Oct. 17, 2007

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Jimmy Maurer, a freshman goalkeeper from Lawrenceville, Ga., has made a major and immediate impact on the South Carolina men’s soccer team during his rookie season. Maurer has been named the Adidas Gamecock Classic Defensive MVP, the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 1) and most recently, Maurer was named one of the top rookies in the nation by CollegeSoccerNews.com. The USC Media Relations office recently sat down with Maurer for a one-on-one interview about everything from his most memorable soccer experience to his favorite TV show.

USC: How has your game improved since you have been at USC?
JM: My fundamentals have gotten better from practicing and training under the coaching staff here.

USC: What has been your most memorable experience playing for USC?
JM: Upsetting Clemson, 1-0, in the opening game of the season in double overtime, that was great.

USC: Who is your biggest influence? Why?
JM: My mom. She got breast cancer a few years ago and seeing the strength she showed through that makes her my biggest influence.

USC: What do you like about USC?
JM: Everything. I love the town and the campus here. Everything is really enjoyable.

USC: How does it feel to be named one of the top rookies in the nation by CollegeSoccerNews.com?
JM: That’s news to me. It’s good to hear!

USC: What do you like to do in your spare time?
JM: Talk to my family and sleep!

USC: What is your favorite TV show?
JM: Sportscenter

Compiled by USC Media Relations student assistant Niketa Gordon