The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
World-class visit: Mia Hamm and Nomar Garciaparra
11.28.2007 | Football
How was your visit at practice?
Hamm: It was fun. I've known Brian (Davis) and Coach Brown since they were both at Carolina. Coach Brown and I kind of came in as 'freshmen' together and so there has always been a bond. We were at the first pep rally standing next to each other introducing ourselves to all the students at Carolina so there has always been this kinship. When these guys called and asked if we would come out and talk it was an absolute yes. He has been so supportive of me and my whole family, and same with Brian. They are a part of our family, so whatever way we can help. Living here, my sister went to Texas and my family has lived in Austin since 1996, you get caught up in this. It's a lot of fun because it's something unique and special and it's about being apart of this community. It's UT football and UT athletics in general.
What are the similarities you see between programs like North Carolina soccer and Texas football?
Hamm: I think first and foremost, second place is almost not an option. Players that come to school here to play football are the same as the players that went to Carolina to play women's soccer, I mean you set a high standard for yourself. You are a part of a great tradition and a tradition that is about respecting the game and a high level of excellence. The coaches are going to demand that out of you and as a player, you expect that out of yourself as well because you know full and well what you are entering into. To me, it says a lot about the players that went to Carolina to play soccer and a lot about the players that come here because they're going to be challenged every day.
After being part of such traditional and successful teams and programs such as the Dodgers, the Red Sox and Georgia Tech, what do you see as the common link with Texas?
Garciaparra: I think there is a commitment to excellence that they have here and when you have the history and tradition of being on top it takes a lot of work and a lot of dedication to stay there. When you see a college team do that year after year it means they're putting in the time, they're putting in the work, they're putting in the effort because they know it's not just going to be handed to them; there are too many people out there that want to be where they are. When you know there is a lot out there you have to continue to be a notch above. There is such a respect and I always say when you win, you win with class and people respect that. They're not going to like you, but they're going to respect you and I think that is what is so great here at The University of Texas, when they win they win with class. People may not always like them, but they always respect them.
Did you have the opportunity to attend the 2005 National Championship Game?
Garciaparra: As a matter of fact we did, we were at the Rose Bowl, we were there watching and it was one of the most exciting games I had ever seen and watched. Both Mia and I were there watching and cheering. We had a good group. We were with everyone who was there screaming their heads off. It was a blast and it's one of those things that I tell people I was there. I tell my friends and they get so mad and envious that we got the opportunity to be there. We were very lucky and fortunate to be able to watch that.
How was the National Championship Game for you?
Hamm: It was awesome. The atmosphere was incredible and the game was just a classic game. It was back and forth and then Texas coming back the way they did was awesome. To see Coach Brown and his staff, I know how hard they have worked; to see them come through was great. There was so much at that game and from the standpoint of just the atmosphere that was created, you're in Southern Cal's backyard and they come in and basically rip the hearts out of all of those fans and steal the show. There were some unbelievable performances there that day, but in the end it was almost who had the ball last, and Texas did. The big players stepped up and the supporting casts did everything that they needed to do. They created the environment to let those superstars show their talents. I think the coaches really just stood back and watched. Even though I think on the losing side people were sitting there thinking that was unbelievable what we just witnessed. Like Nomar said, we were just thrilled to actually be there. It's one thing to watch it on TV, but to be in the stadium and feel that energy was unbelievable.
How have you adjusted to motherhood and living in Austin?
Hamm: Well, it's affected my field goal kicking (laughing). Starting tomorrow we are going to be training. It's been nice. Coming here in the off-season is a great break for us. It's a totally different life than the one we have out in L.A., and both are wonderful, but different. I get to spend some time with my family. I get to go to my nephew's soccer games. We sit there on the sidelines and cheer for him and laugh. We have met some really wonderful people here so it's nice for us to get back and relax and really decompress a little bit from his season.
And speaking of L.A., the Dodgers have had already had an exciting off-season with Joe Torre becoming manager, what are your thoughts on that?
Garciaparra: I'm really excited. I mentioned to the guys earlier today on the rivalry when we use to play against him when he was in a Yankee uniform, but at the same time there was so much respect that I always had for him over there. He's a class act in and of himself and I'm excited and honored to be able to play for him.
