Toysrus.com welcomes you to chat with your favorite 1999 World Cup Women's Soccer Champions. Today we'll be talking to Tisha Venturini who will talk to you about all of her favorite soccer tips. Tisha is a part of the Toys "R" Us Victory Tour which takes the team through 12 cities in the US. Thanks Tisha!
Tisha-Thank you -- thanks for having me!*
guest-neeta says: How old were you when you started playing soccer?
I started playing at the age of 5. With my older brother, Todd.*
guest-striker says: How many hours of practice do you have every day?
When I'm with the team, we train no more than two hours.... And when I'm on my own, probably the same. Right around two hours -- no more than three. And that includes running, playing with the ball, and lifting weights.*
guest-sfcarl says: What type of workout to you do to keep in shape?
Several different things. I do a lot of running, like interval work. So I'll do some long runs every once in a while... But it is important to do intervals -- sprints -- we call them shuttles.... And I lift weights three times a week. And I also do like stair work or running hills. And if for an off day maybe go roller blading.....something leisurly like that.*
guest-striker says: What tip do you have for concentrating when you are playing a game? I usually am just so involved in playing that I don't really have a problem concentrating that much.
Maybe you just need to take a second, close your eyes, relax, take a couple of deep breaths.... And figure out what you need to do and why you are out there. Take a moment to try to get relaxed and get game focused.*
guest-shock30 says: how did you deal with peer-pressure in high school and college?
I was very lucky. I had very good friends and close friends that never really pressured me. I was usually pretty confident and I was so involved in sports and school and you know, spending quality time with my friends and family...... I wasn't intrigued by the bad stuff. You just have to believe in yourself and be a strong person -- you just have to believe in that.*
guest-milkchick says: When did you first realize the impact that you and the team had made on kids? We've been doing soccer camps for years.
Right after the Olympics, probably was the most obvious. All of the camps I would work would be sold out -- all the little girls wanted to come and be with the National Team players. They had posters of us and they knew the names and numbers of like *every* player. So that's when it really hit us... When kids starting knowing everyone's name and your hobbies and what you liked to eat.*
SaraWhalenFan says: Do you have any pre-game superstitions?
I do have a special handshake that I do with my teammate, Kristine Lilly. It's just a real short like -- we kinda look at each other and laugh. It's just a bond type of thing. But I'm not very superstitious.*
guest-usa_freak says: What was it like winning the World Cup??
It was terrible! I'm kidding.... It's beyond description.... Unless you were in that stadium -- during any of the games -- but mostly the final game... You just can't describe it. Think of the happiest you have ever been -- and the most excited you have ever been -- and then multiply it by 1,000,000 LOL There are just no words for it.*
guest-tisharulz says: hey tisha, i was told by my friend, kara keene to ask you what your house looked like after the world cup...so...what DID it look like??
Well....I wasn't actually there because I don't live there anymore! But I believe it was decorated very patriotically :-)*
guest-mac says: can people come to see u guys train in fl? or wherever? or is it not for public?
No -- generally, our practices are open! It depends on the coach...now we are going to have a new coach....I don't know what their new philosophy will be.... But we don't mind having people come out and watch. If you can find us, you can come!*
guest-milkchick says: Does it frustrate you personally to go from a starter to one of the super-subs? I know that everyone's best interest is with the team, but do you yourself get frustrated that you come in off the bench more than you start?
Sure..... It's always frustrating when you are not playing as much as you'd like. But I've come to except and embrace my role on this team. Because when I look at the roster and look who is playing -- I'm just very honored to be there at all.*
guest-Michelle says: Many players have mentioned retirement after the Olympics... a couple player will for sure... are you looking beyond the Olympics in 2000, and does it help that the World Cup has been moved up to 2002?
I didn't know the World Cup was being moved up! But I do see myself possibly ending my national team career -- if I even make it to the Olympics -- I'm shooting for that.... But if there is a women's league...which we are hoping for, I'd like to play for that.*
guest-Sydney says: Where do you keep your medals?
My Olympic gold medal is in my sock drawer I really don't have too special of a spot for it. :-)*
guest-Michelle says: Who is your closest friend on the team?
That's very tough to answer. Because we are all very, very close and have such a great time together. I could hang out with any one of them and have a great time. Probably Kristine Lilly and I hang out the most.... We went to college together for a couple of years and had a super time together.... If I had to pick just one, she would be it... But I enjoy every single one of my teammates company.*
guest-mac says: what is your training schedule?
