new sponsors who really helped us make this tournament happen. So, I was super excited when I heard we were going to play because coming into your rookie season, you're expecting you're going to have like a long period of time of practicing and games for a little less than a year. And then it being squeezed into a month, it definitely is a little more nerve-wracking because it's such little time to prove yourself. But I'm competitive, so it made me push even harder.
Q: Between then and now, how did you and the team ease back into training, while also continuing to take all the necessary steps to ensure everyone's safety?
BA: First, like I said, we were by ourselves. We were sent workouts by our trainer. Then the next step after a while was you were allowed to train with your roommate. And then after a little bit of that, we were able to train with our roommate at the fields; the fields opened up. And then after that, we were training in small groups. And then after that time period, we were able to train with the whole team. So it worked out. It was just a long period of time adjusting each week.
Q: What does it mean for the NWSL to be the first American professional league in a team sport to resume play? How much of an opportunity do you think this is for the league and the sport?
BA: I think the NWSL did such a great job creating this opportunity for our league because I think it really shows how serious we take our jobs and how serious they want us to be seen as a women's league. And I think just being the first league to start playing shows where we stand as a women's sport. … I think just getting the sponsors shows, too, a lot of people have our back and support us. I think having this tournament even happen just shows how much support we have from everyone in the soccer world, and it shows how productive we are as a league each year getting better and better and finding new ways to expand our audience as much as we can.
Q: Just last week, the Orlando Pride announced it would be withdrawing from the Challenge Cup due to multiple players and staff testing positive for the coronavirus. How startling was that news and how has it maybe led you and your teammates to be even safer?
BA: Obviously, it was super tragic that that happened. It definitely was something that came as a surprise to all of us. I prayed to make sure they all were safe and that they recover from it. But I think it showed we have to make sure we're safe the whole time and we're doing as much as we can to keep our teammates safe, because anything we do affects the people around us. So, we just have to be really cautious of what we're doing, and I think it really opened up our eyes to make sure we're going to stay as safe as we can for each other so we can stay in this tournament. And I think our club has done such a great job with making sure we're all being safe and keeping our distance and washing our hands and doing anything we can to get through this tournament and, at the end of the day, win it.
Q: Did you consider not participating due to the virus?
BA: No, I wanted to play right away. If they wanted me to wear five masks on my face, I was going to do it.
Q: What are your emotions like now, knowing your first game is finally here? What do you think that moment will be like when you take the field?
BA: I was able to put on the uniform for media day, and it was super awesome just to be in it. I'm kind of just living my dream right now. Everything is just so overwhelming and in such a positive light. I'm just not taking any moment I have for granted. I know a lot of the older girls always say, "Don't take anything for granted. Make every second of it." So, that's what I'm doing now. (Tuesday) is our first game, and I think we've really prepared very well as a club. I just can't wait to put on the uniform and support my teammates and do anything I can to get the win.
Q: How would you say your experience at UNC has helped you navigate the past few months and will continue to help you as you start your career?
BA: I think the biggest thing that UNC helped me with in transitioning as a pro soccer player is the competitive level because competition is so big within practice with having the competitive cauldron. Everything is a competition. … I'm already a competitive person, but UNC brought it even more out of me. I think being a competitive person brings you really far in this league, and I think that's one thing UNC does a really good job of preparing their players for, if any of them want to play pro.
TAR HEELS ON NWSL CHALLENGE CUP ROSTERS
CHICAGO RED STARS
Zoe Redei
Kealia Ohai Watt
HOUSTON DASH
Bridgette Andrzejewski
Lindsey Harris
NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE
Crystal Dunn
Merritt Mathias
Jessica McDonald
Samantha Leshnak Murphy
PORTLAND THORNS FC
Meghan Klingenberg
OL REIGN
Amber Brooks
Allie Long
UTAH ROYALS FC
Katie Bowen
WASHINGTON SPIRIT
Dorian Bailey
Paige Nielsen
Jessie Scarpa
Players Mentioned
Forward
/ Women's Soccer
Midfielder
/ Women's Soccer
Goalkeeper
/ Women's Soccer
Forward
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