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MA CITY : Karina LeBlanc

Which city do you live in and why?
I live at the moment in New Brunswick, New Jersey as I am the assistant coach at Rutgers University. The last two years, I lived both there and in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (West Coast above Seattle) while we were in residency for the World Cup and Olympics. I grew up 45 min inland in Maple Ridge.

Has any other city caught your fancy where, why and what were the circumstances?

I am blessed in the fact that I get to travel and see so many different places and parts of the world. I have always been a fan of Australia so Sydney jumps to mind. I really did enjoy Stockholm but because I am not a huge fan of the cold, I’d say only during the summertime but to be honest, as much as I’ve traveled, I love Vancouver the best because it is such a melting pot and you get a bit of every culture there. I get bored with doing the same things so honestly anywhere where I am always being culturally educated, I am happy.

What advice would you give to a tourist visiting your city and country?

Well visiting Vancouver, I’d say come prepared to fall in love. You have the beauty of the mountains and the Pacific ocean and the turning of the four seasons happen all before your eyes.

In the summer you can be on the beach in shorts and a shirt and look into the distance see the mountains and a bit of snow on the peaks while watching the sun set…How can you possibly get better? Not to mention the people that live in Vancouver. They are all kind and genuine people.

What have been your most memorable meals?

My mom’s cooking. My mother is Jamaican so she cooks up a lasagne that has a Caribbean taste to it which cannot be beat. I just love being home because my mom cooks all my favourite foods with her touch of love

What is your earliest football memory?
Well my favorite football memory involves me when I was younger. I remember just sitting outside in the backyard and watching my father play football with his buddies. I remember seeing the joy on his face when I sat there and watched him and now I feel like the tables have turned and I hope that I bring him joy when he is watching me. Also, another great memory that I have of football is in the summer time when I was younger. My father and I would be playing football in the backyard. We would make small goals and be across from each other on our knees and the goal was to score on one another. Whenever we would play this game I remember laughing, smiling and enjoying those moments. I hold these memories very close to me and I guess without even knowing it, he was training me to be a goalkeeper way before I even picked up a soccer ball.

If you could change female football what would you do?
That’s a tough question. I love the game and I love being a female playing the game. I guess it would be just for people to give the game a chance and know that girls can play the game too. Don’t judge

What do you miss most when you are out of the country?
Canada and the US are much of the same but I do miss the scenic views that I have in Vancouver. I am proud to be Canadian so I guess just being in Canada.

What items do you pack in your suitcase when on international duty?

Well I always have at least a book to read, my computer, my camera and music. The team always has our travel gear so in my bag I will always have extra cleats or goalkeeper gloves just in case we get stuck somewhere but simple things to keep me occupied no matter where I am. I have just bought a high-tech camera before the Olympics so I enjoy taking pictures of everything which never gets boring.

What would you do if you were mayor of your city for a day?
Wow that is quite a question. I think I would try and do something to inspire everyone to believe in themselves and go after their dreams. I think that is one thing you see when you travel a lot and that is that there are so many people in this world that are so happy on the simple things but don't have a reason to believe. I'd want to give everyone a reason to believe.

If I could, I would go to each child and speak with them and give them hope and to all families that are struggling, find a way to help them out. In North America we have so many things that we do not see we have. People tend to focus on what they do not have rather than what they do have. The most fortunate people in this world are the ones that get that and that is obvious no matter where you are in this world. I would want to have my city see that. If you can live life that way then other things will happen for you because of that.

What is your life philosophy?
I am a spiritual person so my philosophy in life is to be happy and makes those around me happy as well. If you treat others the way you'd like to be treated then you will generally have a good life.
There is quote that says to give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift. We all have our own individual talents, it is the way you choose to use it and make the most of it.

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What is your life philosophy?
Work hard. Love lots. Be patient. Be inspired. Be excited and trust that you will always get what you ask for (both consciously and unconsciously manifested in some way),

Who gives you/is inspirational to you?
Everyone I meet in someway gives me inspiration. I am a firm believer everyone comes into your life for a reason. My biggest inspirations have been my parents. If I end up being half the parents they were to me, my kids will be very fortunate.

Sum up your city in one sentence?
The most beautiful melting pot you would ever visit, different people, different views both scenic and culturally, it will take your breath away.

How do you get around and whats it like to in your city?

By car or walking

Do you have a favourite pub or club?
I really do not have a favourite place. It all depends on the mood I am in and who I am with. You can take me anywhere really as long as the company is good.

Which fragrance or cosmetic product do you wear?
Right now I have with me both Gucci/J’Adore. I am traveling at the moment. It all depends on my mood.

What are your favourite home comforts?
Being around my family makes me happy at all times, if they are not there, I will pick up the phone and call. If I cannot be around my family, I always have close friends around.

How do you unwind?
I unwind with either listening to music or just spending time with friends and family. I love being around people who are genuine

Merci Karina

The views and opinions expressed in this article and from external websites and/or links are those of the author's, and not necessarily those of footballgirl or www.footballgirl.com

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