2021 Starting XI Questions: Abby Erceg
During quarantine what’s been your biggest struggle in training and fitness?
Oh, when we were quite strict, it was not having anyone to train with. Sometimes you were just training by yourself. So Paul [Riley] would send out some drills to do. There were days when I was kicking against the bench because I didn’t have anyone to train with. So that was interesting to navigate and a little annoying sometimes.
What’s been one silver lining for you during COVID?
In all honesty, because I’m so introverted, probably getting the time to read and be myself. Sometimes you get dragged down. Sometimes just don’t want to be so, you know being my myself sometimes is quite nice.
Do you read mainly fiction or non-fiction, or switch back and forth?
Yeah, I switch back and forth. I like a bit of both. I like to do a heavier non-fiction and then I’ll go to a fiction — usually back and forth.
What’s one thing you’ve learned since becoming part of the Courage?
…hard work will always get you through. Having the right attitude will always get you through.
I think it’s kind of a philosophy that I’ve always had and it’s just that hard work will always get you through. Having the right attitude will always get you through. Players like Mary Speck are probably a really good example of that. She’s worked so hard for so many years, had just the best attitude. Then finally in 2020, 2021 she’s getting a chance and she’s being rewarded for it. So I’m a full believer that with the right attitude, and a good effort good things will come your way.
Who is your go-to on the team for advice, questions, and just venting?
Then also Paul as well. I’ll go to him for advice, especially in and around the field, so kind of rotate between those three.
What’s been the biggest “a-ha” moment in your professional career so far?
So getting strong and getting fit was kind of the “a-ha” moment — fewer injuries. I can do more. I can play better. Why not do that?
Ever since I kind of decided to focus on it, I don’t really get injured a lot, especially soft tissue injuries. I’m not missing games because I’m fatigued or tired or injured, so yeah it’s been a bit of an a-ha moment for me.
What’s been the biggest adjustment training and playing for the Courage?
So I think the environment here is very much around performance. It’s very much adapt to that or you’re just going to fall by the wayside pretty quickly. I think people realize that relatively fast in this environment. We’re here to win. We’re here to get better and we need to do everything that we can because it’s so competitive here to be able to do that.
Who was your role model in the soccer world growing up?
What’s the one essential possession that goes with you wherever you live?
Probably my coffee machine. Yeah, coming from New Zealand, and I’ve gotta have some good coffee, so I need to have my machine.
It’s hit or miss here
Very much so. If I can have a reliable source at home, I’m good.
What sport would you play if soccer wasn’t an option?
I really like tennis. I love tennis and if I could be good at that I would love to play that I think it’s fun.
What have you binged on lately?
Question from Denise O’Sullivan: What’s your favorite meal to eat after a game.
Honestly, I do like a good burger — burger or pizza. If it’s been a really hard game I’ll do that. But my go-to is usually sushi. It’s filling. It feels like a bit of a treat because I’m not making it but it’s not going to destroy my diet or make me feel like crap in the morning.
If it is a burger, what are your toppings?
I like chicken on my burgers, avocado, lettuce, tomato, mayo — just the kind of classic chicken burger. Back home, we put beetroot and a fried egg on our burgers, so I quite like that as well — quite difficult to find here, so just go to the plain chicken burgers.
And pizza?
Pizza? Same thing. I’m a pretty basic girl. I like a good cheese pizza, but I do like chicken o my pizza as well. I know this is a bit of a point of contention to some people. I like chicken and a cranberry sauce or brie on there as well.
No pineapple though? I thought that’s where you were going with that
God no. I can’t have pineapple on there. Absolutely not.
2021 Starting XI Questions
Check out the growing number of 2021 and previous seasons’ Starting XI Questions.
Look for more articles on Erceg and the entire North Carolina Courage squad throughout the 2021 season here on Courage Country.

I enjoyed reading this.
Great photography as well 😍