Part 2

Tiffany Weimer a young professional in the early years of her career. Being born in America meant that thousands would one day compete for every position she envisaged playing. Coaches though have seen past the dribbling skill and courage she displays looking to the x factor that Tiffany has brought throughout her young football life.

Forever in love with our fellow footballgirls our own Tiago Merlot noted ''you have to interview this American girl, she's starting a magazine and has matter'' ( matter - energy).

So from America to Finland and brazil, online blogs and magazines here we are with Tiffany Weimer on her way to the top using all that ''matter'' she has had, since she first stepped on a footballl pitch.

Monica Ribeiro: Now you've made the jump from blogger to editor and put together a magazine. Tell us about Our Game.

Tiffany Weimer: Our Game is the first magazine that is completely about women's soccer and run by current and past players. The players are writing about the game from Our point of view.

Who do you see as your typical reader and how will Our Game reach their need for this magazine?
I think the typical readers right now are people who use the internet frequently. I think that until (if we do) we start with a print version, younger readers won't be as likely to check it out.

 

Are you nervous and what advice can you give to young aspiring female football writers?

I'm not nervous... I'm anxious.. I want it to be 3 years from now so I can see the progress of the magazine. I think we have a long ways to go but the possibilities are endless with this. The growth of women's soccer is a challenge for the world and this is just a little part in that process.

 

Is there a danger that as you grow and advertisers become a part of your revenue stream that you may slowly lose creative control?
I hope not. I think the unique part of this magazine is that the players are so involved... if you take that away, you take away the whole point of the magazine.

 

What seems to be the problem with the sport succeeding in America and at what point does the loss of more teams start to do more bad than good for footballgirls in America?

I think it's tough for any female sport in this country. All we can do is play the best soccer possible, help promote our own sport and hope that people catch on. It's a beautiful game, no matter who plays it. I play in the best league in the world for women and I hope one day soccer fans will see it the way we do.

 

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Part 1

Monica Ribeiro - Let us set the picture..you are 17/18 years young and have just found out you are a high school all - american. One of the best young players in the country. Could you describe that period of your life?

Tiffany Weimer - I was so young, all I knew was that I loved playing the game. Nothing else really mattered... nothing else really had to. It was a great time in my life.

 

MR - You chose to attend Pennsylvania State University after high school. What process did you go through in making that decision and what was it like going from senior star to new freshman?

TW - I took a visit to Penn State and the minute I stepped foot on campus I knew it was the school for me. It was definitely an adjustment from high school, but a smoother one than I expected. I had great teammates and coaches who made it an amazing experience.

 

MR - When did you start believing that this team (Penn state) could make an impact and you were a major part of that?

TW - I think by my sophomore year I knew I could make an impact on the team. I was getting more playing time and felt more confident with each game. The year before, we went to the Final Four ( American universities semi finals ) and I think that made a big statement to the rest of the country.

MR - As a college player during the 2002 wusa draft did the 'fresh pro league' energy and possibilities for the future reach you and your teammates in college?

TW - I didn't really think about WUSA much while I was in college... I never wanted to look too far ahead. It was definitely a goal of mine at the time but not something I focused heavily on.

 

MR - What was the impact of the league folding, on you and the game in general?

TW - I always had it in the back of my mind that the league would come back. I never really worried. Even after college I continued to play in hopes of the league coming back and my patience paid off in the end.

MR - Graduating ( from Penn state university ) once again with plaudits, honors and as a better player what was the process that landed you in the Finnish Naisten Liiga with Åland United then Brazilian football with Santos?

TW - I got in touch with some great people who helped me along the way. My current agent helped me to play in the Finnish league, and a friend of mine who has close Brazilian ties helped me to play for Santos. Both of those experiences though very different, were incredible. I wouldn't be the person or player I am today had it not been for them.

 

MR - Looking at the fitness, technique, preparation and organisation can you compare and contrast the 3 legaues for us.

TW - The Finnish league is newer and not as refined but still a quality place to play. Aland treated me very well while I was there. Brazil is more technical, with lots of flair.

 

MR - ..and like another turn on your rollacoaster life you end up getting drafted to the Bay Area working with your country's best and the legend herself Brandi Chastain. That must have been another challenge to get your head around?

TW - Having Brandi Chastain on my team was a great experience. She has so much knowledge of the game and has been through more than we can imagine with a soccer ball ... you couldn't help but learn from her. She still has it even at 40 yrs old... it's quite impressive.

MR - So the first year of the league is done and your out of contract.What was going through your mind then. Brazil or another country again?

TW - I was hoping I would get picked up by another team but had that not happened I would have likely gone overseas again.

MR - Being back in Boston with ( 99 World Cup ) coach Tony Dicicco you seem to be playing your best football, what has changed?

TW - I really enjoy playing for Tony. He has a way of getting the best out of his players and I always feel confident playing for him. You know he is on your side and he wants you to succeed... that's a great quality to have in a coach.

Part 2 : Ms Weimer talks about her magazine, writing, the problems with female sport succeeding in America and much more. Exclusively here.