Chico State women’s soccer striker Erin Woods has returned for her final season of California College Athletic Association eligibility. Woods graduated in the spring of this year with a bachelor’s in nutrition, but due to a broken ankle she suffered her freshman season, she was forced to redshirt and thus has this season left of eligibility. The 2017 United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-West Region selection leads the team in goals, points and shots on goal. So far the decision to finish her eligibility looks like a good one for her and the Wildcats.

Q: Now that you you’ve played a couple games how do you feel about the team?

A: After playing a few games we’re really excited about how the season is going to go. I think the midfield has finally gotten a rhythm and everything is starting to click. So, it’s getting creative instead of just like mechanical and we’re just really excited to see how it ends up.

Q: What is the best part about playing soccer for you?

A: The best part about playing soccer is just being on a team of like 30 girls and really having that bond over something we love. As well as being active and getting to compete at a collegiate level. It’s really fun.

Q: You could have left after graduating. Why did you choose to come back to finish your eligibility? 

A: I choose to come back after graduating this year just because I’m not done with this team. I have one more semester left and I really want to finish strong. I feel like I have more potential and can do better this year.

Q: What legacy do you think you’ve left behind?

A: We have a really strong leadership program in our Chico State women’s soccer team. Every year a coach recruits players that try and better the team in a character aspect not just a soccer aspect. And I’ve been a part of the program for four years now, this will be my fifth. So, I feel like I left a strong imprint in that group. Hopefully people remember me as a leader.

Q: Is there a plan to play soccer after college?

A: I do have a plan to play soccer after college. I am currently talking to a few schools in England and I’m looking to pursue a masters in either public health or nutrition. As well as playing a final year.

Q: What life lessons has soccer taught you?

A: I’ve learned a lot from soccer. I think battling adversity, how to you know, when the going gets tough how to keep going. I think showing responsibility and accountability for your teammates and just being a good person overall. I think karma is true so if you’re working hard things will pay off.

Q: Who is your idol? Is it a soccer player? 

A: I don’t have very many idols. I think of a true role model to myself is my grandfather. Who always was just honorable and impeccable with his word. But on the soccer field I do have role models and the big stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. My favorite player is Gareth Bale.

Q: Besides soccer do you have an interesting talent or hobby? 

A: Yeah, my dad immigrated here from Ireland and I used to Irish dance competitively as a child. So I competed in feises for 5 years.

Ricardo Tovar can be reached at [email protected] or @rtovarg13 on Twitter.