Aug. 17, 2011

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina sophomore midfielder Chipper Root recently took time out of his training schedule to check in with GamecocksOnline.com about the upcoming season, what he did over the summer and what he can’t leave on a road trip without.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about this year at South Carolina?
A: Playing Clemson because of the rivalry

Q: What made you choose South Carolina?
A: Everything about the school and the coaches

Q: What is your greatest South Carolina soccer moment?
A: Scoring my first goal against Memphis

Q: Who was your biggest influence growing up?
A: My dad

Q: What athlete do you try to emulate most?
A: Probably (Lionel) Messi because of my size

Q: What is your favorite professional soccer team?
A: Barcelona because of their style of play

Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
A: Australia because I think it would be cool to see what it’s like there

Q: What is your number and why?
A: I’m number `3′ because I had that number when I was younger

Q: Who are you most looking forward to playing with or against this year?
A: NC State because one of my good friends is on their team

Q: What one word would you use to describe your style of play?
A: Explosive

Q: What did you do over the summer?
A: Stayed in Columbia to rehab my right leg

Q: What would be your Sportscenter dream highlight?
A: Scoring on a bicycle kick

Q: Who is your best friend on another college team?
A: Jared Girard who goes to Campbell University

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?
A: I hate when people crunch their ice

Q: What is your biggest fear?
A: Spiders

Q: What is the one thing you can’t leave without on a road trip?
A: My iPod