NSWL Rookie Report: Sky Blue FC’s Sarah Killion

Totaling 13 goals and 32 assists for 58 points over a period of four years at UCLA, Sarah Killion was selected second overall by Sky Blue FC in the 2015 NWSL Draft. Not only did she win a NCAA National Championship with UCLA in but she helped lead the U.S. U-20 team to a FIFA World Cup Championship in 2012 and helped the U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team win the Four Nations tournament in 2013.

I had the honor of recently speaking to Sarah about her NWSL Rookie Season.

Sarah Killion (Photo by Robyn McNeil)

What do you like about the Sky Blue organization? 

I think it’s amazing everyday that I get to wake up and my profession is soccer. I get to go play soccer with some of the best players in the world and I feel like everyday I’m competing, I’m getting better, and I’m learning so much from some amazing players. The organization itself is just very professional and I think they do a great job of allowing us to grow both on and off the field.

How did you begin playing soccer? 

I began playing around three or four. Both of my parents kind of through me into it. My dad used to play soccer so that’s kind of where it started. But both of them are very ambitious and they want the same for me.

What were emotions like before the start of your first professional game? 

Jitters. I was a little jittery. As the season has gone on I’ve gotten more comfortable which is great. I’ve been able to kind of play more so the way I normally play and the way I want to play so that’s encouraging. Definitely the first game I was more nervous than normal.

Do you usually get nervous before games? 

I usually get a little nervous right before the whistle blows. I think it’s good to get a little nervous. I think it means that you care and that it’s affecting you, but I don’t get overly nervous or anxious.

What’s been the biggest difference between college and professional play? 

I think the speed of play and the games. It’s just a different level. It’s more physical, it’s faster, they’re stronger. You have to be thinking quicker and on your toes. You just have to be ready for whatever is thrown your way. Different formations, different styles, but you really have to solve it on the field.

If there wasn’t a league in the United States, would you play overseas? 

Yes, absolutely. I would love to maybe eventually try it out overseas but this league is growing and it’s unreal the talent pool that is in this league right now, so this league is my number one priority. Eventually I would love to experience the overseas style of play and get that under my belt as well.

Sarah Killion (Photo by Robyn McNeil)

What does the sport of soccer mean to you? 

It means a lot. Obviously I’ve put twenty years of my life into it. It means a lot, it’s not number one, but it means so much to me, and I put so much into it. It’s really my release. It’s like when I step onto the field, everything else is put to the side for a second. It’s just me and my teammates out there trying to win and trying to grind it out and I love that feeling.

What do you do in your off time?

We go to the beach, we hang out. I’m a big reader, I love to read.

What’s on your reading list right now? 

We actually have a bible study group so we are reading “What Love Is.” Kind of going though the book of John in the Bible. I love inspirational books as well so like John Wooden books and those kind of things. I’ve always got one of those laying around next to my bed.

How do you prepare for a game? Any rituals or superstitions? 

You know surprisingly I do not have a lot of rituals, superstitions, or anything like that. Some people do but I literally do not think I have anything like that. No rituals, no superstitions.

Who is Sarah Killion? 

Ah! I don’t know! That’s one that I’m still working on. I’m not quite there yet.