Right now, the team is going on a tour to Australia in January. But we are not sure who will be going on that trip... Whether it is the World Cup team or some new players they want to look at. So that's the next thing in line. In February we might have a few games in the U.S. To be honest, though, I couldn't give you a laid out training schedule.... So we do a lot of training on our own.*
guest-Michelle says: You guys begin playing games on January 7... is their any urgency in finding a coach?
Well, I think we are all excited about finding out who it is. But it's nothing something you rush into. But I assume by January 1 they will have someone selected. And all of the people who are up for it I'm sure will do a great job. So it's not something that I am too worried about.*
SaraWhalenFan says: What's the coolest thing you have gotten to do since winning the world cup?
Let me think :-) That's kinda tough. One thing that was really cool was that the whole entire team flew down to Cape Canaveral, Florida with the First Lady... And in her Air Force One plane... And watched the space shuttle launch that had the first women captain. But the shuttle never went off....there was a bit of a problem and it didn't go. But the whole experience of flying down there with the First Lady and Chelsea and meet some of the astronauts was just awesome!*
guest-sidekick says: What are some drills or exercises you do to gain speed and or endurance?
For speed, you can do sprints.... Like 20 yards, 40 yards, 60 yards.... And full rest in between each sprint. I do hill sprints, which is good for explosiveness.... And lifting weights helps you with your acceleration. I also have been doing jump rope for like quick feet.... Anything you do when you move your feet real fast -- helps with quickness. And I can do that in front of the TV -- catch up on the sports and the news.*
guest-brandilover3 says: how do you handle the pressure in the game
I think a lot of it is experience. So I know how to deal with it now -- I'm more confident in myself and in my teammates. And I think teammates are key here -- because they help me when I'm nervous, or excited, or down..... If I'm not even into it at all......but you have the teammates who will pick you up. So I look to them a lot. So I think after time, you just come to know and believe in yourself.*
guest-sidekick says: What do you do to keep in shape in the off season?
There really isn't too much of an off season for us. We tend to play games all year long. But I'd say in the small amount of off season we do have, you can really go after it in the weight room. And use that time to get your fitness at your peak -- doing a lot of running type fitness work. Because once you are in the season, you need to have your legs to train. So you can't go out and shred your legs up in the weight room or running too often.... Because that will take away from your quality of training.*
guest-goaliepower says: Where is your hometown?
I grew up in Modesto, California......... Well, I went to school in North Carolina.... Then I moved to Florida to train with the team for a couple of years. Now I'm in Southern California.*
guest-yuriko says: hey tisha!! i saw that picture of you and casey in People's magazine (can i say you guys make an awesome couple!), and I was wondering how long you guys have been together! My sister is totally in love with Casey, and my bro is shattered you are taken! getting married soon?
Oh good question! You gotta ask him that! We've been going out since college -- we met at UNC.... So we've been going out for several years. But we are doing great -- we are having fun.*
guest-yvonne755 says: is it weird seeing yourself on magazines and in commercials?
It is kinda strange..... Very strange actually And then when people recognize you from them, it's even more strange. But doing the commercials with Mia and Brandi and Milbrett and Bri....we had a blast. Wasn't like we were doing commercials, we were just hanging out being funny. Then to see it in the commercial...it was pretty remarkable...pretty neat.*
guest-MegDawg says: Is it hard maintaining a long distance relationship w/ your boyfriend ?
It's difficult..... Obviously the telephone is nice, but it's not the same. But the whole team is in the same boat.... We've been travelling since we were 16 and 17 years old... And have had to be away from our families, husbands, boyfriends, you name it. It's nice to have them very supportive -- my family and boyfriend are very supportive of what I do... That helps SO much.*
guest-Mac8USA says: How does it feel to have thousands of young girls looking up to you, and wanting to be jsut like you?
Thousands, huh? I think it's neat. And I think it is flattering. And I was with Kristine Lilly today at the mall.... And people are like looking at her....."is that who I think it is"..... It's cool you know, we are just like normal people, but people get excited when they see you. It's kinda funny....you are no big deal to yourself...you know?*
guest-yvonne755 says: do remember when you signed your first autograph? (Tisha says she is losing her focus )
No, I do not...... :-(*
guest-Michelle says: What type of music is your favorite? Favorite band and artists?
I pretty much like anything but hard rock. Heavy metal....I dislike. I listen to anything. I like Big Head Todd......and Natalie Merchant....U2..... And I lived with Brandi Chastain in Florida, and all she listens to is R&B, and so she started to get me into that.... So I'm broading my horizons.*
SaraWhalenFan says: Do you collect anything or have any unique hobbies?
