Marymount University women's soccer standout Rebecca Zimmerman is this week's guest in the new "Introducing ..." feature on the CAC website.  The junior from Arlington, Va., is second on the team in goals and points this season.

What is your background in the sport you play?   I began playing when I was 5 because my older brother played.  I began playing travel/club at age 11. At age 13 I also began playing pickup with boys and men at community centers.  I played on state ODP teams during high school, going to France and Spain in 10^th grade and attending Regional Camp twice. I played for VCU for 2 and half years before transferring to Marymount University. I also obtained my "E" coaching license at age 17 (senior year).

What is your favorite spot on campus?  I like Bernie's because it can a place to eat, relax, study, meet classmates, hang out with friends, watch a movie, or participate in campus activities.  Bernie's is a large room in the sports building in the middle of campus. At the back end is food (hot and made to order, wraps, frozen dinners, candy, fruit, etc.) and coffee/pastries. The majority of the space is tables and chairs as well as comfortable couches, loveseats, and chairs, with a few tv's lining the wall. The front end also has a small stage and a large pull down screen. Movies are shown a few times a month and different events such as comedy shows or video game tournaments are held there.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?  I play soccer for many outside teams during the offseason. Through school I try to stay involved in teacher groups such as SVEA (Student Virginia Education Association). I am also an Honor's student working on my thesis on bilingual education. I am politically active and often help with campaigns.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?   I would say the failing economy which is resulting in a lack of job opportunities. Students are paying more and more for their college education, but are finding it increasingly difficult to find jobs during or after to pay off their loans and get their careers started.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  My major is Liberal Studies for Elementary Education. Being in elementary school classrooms has shown me that you must always be ready for the unexpected. You never know when half your students are going to be absent, or when the school assembly takes an hour longer than anticipated, or your students finish an assignment faster than expected. You must always be prepared to jump ahead or pause a lesson and be able to accommodate you planning and scheduling.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  I would have to say my 3 best friends since middle school were the most influential (Arshia, Jasmine and Krysta). They each played a role either in being a good person, being a good athlete, or being a good student. The three kept me balanced and sane and above all gave me the courage to be myself and pursue my dreams.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   Do what you love, because you love it. Don't let fun things become work and don't think just because you're good at something you have to love doing it.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  I love to play video games, especially online or physically involved (Wii). I am very competitive and love to trash talk in a friendly atmosphere. Video games are a great way to relieve stress by putting aside all the "to do's" and taking a moment to relax and have fun. The new Wii system is an awesome way to get family and friends together, get in a work out, and have fun all at the same time.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  Ronaldhino, from the Brazilian national team. He is an amazing player to watch because he has a beautiful touch, incredible tactical vision, and always has a smile on his face. Parents always tell their kids to have fun when they play, that it's more important than winning. Many times at the higher levels it seems that fun is often compromised for focus and intensity. But Ronaldhino proves every time he plays that you can have fun and still work hard, win or lose.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with.     
1) Being my favorite player, I would like to have dinner with Ronaldhino - as long as it ended with a friendly soccer game.
2) My favorite movie is Remember the Titans. Growing up just a few miles from TC Williams, it always had an extra special something. I would love to have dinner with Coach Boone and hear about the difficulties he faced and how he was able to overcome them in a society filled with so much hate. Through athletics, he made both an athletic statement of strength and teamwork and a societal statement of looking beyond what a person looks like. His contributions helped shaped my personal schooling and athletic experiences.
3) Stephen Colbert. Dinner with him would be like a comedy show. He was great on The Daily Show, and has flourished even more on The Colbert Report. He can take anything and make it funny, so dinner with him would be nonstop laughter.