Meet R Freshmen: Dana Goldstein
Aug 07 | Women's Soccer
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers women's soccer welcomes 11 new faces to the program for the 2017 season. ScarletKnights.com caught up with all 11 newcomers for brief Q&A sessions to introduce them to the RU community. This installment features Medford, New Jersey, native Dana Goldstein.
Defender • 5-6
Club: PDA Impact
Medford, N.J. • Shawnee High School
Prior to Rutgers: Member of PDA Soccer Club, ranked one of the top clubs in the country … four-year varsity letterwinner at Shawnee High School … in 2016, was named South Jersey player of the year, first team all-South Jersey, garnered all-state and all-conference laurels … named Burlington County Player of the Year in 2016 … received all-conference and all-state recognition and helped the team to the Group 4 Sectional Championship in 2015.
Personal: Daughter of Dave and Lynne … has two siblings, Catie and Andrew… her sister, Catie, is a member of the Rutgers women's rugby team...intends to major in biochemistry.
ScarletKnights.com: Why did you choose Rutgers?
Dana Goldstein: Rutgers University is a very important school to my family and me. Both of my parents attended Rutgers as well as my cousin. My sister is currently attending as a senior and a member of the women's rugby team. Rutgers has always been a big part of my life and I have had a desire to go to the school since I was young.
Once I decided I wanted to play soccer at the collegiate level I knew Rutgers was the perfect place for me. The academics are phenomenal as well as the women's soccer program. The coaches are outstanding and run a great team. I also was thrilled that the coaching staff takes into account a player's character just as much as her ability to play the game. I am really looking forward to the competitive and intense atmosphere on and off the field.
SK.com: When did you first start playing soccer?
DG: I started playing soccer when I was five years old on the mini munchkin team.
SK.com: Do you remember the moment you fell in love with soccer?
DG: I don't know if there was an exact moment in which I realized my immense love for the game, but I know for sure I love it because I am always excited and ready to go for anything involving it – games, practices and even physical training.
SK.com: Who was your biggest soccer influence?
DG: I know a lot of people idolize the pros or players on the national teams, but someone pretty close to me has influenced me the most and that is Kenie Wright. Battling against her in high school helped fuel my fire. I saw her dedication and her passion and that has helped me become the player who I am today. Coming to Rutgers with her is extremely exciting and I can't wait to work with her the next few years.
SK.com: What is your best soccer memory?
DG: My best soccer memory is not a championship, not even a game, it is a practice. Although I love playing in the games, I love practicing just as much. I was playing with the boy's team on PDA and the competitive atmosphere was outstanding and that is a memory I will never forget. I loved the work ethic and skill. To me, the hours spent practicing are just as memorable as the game time moments.
SK.com: Do you have a favorite soccer player?
DG: I wouldn't say that I have only one favorite player, but one of my favorites is Ali Krieger. She is inspiring to watch and I definitely try to model her style sometimes.
SK.com: What did you know about Rutgers prior to committing?
DG: I have been growing up on this campus so I did know a lot. I was very familiar with a lot of things and I loved everything about the university.
SK.com: What is your favorite thing about Rutgers so far?
DG: My favorite thing about Rutgers so far is the people who work here. Whether they are a professor, coach, trainer, or even a receptionist, everyone is so nice and caring. I feel a level of compassion from the staff that I think is hard to find.
SK.com: What are your personal goals for the upcoming season?
DG: My goal for this upcoming season is to help the team in any way I can, whether it is giving 110% every practice, getting minutes in the game, or just being a good teammate. I want to give our team every ounce of effort I have so we can get the edge to accomplish something great.
SK.com: What three things would you bring to a deserted island?
DG: To a deserted island I would probably bring a giant survival kit, a friend, and a ball.
SK.com: What is your favorite TV show, music and food?
DG: My favorite TV show is Chain Reaction on the Game Show Network. My favorite music is either rap or reggae, but I like a lot of different kinds of music. My favorite food is dark chocolate coconut almonds.
SK.com: If you had a walkout song what would it be?
DG: If I had a walk out song it would be Fuego.
SK.com: What are your hobbies outside of playing soccer?
DG: Outside of playing soccer I like to hang out with friends and family, surf, and play with my dog.
SK.com: If you could excel at any other sport, what would it be?
DG: If I could excel at any other sport it would definitely be golf.
SK.com: Which social media platform is your favorite – Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram?
DG: Twitter.
SK.com: Any fun facts or did you knows?
