TAMPA -- GoUSFBulls.com recently caught up with former USF women's soccer standout Autumn Browning. Find out what the former All-BIG EAST selection is up to in an in-depth Q & A
What were some of your accomplishments?
At USF- Captain in 2007, BIG EAST Honorable Mention in 2007, BIG EAST Academic All Star in 2007; At SMU- NSCAA All-Freshmen Team in 2004, Conference USA Player of the Week in 2005; In 2008, I played in the USASA U23 National Donnelly Cup and was selected to the U23 National Pool. (You can also find more information on the Bull's website from the older player profiles and in the stats)
What have you been doing since your days as a Bull?
After my last season at USF, I was in touch with a few different teams in Sweden and Norway so I took a trip to train with each and made the decision to move back to Norway and play with Trondheims-Ørn. Fortunately, I had already finished my Bachelor a year early so I was able to adjust my schedule for my Masters classes, pack my bags, and move! I've been in Norway for about a year and a half now and have absolutely loved it! It's been a dream living in another country and doing the thing I love to do- play soccer- and I can only thank God for this opportunity!
What did you learn from your athletic days that you've been able to apply to your everyday life?
It's such a great opportunity to play in college athletics and one of the greatest skill any athlete can develop is time management. In college, you're constantly managing your time between classes, exams, projects and your trainings, matches, and traveling. That lifestyle has not changed at all but now it's managing between soccer and work!
What do you miss most about competing in collegiate athletics?
I miss the family atmosphere of college athletics! You'll never forget that great feeling of walking into the athletic building and passing by other athletes with the same drive as yourself. I miss the exciting support from the students and the other sports teams, as well as all the administration and staff in the program!
What was your most memorable moment from your athletic days?
My most memorable moment from USF would have been our Senior Day match win against St. John's 4-2, and I scored one goal and had 2 assists. It was such a passionate match for all the seniors, and everyone was fighting so hard to win for each other. I loved being able to play in front my whole family, who has supported me endlessly over the years. That season we also made it to the BIG EAST tournament, the first time in USF history!
Do you still keep in contact with some of your former coaches and teammates?
Yes, I still keep in contact with some of my former teammates and coaches! It makes it a bit harder living in another country but the friendships are never lost through distance.
Are you still active in playing soccer?
Soccer is my life so of course I'm still playing! It's the main reason I moved to Norway! I don't ever see myself completely leaving the sport so I plan on staying involved as much as possible.
Have you been able to stay involved with the program?
It has been a bit tough staying involved so far away but if the coaches ever want to recruit from Norway again, I'll be happy to help!
Do you follow the program at all?
Of course I follow the program, I'm a Bull at heart! I was anxiously awaiting season to begin and am constantly checking up on the team online. They have had some great results in conference- big wins over West Virginia and Seton Hall and drawing with #13 Rutgers- so I'm looking forward to seeing how the season continues!
How do you see the USF women's soccer growing over the next several years?
USF women's soccer has grown a lot in the past few years, and I hope to see that development continuing. Denise established a great foundation for the program, and I was very pleased to be apart of that my last year. She has a great vision and is very driven to reach high levels for USF. I would love to see USF as the #1 team in the state of Florida! It will happen!
What advice would you give to the current USF women's soccer team?
Enjoy every moment you have- every win and every loss. Each experience gives you the chance to grow so live it to the fullest because it goes too quickly!
