Women’s soccer is taking over. The 2015 U.S. – Japan world cup final drew over 25 million viewers, and these numbers are only predicted to continue growing. On the collegiate level, USC boasts a promising soccer team which this year is strengthened by three players from the international community.

In order to introduce you to this diverse trio of international soccer heroes, the OIS will be publishing a weekly interview with each of the players. In this first post, we introduce Ashleigh Plumptre, a freshman midfielder with experience on the England Under-23 national team!

1. Name: Ashleigh Plumptre.

2. Major: Human Biology BS.

3. Home country: England.

4. Position: Left Wing.

5. Years playing soccer: 14 Years

6. What got you started playing soccer? Holiday Sports Schemes over the winter, summer and spring breaks.

7. What 1-2 things have been the biggest adjustments that you’ve experienced since moving to Los Angeles from your home country? Leaving Family and friends.

8. What advice would you give to first year International students who are new to USC? If you have the opportunity to do so, attend summer School!

9. What has been your favorite part about living in the United States so far? Most of all, I love the weather, culture, and travelling to away games.

10. What are your career goals, both personally and professionally (soccer/academic)? This year’s overall goal is to win the PAC- 12, of course! In particular though, it would be fantastic to beat UCLA and Stanford. The next step is to play pro football (soccer) in the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League, France Division 1 Feminine or in the Italy Serie A (Women’s Football). Eventually, I would like to reach the England Nationals senior level. My ultimate professional goal however, is to become a qualified doctor and specialize in sports medicine.

11. Anything else you’d like to share is always more than welcomed (such as experience representing your home country in national soccer competition, what life is like back at home vs. life as a student-athlete at USC, etc.)? One major career highlight so far was scoring against Yeovil (Town F.C.) on my full debut for Notts County Ladies F.C. in the Football Association Women’s Super League 1 (the women’s professional league in England) and receiving “Man of the match”. Another significant honor was my inclusion in the England Women’s U23 La Manga tournament in Spain earlier on this year.