Meet Megan Binder, a freshman defender for women’s soccer who is already looking ahead to an exciting college career. In high school, she was named all-county her senior year, and all-conference her junior year. The biology major from North Babylon, N.Y. said she already feels close to her fellow athletes at Wilkes, even though it’s only been a few weeks since she met them. She said soccer is basically in her blood, because her dad played and her two younger siblings now play. Playing together is a whole family event for them. In the games, Binder is hooked on the competition of the game, and she’s always trying to be the best.

When did you first start playing soccer?

When I was about four years old. Probably my mom just signed me up for it, something for me to do, and I just liked it a lot.

Why did you decide to stick with it through college?

It’s always been a big part of my life, and I don’t think I was ready to give it up yet. And it’s still fun, so I still enjoy it.

What is your fave part about being on the team?

I like the girls, it’s like a family. I feel very included. And it’s fun and I like the competition.

How do you stay motivated in conditioning and competition?

I am very competitive. I always want to beat the person next to me, I always want to be first, I always want to be the best so I just keep pushing myself and it pays off. I get results, and if I get results than I’ll keep going.

Are there any challenges you face in balancing sports and academics?

Yeah, balancing is hard, but it’s manageable. I just have to get organized. I always have my planner, and have to have certain times for homework, certain study hours, and go to practice, and class.

What is your favorite part about competing?

It just gives you a good feeling, like all the hard work paid off.

Do you have any moments you are especially proud of in your soccer career?

Probably just playing in college. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, so I’m pretty excited for the next four years.

Being a freshman, do you look up to the upperclassmen on the team?

Yeah, I just like how hard they work, and how long they’ve been here and all their experiences and stuff. It’s cool listening to their stories and how they’ve achieved things.

Do you have any superstitions going into games?

I always have to put my left sock on first, then my left shoe, and then my right sock and my right shoe. And then I just have to listen to music and focus, not let anything distract me.

Do a lot of your friends come to support you at games?

Yeah. They’re a cheering squad. Them and my family.

Is your family really into soccer?

Yeah, we always play. And my mom and dad always come. When we’re bored we just go outside and play. All my siblings play. My dad played.

So did you encourage your siblings to get into soccer?

Yeah. I like forced them. I  told my parents to sign them up.

What is your favorite pre-workout snack?

I like Clif bars. So much. My favorite flavor is chocolate chip.

Do you know what you want to do in the field of biology?

I want to be a physical therapist. A lot of people want to do that now.

How long have you wanted to be a physical therapist?

Probably since I was in 9th grade. I broke my ankle and had to go to physical therapy, and I liked what they did there.

What are you looking forward to the most in the next four years?

Everything. Just the whole experience, the journey.