Interview with Atlanta Beat Goalkeeper Brett Maron

The Atlanta Beat have played two games on their new home turf, and are practicing for their seventh WPS game to come.

Although the Beat are without a win so far, they have done well in leading in offensive categories during some of their matches. The team has also revealed several talented players.

Atlanta Beat goalkeeper Brett Maron started in both of the Beat’s recent home games.

This week I spoke her about playing for the Beat, team bonding and meeting fans.

WK: You played for Iceland and Sweden. What was that like compared to playing now for the Beat?

BM: I really enjoyed my experiences abroad, but playing for the Beat is like playing for family. I can’t say that enough. I feel so comfortable here. It’s an absolute gift to be able to play soccer in your home country and for a franchise like this.

WK: What do you think of playing home games and getting to meet your fans?

BM: It’s incredible, especially being in your native tongue and getting to have an in-depth conversation with some of your fans. It really reminds you every day one of the reasons why you play. You get the ability to touch so many people.

WK: What has your team bonding experience been like so far?

BM: We are a very, very tight-knit group of people. Your adversity either breaks you or makes you stronger. It’s made us so much stronger. I feel like we probably are the strongest team as far as team chemistry. I mean I’m always hitting on other people’s locker rooms, but we took the high road and decided to come together instead of drift apart.

WK: What have been some of the challenging things playing for the Beat so far?

BM: It’s obviously personal and professional disappointment that we haven’t gotten the results because everyone works so hard day-in and day-out.  It’s just not falling for us, but it’s professional athletics so we have to make it happen at this point.

WK: Are there any key things that you have learned through the games that you have played?

BM: Every game is different. Of course you want to learn from your mistakes. The most important thing that I’ve taken from every game is that there is no chance to take a break; you are in it locked down. There is no space to take a break. You need to be involved in the game for 90 minutes, especially me as a goalkeeper. I need to be communicating for 90 minutes. If I take a minute off then I’m going to get scored on.

WK: Since your time here in Kennesaw/Atlanta, has there been anything fun that you’ve done?  

BM: We really don’t have a lot of time to do much. Sometimes we go the Chattahoochee River and barbecue.   We have some good times down there just sitting, talking and having good food.

*Photo courtesy of ISIphotos