Not on purpose! My dad used to always save everything he ever got.... Papers, whatever.... So i've accumulated so much stuff I don't need.... So whenever I get a week where I'm going to do nothing, I'm gonna clear that stuff off.... And unique hobbies -- I don't think shopping is unique, lol I like running down to the beach...and I just picked up surfing...but I'm not very good My boyfriend goes quite often.....I've gone a couple of times -- it's tough and the water out here is very cold..... I'm pretty normal -- I like to read and shop and hang out with friends. And I've been doing a lot of Christmas shopping on the Internet :-)*
guest-usa_freak says: have you done any pranks lately?
No..... But I have one I do all the time to my mom When I call her up, and in my New York accent, I ask her if Rita is there. And she never catches on! I go "Yo! Is Rita there!" And she goes "No, you have the wrong number..." And by that I'm laughing too hard -- I'm in hysterics.*
guest-gousa9 says: how was being a judge at Miss Teen USA? I missed it! I'm so mad!!
It was interesting..... That's the word I would use. I was never very "girly"...and some of these young girls were...and into fashion...and they are 15. And I respect that, but it was a whole different universe than what I grew up in. I was a tomboy. It was fun....I met some interesting people.... Those girls work hard at what they do, and I respect that.*
guest-yuriko says: i read a quote somewhere that your the team's biggest shopper...this true?
(Miss Delaware was the winner, btw) I don't know....... Brandi, Julie, Mia....everyone shops! I guess if anyone wants to go shopping, they normally come to me first. Banana Republic or Abercrombie & Fitch are my favorite stores..... But I'm usually the first to blow my per diem.
guest-MegDawg says: Were you a good student? What were your favorite subjects?
Actually, I was a good student... I enjoyed school, but I struggled a bit. I enjoyed English and foreign language.... But math I still just can't figure out. And science I wasn't so good at. But I knew how important it was to do well at school so to do the things I needed and wanted to do. So education is very important! It's not for everyone -- but everyone needs it to do what they want to do to succeed.*
guest-Hustwayte says: Are you amazed how big of an impact the WWC99 had on everyone? I know my neices who are 7 both look up to the whole team.
Yes.... It's incredible. It seems everywhere we went after the world cup, people knew who we were... And a countless number of times people have come up to me in airports or grocery stores.... And said "You guys are awesome"...and "Thank you"....and "Thank you for three weeks of wonderful sportsmanship..." And now I'm seeing my teammates on TV -- or in the newspaper or a magazine -- there's one of my teammates, and that's just awesome!*
guest-birdgirl19 says: How do u deal with constantly being on the road?
Bring lots of books! Again, the people I'm with make it fantastic... My teammates are just great people. Some of my best friends and quality people that you love to spend time with. So that makes travelling much, much easier. But it does get hard, for everyone. But I think we really help each other get through it. And at the same time, we get to go to all these wonderful places and countries, and play soccer.... That's not so bad.*
guest-Danielle says: When will the next opportunity after the Toys R Us Tour be that we can see the team play on national soil?
I have no idea Sadly, so. Sorry! Hopefully in February, I would guess.*
guest-Danielle says: Who on the team has the most obvious superstition?
Let's see.... I know Michelle Akers always has to sit on the left side of the bus Like no matter when -- whenever we are on the bus she sits on the left side.... For some reason she one time told me that -- and there was no seats on the left side of the bus and she told me to switch, lol, so maybe that's how I knew... But I don't know of any obvious ones besides that.*
guest-MiniMe120 says: Ms. Venturini, what was the most embarrassing moment on the soccer field for you?
I guess lately, we had a game in Denver.... And I wasn't even playing... I was running to go to the bathroom at half time with Tiffany Roberts.... And my pants were unzipped and I stepped on one of my pantlegs..... And ripped it.... And seriously fell straight on my face. All on the soccer field in front of maybe 15-20,000 people. Tiffany Roberts was the only person on the team that actually saw it... But the whole end zone gave me a little cheer as I ran into the locker room.
SaraWhalenFan says: Do you like to watch the NBA or NFL and if so what are your favorite teams?
I spend my Saturdays and Sundays watching sports a lot! In the NFL....I am a big 49ers fan...although they aren't doing so hot this season. But I'll always be a 49er fan. And I'm a big fan of the Jaguars.....a good friend of mine's dad is coach..... NBA: I don't really have one team that I like...I think the Portland Trailblazers are going to win this year.... And in college this year -- how about those 'Heels? Anybody but Duke.....!*
guest-Jamie says: What is your favorite sport other then soccer?
