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Saskia Webber and her soccer teammates became instant superstars after winning the 1999 Women's World Cup. Today, Saskia is scoring writing, modeling and TV assignments as a multimedia star off the field. For the Sydney Olympics, she's reporting for ESPN and other news agencies on what she knows best: women's soccer. Find out what Saskia has to say about her favorite sport, and why she gets such a kick out of her different roles.
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As a Women's World Cup champion, Saskia is truly oustanding in her field.
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TFK: What made you pursue soccer as a professional?
Saskia: Soccer was one of the first sports I played. I also tried swimming and tennis, but they were both sports for individuals. I felt soccer was the best for me because I liked working together with a team.
TFK: You've described yourself as a former tomboy. What sorts of 'tomboy-ish' things did you do as a kid?
Saskia: My childhood friends made me the 'tomboy' that I am. Most, if not all, of the kids in my neighborhood were boys. I found myself out in the backfield playing every sport under the sun with the boys and my older brother, Damon.
TFK: Like Tiger Woods, you're an athlete of mixed ethnic backgrounds (Dutch, Caucasian, African American and Cherokee Indian). Did that affect you at all while growing up?
Saskia: Being of mixed race, you will always have people who don't 'understand' your background, but as a whole I was very lucky growing up in Princeton, New Jersey. Growing up a mixed race was never an issue when it came to sports. Sports was the one thing in my life where I was treated equally and judged only on my athletic abilities.
TFK: How did you feel when your soccer team won the Women's World Cup last year?
Saskia: When the winning goal was scored - as the shot was struck, I heard silence. Even with 90,000 fans screaming, I was so nervous that it felt like the stadium was empty. Then, like a flash, I found myself hugging my teammates with noise so loud, I couldn't even hear myself scream!
TFK: What did you enjoy most about being on the U.S. women's soccer team?
Saskia: Having 19 sisters to see the world and hang around with. Since we were so close, we played very well together. Having 19 sisters in your life is amazing - the toughest part was fitting everyone in the team vans!
TFK: Describe what you've been doing as a member of the WUSA team in Philadelphia.
Saskia: I am currently training at Rutgers University with my strength coach, keeping in shape for when my WUSA team starts practice in the winter. I am also getting ready for the Discovery Health Indoor All-Star Tour next month.
TFK: As a commentator for the Sydney Olympics, what point-of-view will you offer that's different from most other reporters?
Saskia: Having been on the U.S. women's soccer team myself, I know what the athletes are going through behind the scenes - how they are preparing, what they are thinking, eating, and how they are adapting - something other writers can't see or know.
TFK: What has sparked your interest in writing, TV and modeling?
Saskia: Being able to write about my experiences in life and in sports helps me re-live those special moments. Modeling has been amazing. I have met so many talented people outside sports. Recently, I worked with Tommy Hilfiger to help raise money for a hospital. Being with the kids in the hospital made me realize how lucky I am to have won a world championship.
TFK: What message do you have for kids who are aiming high in life the way you have?
Saskia: The reason my teammates and I are so successful is because we love what we do, and we work hard for each other and ourselves. While you are in school - if you play sports or if you are in the arts, work your hardest. Be happy and proud knowing that you did your best - even if you end up in second place.
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