Anna Fairchok loves soccer. She played during her first two years of college before deciding to focus more on her studies. She wants to become an athletic trainer, and if things go her way, the athletic trainer for the Women’s National team.
Fairchok has been following the World Cup religiously, she even got to go up to Vancouver, Canada to watch the U.S. take on Nigeria.
“It was an absolute dream,” Fairchok said. “USA finished first in the group of death and I was in the same building as some of the most inspiring athletes in women’s soccer.”
Fairchok hasn’t only followed the USWMNT, she is an advoate for all women athletes and is strongly against the women playing on turf.
“One-hundred and twenty degrees on the turf is ridiculous,” she said. “It makes me that much more angry that these athletes aren’t playing on grass like the men.”
When asked who her favorite athlete was, Fairchok has several answers to give.
“Kelly O’hara scored [when she hadn’t gotten time in previous games] and that is why she deserves to start freaking games,” she said.
On the opposite side of the field, Fairchok has another favorite.
“I want to make Julie Johnston a freaking cape because she is a super hero in the back line.”
I think it is safe to say Fairchok is enthusiastic about this team.
Nothing however compared to watching the USA v. Germany game. Fairchok normally watches games with her family at home but sometimes, like for the semi-final on June 30, she heads across the water to join other die hard fans.
“I lost all chill. I was freaking out about the game and it hadn’t even started yet,” she said.
The good news for Fairchok is that the U.S. beat Germany 2-0 and are moving on to the final, which will be played at BC Place in Vancouver on July 5.
“I was genuinely surprised I did not have a heart attack in those two hours and 14 minutes of watching that game,” Fairchok said. “But I’m thankful because I lived to see the U.S. win.”
Pubs in Poulsbo, Bremerton and Seattle will be showing the game against Japan on July 5, and it’s safe to say if you go to watch, you might run in to this enthusiastic fan who loves this team.