DG: I do not like flying on planes.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (Rutgers Athletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers women's soccer, follow the program on Facebook (Rutgers Women's Soccer), Twitter (@RUWSoccer) and Instagram (@RUWSoccer). Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.
Defender • 5-6
Club: PDA Impact
Medford, N.J. • Shawnee High School
Prior to Rutgers: Member of PDA Soccer Club, ranked one of the top clubs in the country … four-year varsity letterwinner at Shawnee High School … in 2016, was named South Jersey player of the year, first team all-South Jersey, garnered all-state and all-conference laurels … named Burlington County Player of the Year in 2016 … received all-conference and all-state recognition and helped the team to the Group 4 Sectional Championship in 2015.
Personal: Daughter of Dave and Lynne … has two siblings, Catie and Andrew… her sister, Catie, is a member of the Rutgers women's rugby team...intends to major in biochemistry.
ScarletKnights.com: Why did you choose Rutgers?
Dana Goldstein: Rutgers University is a very important school to my family and me. Both of my parents attended Rutgers as well as my cousin. My sister is currently attending as a senior and a member of the women's rugby team. Rutgers has always been a big part of my life and I have had a desire to go to the school since I was young.
Once I decided I wanted to play soccer at the collegiate level I knew Rutgers was the perfect place for me. The academics are phenomenal as well as the women's soccer program. The coaches are outstanding and run a great team. I also was thrilled that the coaching staff takes into account a player's character just as much as her ability to play the game. I am really looking forward to the competitive and intense atmosphere on and off the field.
SK.com: When did you first start playing soccer?
DG: I started playing soccer when I was five years old on the mini munchkin team.
SK.com: Do you remember the moment you fell in love with soccer?
DG: I don't know if there was an exact moment in which I realized my immense love for the game, but I know for sure I love it because I am always excited and ready to go for anything involving it – games, practices and even physical training.
SK.com: Who was your biggest soccer influence?
DG: I know a lot of people idolize the pros or players on the national teams, but someone pretty close to me has influenced me the most and that is Kenie Wright. Battling against her in high school helped fuel my fire. I saw her dedication and her passion and that has helped me become the player who I am today. Coming to Rutgers with her is extremely exciting and I can't wait to work with her the next few years.
SK.com: What is your best soccer memory?
DG: My best soccer memory is not a championship, not even a game, it is a practice. Although I love playing in the games, I love practicing just as much. I was playing with the boy's team on PDA and the competitive atmosphere was outstanding and that is a memory I will never forget. I loved the work ethic and skill. To me, the hours spent practicing are just as memorable as the game time moments.
SK.com: Do you have a favorite soccer player?
DG: I wouldn't say that I have only one favorite player, but one of my favorites is Ali Krieger. She is inspiring to watch and I definitely try to model her style sometimes.
SK.com: What did you know about Rutgers prior to committing?
DG: I have been growing up on this campus so I did know a lot. I was very familiar with a lot of things and I loved everything about the university.
SK.com: What is your favorite thing about Rutgers so far?
DG: My favorite thing about Rutgers so far is the people who work here. Whether they are a professor, coach, trainer, or even a receptionist, everyone is so nice and caring. I feel a level of compassion from the staff that I think is hard to find.
SK.com: What are your personal goals for the upcoming season?
DG: My goal for this upcoming season is to help the team in any way I can, whether it is giving 110% every practice, getting minutes in the game, or just being a good teammate. I want to give our team every ounce of effort I have so we can get the edge to accomplish something great.
SK.com: What three things would you bring to a deserted island?
DG: To a deserted island I would probably bring a giant survival kit, a friend, and a ball.
SK.com: What is your favorite TV show, music and food?
DG: My favorite TV show is Chain Reaction on the Game Show Network. My favorite music is either rap or reggae, but I like a lot of different kinds of music. My favorite food is dark chocolate coconut almonds.
SK.com: If you had a walkout song what would it be?
DG: If I had a walk out song it would be Fuego.
SK.com: What are your hobbies outside of playing soccer?
DG: Outside of playing soccer I like to hang out with friends and family, surf, and play with my dog.
SK.com: If you could excel at any other sport, what would it be?
DG: If I could excel at any other sport it would definitely be golf.
SK.com: Which social media platform is your favorite – Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram?
DG: Twitter.
SK.com: Any fun facts or did you knows?
DG: I do not like flying on planes.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (Rutgers Athletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers women's soccer, follow the program on Facebook (Rutgers Women's Soccer), Twitter (@RUWSoccer) and Instagram (@RUWSoccer). Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.
Players Mentioned
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