Starting XI Questions: Debinha

Courage Country sat down this morning with the North Carolina Courage‘s Brazilian skillful midfielder, Debinha.

After polishing off her share of PK’s after the morning training session, Debinha concluded her interview by answering the 2019 Starting XI Questions.

1. What’s a pre-game ritual you’ll never change?

I don’t think I have [one]. Every day, I need to get coffee and drink coffee. Maybe the day before, I think through what I need to do, what Paul [Riley] has asked of me at practice.

Of course, before the game, I try to remember what my role is in the game and what he’s said. “Oh you’re going to find a spot here or you should do this.” I always think and prepare myself for the game.

2. What’s your best suggestion to youth soccer players to up their game?

Believe in themselves, have fun, and don’t be afraid to do what they want to do. I think have fun.

3. What’s something people don’t understand about you?

I think when I got here, that I didn’t like to hang out because I didn’t speak English very well. But I think now, I’ve gotten better in that. Good question. I’m going to ask them.

4. What’s the best praise someone could give to you on or off the field?

I don’t know. I like it when [Coach Riley] says that I found good spots in the game and have had good deliveries. That makes me happy.

5. What’s the first thing you do when you get home from a match?

We all hang out — me, Mere, Kate. After a game, we’ll sit in the living room, play Skip-Bo, and do the legs, and of course sleep.

6. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I think to believe in myself — that [there are things] I can improve and I enjoy doing that. I want to show that I can improve.

7. What person outside your family has done the most for your soccer career?

Marisa who was my first coach in my school. She brought me to the professional level, and of course Paul now. He knows to make the players better and better. I think playing for him has helped me a lot.

8. Who’s the last soccer player you texted?

I think was Cari. She texted me about the legs. Cari before practice.

9. What’s your best guilty pleasure?

I watching The Voice and for food, I like lollipops — the blue ones. Those make me happy.

10. What brings you joy off the pitch?

Playing Skip-Bo with the girls, hanging out, going to shows, to the movie theater. The games get competitive. You can ask any of them.

#11 Question from Katelyn Rowland: What is her favorite American food since she’s been here? I want to know what it is. She’ll bring food home back to Brazil from here because they don’t have it there. You can ask her about what food she brings home or what’s her favorite food that she doesn’t have back home.

Last time I brought Cesar dressing. It’s difficult to find in Brazil.

What else? Vanilla syrup. You can’t find that in Brazil.

Also tortillas for tacos — the big ones. In Brazil, it’s just the little ones.

Give us a question for the next player doing Starting XI Questions? How about Sam Leshnak?

I would ask her what she thinks when she’s in goal — just what she thinks when it’s happening.

Starting XI Questions: Debinha