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Oct. 10, 2008

by Stephanie Browning
Purdue Sports Information Student Assistant

As last season unfolded, sophomore Loredana Riverso stepped up to become Purdue’s leading scorer for the women’s soccer team. Competing in all 25 matches and starting as a forward in 13 of them, Riverso finished with 34 points on the season. By scoring a goal in five consecutive games beginning Nov. 2 against Indiana and ending Nov. 18 in the NCAA Tournament in a tied game with the Hoosiers, she broke the Purdue record previously shared by Shauna Stapleton and Jennie Moppert. Riverso also tied Stapleton for the Boilermakers’ multi-point games record with 11. She finished second among the Big Ten leaders in points (34) and goals (13) and tied for third in assists (8). She was credited with the game-winning goal in home games against both Oregon and Western Michigan and at the Big Ten Tournament semifinals against Illinois. Riverso also helped the Boilermakers win their first Big Ten Tournament title by scoring four goals in three contests. Recognized for her accomplishments, she was named Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week with Indiana’s Kristin Arnold last September.

Riverso, along with 14 of her teammates, was named Academic All-Big Ten last season. This requires the student-athlete to be a second-year college student and have at least a 3.0 GPA. There were 49 Purdue students who received this award last fall. Riverso, inspired by her brother’s fiancé, is majoring in elementary education and plans to become a primary school teacher after she graduates.

Riverso is back this year as a junior, taking her place once again as a forward. She has started all 14 of the games played and continues to hold her leading scorer title with 15 points so far this season. She is confident in the team’s ability to succeed and is excited about the new talent that has come with this year’s freshmen.

Where did you grow up?

“I grew up in Mississauga, Ontario.”

‘Loredana’ is a very unique name (at least here). Family name?

“Loredana is an Italian name. My parents named me after an Italian singer, Loredana Berte.”

Tell us a little about your younger years. Did you always want to be a teacher?

“I never really knew I wanted to be a teacher until my senior year in high school. My brother’s fiancé is a kindergarten teacher and she would always come over and tell me stories about the children in the class, and I became very interested. After my first time being in a classroom working with the kids, I absolutely loved it.”

Are your brothers older or younger? Are you close?

“Orlando is 28 and Marco is 23, so yes I am the little sister. We are extremely close. We have always had a close connection. We keep in contact all the time. They are my favorite people in the world along with my parents. I adore them both.”

Who has been the biggest influence/role model/inspiration in your life? Why?

“The biggest influence has definitely been my father. Since I was little I followed him to all my brothers’ soccer games. Even when my dad went to go watch other soccer teams he would bring me and at half time we would play together. He was also my club soccer coach and did all that he could so I could get the best experience and opportunity to play college soccer. He has always put my best interest first, and I love him to death!”

Have your parents and brothers been able to make it to any of your games here?

“Yes. Whenever we play Michigan, Penn State or Ohio State away they always come because those places are closer to where they live. They also come and visit at least three times a semester.”

What is your favorite hobby/activity you enjoy doing outside of soccer and school?

“I absolutely love travelling. I have family in Italy, and I try to go there as much as I can. It’s my favorite place in the world.” When did you begin playing soccer? “I started playing soccer when I was 8. That is why I am number 8.”

What is the biggest difference between high school soccer in Canada and college soccer in the Big Ten?

“There is a huge difference. In Canada, high school soccer is not a big thing. In Canada, the competitive league is club soccer, not many people play high school soccer.”

Where have you been able to travel to with the teams you have been on? Which has been your favorite place?

“I have travelled to Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Finland, all over United States and Canada. I would say my favorite place would have been Brazil; it was so unique and exotic. Everyone loved soccer.”

Last season you were the leading scorer for the team, named Academic All-Big Ten, and Big Ten Player of the Week last fall. What personal goals do you have for this season?

“Since I am a forward, my mindset is always on attacking and scoring goals. I enjoy scoring goals, so being the leading scorer would be great to accomplish again. However, this year I am focused on more team orientated goals since we are starting fresh and trying to build up. Winning a Big Ten Tournament again would be amazing, but really making it to the Sweet 16 would be awesome.”

What has been the biggest obstacle/challenge you have had to overcome to get to where you are today?

“The biggest challenge would be not letting soccer be an excuse for academics. It is extremely hard when you travel all weekend flying and being on a bus and arriving Sunday night at 2 in the morning and having to wake up for a 7:30 a.m. class. It is difficult to keep your mind in school and soccer and not let it all stress you out. Being able to do well in school, while playing your heart out day in and day out is a big challenge.”

Are there any sayings, life lessons, scriptures, etc. that you live your life by that you would like to pass along?

“I believe that it is important to have a strong bond between your friends and your family. There have been many times when I thought there was no possible way I could get by four exams in three days, plus weight lifting and practice all three of those days, but I had my family and friends (teammates) there for me. When having 25 other girls going through the same thing that you are, it makes it a lot easier having their support.”

What does a typical pregame warm-up session in the locker room or on the bus consist of? Any special routines? Lucky socks?

“A typical pregame warm up in the locker room is just a bunch of girls singing very loudly to various songs. We dance around as we get changed, and head our way to the field where Rob then talks to us in our trailer. After this we have the same routine consisting of some running with cones, small sided games and shooting. Then when five minutes are left, Katie Seeger and I have a tradition where we have to juggle the ball 20 times in a row without hitting the ground.”

What is the biggest challenge facing the team this season?

“The biggest challenge is most definitely not listening to what others say and think about our team losing all of our seniors and having so many freshmen. Yes, we lost a lot of amazing seniors, but we have gained a whole lot of talent in our freshman class. We just need to focus on playing together as a team, and the rest will come into place.”

Riverso and her teammates are scheduled to play at Minnesota on Friday, Oct. 10, and at Iowa on Sunday, Oct. 12. Sunday’s game can be watched on the Big Ten Network at 2 p.m.