The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
No. 7 Soccer: Catching Up with Texas-Ex Kelly McDonald Freeman
10.04.2017 | Soccer
Prior to Texas soccer alumni weekend, TexasSports.com caught up with the leading goal scorer in program history
As part of this weekend's Texas soccer alumni celebration (alumni ceremonies will be held during halftime of Friday's UT soccer match against TCU), TexasSports.com reached out to some of the program legends from years past.
We start things off with Dr. Kelly McDonald Freeman, a prolific forward from Littleton, Colo., that played for the Longhorns from 2001-04. A 2003 NSCAA All-American, four-time NSCAA All-Central Region and two-time All-Big 12 selection, McDonald Freeman still ranks as the top goal scorer in Texas program history (46 goals), second in total points (110), tied for first in match-winning goals (13) and in a dead-lock for seventh in career assists (18).
Check out the Q&A with Dr. Kelly McDonald Freeman below:
1) What have you been up to since graduating from Texas?
After graduating, I was accepted into dental school. I finished that in four years and opened up my own private practice dental office in Lone Tree, Colorado. I am now going into my ninth year of practice and enjoy the profession and all the opportunities it has provided. Since graduation, I have had two beautiful children, an eight-year-old daughter and a three-year-old son. My daughter has been playing soccer for three years, and I have been coaching her since she started. I also play in a co-ed soccer league to get my fix of the game. I still absolutely love the sport, and I greatly miss playing at the college and national team level.
2) What did wearing the Burnt Orange mean to you during your time on the Forty Acres?
I am so proud to be a Longhorn! It was such an incredible experience being a student-athlete. You really realize after you leave what an amazing opportunity it was to play for University of Texas and all the opportunities it gave you while you were there. It is hard to really grasp in the moment what a special time those years were, and I feel fortunate I can look back at all the memories and friends I have made, my wonderful education and all the opportunities it has provided me with even after graduation.
3) You were a part of at least one Big 12 championship team and numerous NCAA teams at Texas…what's perhaps one or two special memories from one of those seasons or championship runs?
One of my years, we had the opportunity to play No. 1 North Carolina in Houston (Women's College Classic, Sept. 15, 2002). That game was an incredible memory. It was pouring down rain, and our team played outstanding and proved the team we had was very strong. The conditions were sloppy, but it made it all the more memorable. We ended up losing that game 3-2, but it made us realize we could beat anyone.
4) Describe the personal feeling of scoring a goal or one you perhaps remember scoring most?
Ahhh scoring never gets old!!! :-) It's one of the greatest feelings in the world. When I was at Texas, we had a little tradition of doing special things after I scored, often times involving the girls on the sideline. I would run over and another player would act as if they were shining my shoes! Puts a smile on my face when I think about it. One goal I remember very well to this day, we were playing Nebraska at home (Oct. 26, 2003), and it went into double OT. I got the game winning goal to win 3-2 (2OT) and the team slid and dog-piled me. Great memory!!
5) I'm sure you've been following along with this season's unbeaten Texas soccer start. What piece of advice would you give to the current generation of players as they head down the stretch of the Big 12 before entering the postseason?
Never look down on any opponent. I know it sounds very cliché, but being undefeated, it starts to get in your head. The opponent that can take you down is the one you least expect. Trust me, I am talking from experience. :-( Also it goes by so fast. You don't really see the big picture of how cool it is to play Division I soccer until you are a few years out of school. Enjoy it and always work your hardest. The championships and wins are such a bigger accomplishment then you even know at the time and the regrets/losses are always hard to forget. The Longhorns alumni are very proud of this team and are cheering you guys on from near and far!!
6) How did being a part of the University of Texas prepare you for the challenges you face in the real world each day?
Being a student-athlete is a lot of work, and takes a lot of hours preparing for both. My mind and body have not been pulled in that many directions since, but during similar times, it makes the workload on your plate seem easier and much easier to manage. I have a strong ability to time manage and multi-task due to the combination of being a student-athlete.
7) Thankfully, opportunities for women's athletes continue to grow as time goes on. How important is it to you for women to continue to get chances to play after their collegiate careers end?
Very important! I think it is important, not only because we love this game and want the opportunity to play continuously at the next level, but we have a lot of younger girls looking up to us for motivation and a path. Lots of girls watch all sorts of professional level sports and dream that they will be able to play at that level too.
8) In watching collegiate soccer now, how do you feel the game has changed since you played or do you think it's changed at all?
I think the game itself is pretty similar. Obviously, coaching style and how teams work together and piece their team together based on the skill set of the players may be different, but the overall style is similar.
9) What does the future hold for you?
I will continue to play as long as I can!! I now have the opportunity to see my kids grow up in the sport as well. I can only hope that soccer, or any other sport my children choose to play, gives them the opportunities soccer gave to me. I had the best childhood and college experience due to soccer, and I only hope they can have half the experiences I was lucky to be given. Now I am along for their ride, and I can't wait to see what it has in store...Hopefully a Longhorns jersey on their back :-)