I'd say snow skiing.... I grew up doing that a lot. It's not something we should do being National Team players, they tell us That's something I look forward to getting into more when I'm done playing.*
guest-usa_freak says: what do the fans mean to you?
If there weren't any fans, there wouldn't be anything to play for! It makes a huge difference.... Coming out on to the field, and there are 80,000 people screaming for you.... There is no way you can lose with all that energy. And having the World Cup in the U.S. was a HUGE advantage for us. But also, on the days where you are not so sure that you want to continue to play... You will get a fan letter or e-mail from someone who says how much they look up to you and how the great the team is and how much they want to be on the team.... And just stuff that makes you remember how special you do have it.*
guest-Jamie says: Do you have any nicknames other then Vench?
Um, no :-) Not that anybody knows of! You are crazy if you think I'm gonna spill that! People joke around and call me "The Rocket" because of my blazing speed.......haha.....*
guest-Michelle says: What's the coolest thing a fan has ever done for you or given to you?
I get a lot of cool stuff... I'd say, I don't know who they were, but someone sent our entire team a drawing of the stadium in Athens where are Olympics were... And put a nice "Home of the Women's Olympic Soccer Champions" on it.... It was just a cool momento.... And I have it hung up and every time I look at it I get chills. And I got some fan mail the other day.... With a stick of gum in it....I chew a lot of gum.... The little boy who sent it put a little post-it note on it -- said "Something to chew on the bench"...haha.... He wasn't being mean, he was being sweet. I thought it was the most hilarious thing! :-)*
guest-yvonne755 says: what do you think about all the fans bringing the team candy & presents at the games?
We love it!!!!!! We eat a lot of junk. We eat sugar and sweets -- and its cool that people knows what we like.... And like people bring Julie Foudy donuts.....cause they know she likes.... The first person asking for autographs from us today at Toys R Us brought Julie donuts, lol People bring us cookies....home made...it makes it just like family....kinda intimate.....kinda hard to explain. But it's not like you can go to an NBA and give Shaquille O'Neal some homemade cookies.*
tishshan says: In the Air Force One, I read that you and Mia flew the plane. What was it like?
No.........lol We were in the cockpit for the takeoff and a little of the flight... But no, I don't think they would let us fly the plane with the First Lady on board Not a good idea ! :-)*
guest-yvonne755 says: since you are the ultimate candy queen, whats your fave?
Oh that's tough!!!! I would have to say Smarties If I would have to name one, that would be it....it's hard for me to do :-)*
guest-WorldCupLilly13 says: I read somewhere that sometimes the team breaks out and starts singing, who is normally the first one to start singing?
That's easy! Everyone knows that Julie Foudy! I was just listening to a Christmas CD the other day randomly.... And it brought back a memory of us on the bus last Christmas and singing Christmas Carols.... And we were trying to sing the 12 days of Christmas.... And we were no where near right...we were just making up versus. Verses, that is. But that's just the stuff we do to have fun There will be no singing careers for anyone on this team.*
SaraWhalenFan says: What's on your Christmas wishlist this year?
This is interesting! :-) I need a cutting board........ That's the only thing I need, lol I have enough clothes ---- what I want most is just to be home and spend time with my family.... My sister is a pilot, so she probably won't be home..... But it will be the first Christmas without everyone there. As you get older, you will find time with people is much more important than any gift. So don't send me anything! I told my mom I don't want anything unless it is edible... I just want her to have people home while I'm home so I can visit.*
SaraWhalenFan says: Do you have anything special planned for New Year's Eve?
No..... We are supposed to go to Australia on the 2nd.... And we are not sure, that so that kinda hinders any plans to be made...as far as travelling... But Casey and I should be home watching TV as far as I know -- or hanging out..... There is too much pressure! We might go to a nice dinner...but probably just stay home and stay safe.*
guest-Jamie says: Do you know who will be at the Portland instore appearance yet?
I'm checking, hold on :-) Okay, looks like it is going to be Tiffeny Milbrett -- and Sara Whalen will be doing the chat.*
ToysRUs says: Tisha, our time is about up for today. Any last thoughts for our audience?
Just want to thank you all because obviously you are soccer fans! But we couldn't have had such a successful, fun World Cup without all these great fans. And we appreciate the fan mail and e-mail... And all that kind of support... Cause it really makes you realize how special this team is.... You don't take your time on this team for granted. Have a good time with whatever you choose to do..... That's the one thing we do on this team is have fun. :-) Come to the games!!!!!!!!!* Home
