Sept. 18, 2003

OFF THE FIELD WITH Erica Bowie
By: Douglas Adams, USC Sports Information

Senior midfielder Erica Bowie has started six of seven matches this season and owns one goal and one assist. A native of Nova Scotia, Bowie has been a part of Carolina soccer since the 2001 season.

Why did you transfer from Rhode Island to USC?
After talking to Coach Smith, it was a good situation for me. The SEC is a stronger conference than the Atlantic 10 and it is better academically and facility wise. I wanted to enjoy my college experience and I have done that here.

Last year you had two assists, how did it make you feel because both of the goals were game winning goals?
It felt great. It helped me get pretty pumped and fired up and it was an added bonus.

You are an exercise science major and you have already received your degree so do you have any plans after USC?
No plans as of yet but I am still deciding what to do but I graduated in May and I’m just taking a few language classes right now but I am looking into getting my masters degree.

What is the feeling of playing at Stone Stadium?
Stone Stadium is a great place to play. It is a great field and over the past couple of years we have had awesome fan support from friends, family, and other Gamecock fans.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to spend my spare time enjoying outdoor sports or going on adventures … I attend a lot of other Gamecock sports as well.

Most memorable moment?
Florida in 2002 … The Florida win was obviously huge … It was a good day and it was a big win for the team and the program.

One team that you mark down on your calendar and look forward to playing each year?
Clemson is huge because they are our rival and I wanted a win over my three years but it didn’t happen but we played them very well each time.

Individual goals for the 2003 season?
Get better every game … do my job and help my team whatever it takes to win

You have an outstanding work ethic, how do you prepare for your matches?
I get it done before game day. Eat right, well rested, practice hard

Why do you wear #2?
I’m not picky with my numbers but I will not wear 13 so you can say I am a little superstitious. There really isn’t a reason why I wear number two but I do like wearing even numbers.

What is something you did in class that you thought was cool?
Learning about nutrition, and learning about the muscles.