Oct. 5, 2011
Notre Dame junior women’s soccer goalkeeper Maddie Fox saw limited playing time in her first two seasons as a backup to veteran netminder Nikki Weiss. However, with Weiss’ graduation, Fox has stepped in as the primary Fighting Irish goalkeeper, playing in nine of the team’s 13 contests and making eight starts. A San Jose, Calif., native, Fox has a 4-2-2 record and leads the BIG EAST Conference with an .841 save percentage, while ranking second with a 0.80 goals-against average. This past weekend, she helped lead the Fighting Irish to two BIG EAST shutouts with a pair of 3-0 wins over Connecticut and Providence. UND.com’s Briana Coyne recently sat down with Fox in order to get an inside look into the junior goalkeeper, both and off the pitch.
How did you start playing?
I started playing when I was around 10. I used to play during recess and I begged my parents to put me on a team.
As a soccer player, is there any one player you model your game after?
Growing up I loved watching Briana Scurry (goalkeeper for the Women’s National Team from 1994-2008) play.
What has soccer taught you about yourself and life?
Soccer has taught me the value of working hard and being persistent.
Who is the best athlete that you have ever competed against?
I would say (Notre Dame senior midfielder/tri-captain) Courtney Barg. Even though she is on my own team, whenever I scrimmage against her during practice, I’m amazed by her skill.
How do you unwind after a game?
After a game I like to go out to dinner with either my family or my teammates and talk about what happened during the game.
What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
My father told me, “People are just as happy as they make up their mind to be.”
What is the most important thing you’ve learned while playing soccer at Notre Dame?
I’ve learned that I play a lot better when I’m having fun, and so does the team.
How do you think you’ve grown as a person since coming to Notre Dame?
I think I’ve learned to become more proactive in everything I do.
What was your favorite class to take at Notre Dame?
I really enjoyed my “Theology of Marriage” class that I took this summer. My teacher, Father Odozor, was great.
What’s the best movie you’ve seen recently?
I just recently watched “The Blind Side” for the first time and loved it.
What is the most rewarding thing you’ve done?
I love doing charity work and helping out anyway I can. Over the summer, I volunteered at a soup kitchen once a week and I got to know some of the homeless people. It was so interesting listening to their stories and I really felt like I learned a lot for them. I also love helping out “She’s the First.” I think it’s an amazing cause.
What is your dream job?
I would love to eventually own my own business.
What has been your best memory with the team?
We always have a great time on the bus, especially right after dinner. Those times have provided some great memories.
What song best describes your life right now?
Miley Cyrus – The Climb (…the remix our seniors came up with).
What is one thing you cannot live without?
Food. I love to eat way too much.
What is your favorite thing about fall on campus?
I love watching all the trees change color; they’ve so beautiful.
What do you enjoy to do in your free time?
I enjoy hanging out with my friends, watching movies, and catching up with my family.
Do you have a bucket list? And if so, what is one of the things you wish to accomplish?
I would love to experience zero gravity. Another one on my list is to meet Oprah Winfrey.
What has been your proudest accomplishment in soccer?
I would say just playing at Notre Dame has been a huge accomplishment.
To date, what has been the highlight of your Notre Dame career?
The highlight was winning the national championship (last year). That was such a great time and it will stick with me for the rest of my life.
— ND —