Q&A with Keri Teufel

Senior soccer player Keri Teufel (Sachem East) recently sat down and shared her thoughts about the 2015 season and her career at Alfred State.

Teufel played in all 18 games for the Lady Pioneers this season en route to being named a USCAA 1st team All-American. She registered 35 shots (25 shots on goal) and scored two goals. She also passed out five assists, which was tied for the most on the team. 

In her four year career she played in 73 games and scored 12 goals and passed out 21 assists. Three of her goals were game winners.

What are your thoughts on the 2015 season?

The 2015 season was one of my favorite seasons here at Alfred. The girls got along so well and everyone's work ethic was great. Every practice we pushed each other to be better, but also had fun. Even with that five game losing streak we never gave up and everyone stuck together to win two more games and make it to (USCAA) nationals. Obviously nationals didn't end how we wanted but overall this season was a great success and I was honored to finish my soccer career with this team.

What lessons have you learned during your career at Alfred State?

I have learned so many lessons here at Alfred. The most important thing I've learned is to always be happy. Happiness is the only way to be successful. When people try to put you down just ignore them and move on. Surround yourself with people who actually want to be around you and even during the most stressful times they can make your life good.

What have been some of the keys to the team's success during your career?

The key to the teams success is our work ethic. Everyone works very hard and is super competitive which makes every drill we do intense and helps us get better. Being so competitive drives us to try and win every game, and if we aren't winning we still will not stop working until that last whistle is blown.  

What is your favorite memory of your career?

My favorite memory would have to be when I received 1st Team All American at the (USCAA) National Championship banquet this year.  I honestly was not expecting it at all and it felt great to see all my hard work pay off. Of course I owe all my success to my teammates and I wish I could share that honor with each and every one of them.

What piece of advice have you received during your career that will you continue to use in your future?

My coaches have given me so much advice that I will always remember and look back on for the rest of my life. One thing I will never forget in particular is to always be positive. Being positive can effect the people around you and I try to stay positive in every situation not only for myself but also for the people around me. I admit it gets hard at times and I am not always successful but I have gotten much better with the help of my coaches.  

How do you balance all the aspects of being a student-athlete?

Being a student athlete can be a little difficult at times, especially being an architecture major, but the key is really time management. I have a lot of late nights doing homework but it is completely worth it. People ask me if I ever have time for friends, and my answer is always yes because I get to see my closest friends out on that field everyday. I can't imagine how different my college experience would have been without being a student athlete, I am so happy I decided to play for Alfred State.

What are your future plans?

I hope to graduate from Alfred in 2017 with a Bachelors in Architecture and eventually become and licensed architect one day. I will always stay involved in the soccer community though, it has been such a major part of my life and I look forward to becoming a coach.   

Quick Hits: 

Favorite topping on Pizza? My favorite kind of pizza is buffalo chicken wing pizza.

Favorite professor? My favorite professor is Rex Simpson, he is always willing to help me with anything.

What rituals do you have before a game? On game days I always have to be wearing one blue sock and one gold sock under my game socks to represent our school colors. I always need Anna Rath to braid my hair, no one else can do it it has to be her. My last ritual is my handshake with Anna, before the start of every half we have to do it. It helps me get into the game and get pumped up.

If you were stuck on an island, what three things would you want to have? I would want to have my best friend, a laptop that has an everlasting battery, and a soccer ball. 

Favorite TV show? Friends is my all time favorite TV show.  I have seen every episode multiple times and I still watch it everyday.