Katy Byrne is in the midst of her senior season with Pepperdine women's soccer. We discussed her experience on the team, how the team has bounced back from their rough start and her plans after graduation:
 
Q: This is your fourth year on the women's soccer team, and you've been a part of some very successful ones. What has your experience been like?
 
A: It's been really good. I've had a lot of growth during my time here. I've learned a lot, so it's been a really great experience.
 
Q: What are some goals you have for the rest of the season, both individually and for the team?
 
A: Individually, I just want to continue to grow as a player. I want to keep getting better because I feel l like I haven't reached my peak yet. I also want to play after graduation if I can, so I definitely want to continue growing. For the team, I just want us to reach our full potential, show up every day and do the best we can. A goal for us is to win a third conference championship. I think if we give our best effort every day, it'll happen hopefully.
 
Q: The team had a tough start to the season. What was that like, and how has the team bounced back?
 
A: We've bounced back in a really positive way. It was a wake-up call. I think we're really clicking and our performance is peaking right before conference, which is perfect. Even though it was tough during the losses, it was a really necessary learning experience.
 
Q: The WCC schedule is starting up this week. How do you think the team can do this year?
 
A: I think we're going to do well. I'm coming in with a positive mindset, because everything is coming together when we need it to. The last game we had against UCSB was one of the best performances we had as a group, collectively, this season. We're going in confident, and ready to play hard.
 
Q: You're originally from Texas. Have you ever felt homesick, and has it improved over the course of your time here?
 
A:  I was homesick for maybe a month freshman year, but I kind of got over it pretty quickly.  I'm an independent person, and I love California so the homesickness didn't last too long.
 
Q: What has been the best part about being a Pepperdine student-athlete?
 
A: I think the friends that I've made have been the best part. Being on a team, you come in freshman year with automatic friends, so it makes it a lot easier. The family aspect of it is probably the best part; they're my family away from my family.
 
Q: How have you grown as an athlete during your time here, and how have your coaches and teammates help you?
 
A: As an athlete, I think my mental game has improved. I used to think that being just a hard worker was enough. Now, I've learned the game and know when to fix situations and be crafty. I work hard, but now I've trained my brain. My coaches have really taught me since they know the game so well; they are some of the best coaches I've ever had.
 
Q: Reflecting on your time at Pepperdine, what is some advice you would give to your freshman self?
 
A: I'd probably say, "Don't stress so much and just enjoy the process." I would always say to not worry because everything is going to end up the way that it should. Working hard and not stressing would be my biggest advice.
 
Q: As a senior, what are your prospective plans for after graduation?
 
A: I want to play abroad somewhere, maybe in England or Australia. After that, I want to try to become a college coach.