The Texas Tech soccer team begins its 2008 season on Thursday night against the West Texas A&M Lady Buffs. As we inch closer to the regular season opener, August 22, Red Raiders Hope Hanson and Leanne Mihelich are hoping to begin their Tech careers with a victory.
Hanson is a freshman defender from Apex, N.C. A two-sport athlete at Middle Creek High School, Hanson is one of four Red Raiders hailing from the east coast. Her Tophat club team won the Georgia Championship in both 2007 and 2008.
Mihelich arrives in Lubbock as a sophomore transfer from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock. Originally from Duncanville, Texas, Mihelich led the UALR in goals and points in her only season as a Trojan.
Q&A with Hope and Leanne
What is an interesting fact most people don't know about you?
Hope: I've lived in Indiana, Georgia and North Carolina.
Leanne: I've been a vegetarian for nine years now.
If you weren't playing soccer, what sport would you play?
Hope: Lacrosse
Leanne: Volleyball since I used to play it in high school and loved it.
What is your favorite old television show?
Hope: Gilmore Girls
Leanne: Full House
What is one interesting pregame ritual or routine you do?
Hope: I like to make sure my cleats are clean.
Leanne: I put my right sock on first, then the left sock, right shin guard, then left, followed by right shoe, then left shoe.
What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
Hope: Signing to play soccer at Texas Tech.
Leanne: Graduating top five-percent of my class and playing soccer for Texas Tech.
What is your all-time favorite movie?
Hope: Sex and the City
Leanne: 10 Things I Hate About You
Who was your favorite sports hero growing up?
Hope: Mia Hamm
Leanne: Mia Hamm
What nickname(s) do you have?
Hope: Hopey, Hopester, Hoper
Leanne: Lea-Lee, Lea
What is your favorite Tech tradition?
Hope: When we end practice clapping and then say "Go Tech," which is followed by high-fives.
Leanne: Guns Up!
Who is your favorite professional team?
Hope: Atlanta Braves
Leanne: Manchester United
What is your favorite part of game days?
Hope: Putting on the uniform and representing the team.
Leanne: The adrenaline rush I get and the pre-game meal.
Which teammate is most likely to be the next reality show star?
Hope: Zhaleh Rezaie on a love or dating reality show
Leanne: Maegan Wilber
What is the one thing that scares you?
Hope: Heights
Leanne: I'm deathly afraid of needles!
Source: AP
