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 third and final post in the series, we interview Lulu Pullar, the Center Back whose soccer career was partially inspired by her Australian Football playing brothers.
1. Name: Lulu Pullar
2. Major: Human Biology
3. Home country: Australia
4. Position: Center Back (Defender)
5. Years playing soccer: 13
6. What got you started playing soccer? My best friend played soccer and my brothers played Australian football across the road from the local soccer club and given girls can’t play AFL, I wanted to play soccer instead.
7. What 1-2 things have been the biggest adjustments that you’ve experienced since moving to Los Angeles from your home country? Not having my family with me and just having to adjust to living in such an urban and populated area.
8. What advice would you give to first year International students who are new to USC? It’s really important to get out, explore and embrace the lifestyle in LA. Whenever I get homesick or just miss nature and open spaces I always escape to the beach or go for a hike. Don’t be afraid to explore the city, when you get out you will discover that there is a lot to see.
9. What has been your favorite part about living in the United States so far? I love all the new friends I’ve made! I’ve met people from all walks of life and made friends that I will cherish for a lifetime. I also love all of the hiking in California, there is so much to explore both in and outside the cityscape, I feel like there is always something I can see and do.
10. What are your career goals, both personally and professionally (soccer/academic)? I’m still undecided about what I want to do for a career but I am really interested in studying medicine or veterinary science, back in Australia most likely. I think I will always continue to play soccer, whether that is professionally or not, I am not sure. I think it would be great to play pro and study post graduate back home in Australia.
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.)? College is a super busy lifestyle, especially for student-athletes, but it is intense for every student. Make sure you take time out for yourself to do things that you enjoy and would do at home. Sometimes it is very easy to get caught up in the college bubble but I think it’s really important to also disconnect yourself from that life, so just do things you enjoy and always appreciate where you are.