Oct. 30, 2003

Columbia, S.C. – Now in her junior year with the Gamecocks, Sarah Lentz is finding success on the field. A defender on the right wing, Lentz is part of the reason the Gamecocks are allowing less than one goal a match. In adddition, Lentz has contributed on the offensive end with two goals and four assists for eight points on the season. Earlier in the year, Lentz was named to the Soccer Buzz Elite Team of the Week and earned All-Tournament Team honors at the UGA/Nike Tournament.

You grew up in Florence, S.C. what does it feel like to be a member of the University of South Carolina soccer team What does it mean to wear the garnet and black?

“It feels good. Both my parents went to school at South Carolina and I always aspired to be a Gamecock. I never thought I would play Division I soccer, but it worked out and it’s great to be a member of the team.

What did you focus on in the offseason to make you a better player? What did you work on?

“I worked with our strength coach Billy Anderson on speed and how quick I am to react. Fitness was important to concentrate on as well. I played in a summer league also, and that let me touch the ball and work on foot skills.”

As a defender, it is not common to score goals, how does it feel to own two goals and both of them ending up as game-winners?

“It feels great. I’ve always wanted to score, and for them to be game-winners makes it even better. When I scored against Kentucky, it felt like a dream.”

What is it like to play for the Coach Smith and her staff?

“I think our coaching staff does a great job in teaching us how to play in their system. I’ve always wondered about other coaches and their type of play, because our coaches have really brought us together as a team.”

You list country as your favorite music to listen to? What are some of your favorite songs? How many country concerts have you attended?

“I think I’ve only been to one country concert, Tim McGraw. He’s my favorite, and I love all his songs. I used to not like country music, but I started listening to Shania Twain and I’ve listened to country ever since.

What do you have to say to an aspiring soccer player?

“I definitely wasn’t a national player, just worked real hard. As long as you love it, and want to do it, just work real hard and have your heart in it.

Do you have any superstitions, things you have to do before practice or a game?

I tape over my bracelets, they are lucky.