Q&A: Andi Sullivan

Q: What does this team need to do to keep the momentum going into the postseason?
A: "We've obviously had a really great preseason and conference season so far, and I think we just need to continue to be hungry and have that drive. We know that every team we play is going to bring their best game against us, so we can't take a play off or a moment to rest."

Q: What does this postseason mean to you?
A: "This postseason is so important to me. I have loved being at Stanford and playing for this team, and it's my last go around, so I really want to make it to the College Cup and win a national championship. To be able to leave on a high note and perform the best I can in the postseason would really cement my experience at Stanford."

Q: What will you miss most about being on this team?
A: "I'll miss the friendships the most – I get to spend so much quality time with my amazing teammates, and that's been the case for all four years. I'm still close with seniors when I was a freshman, and getting to do everything with my teammates every day is what I'll really miss about being here."

Q: What does your relationship with your teammates and coaches here mean to you?
A: "A huge reason for our success is the relationships we have with each other, among the players and the staff. I have loved getting more comfortable with our staff and myself in interacting with my teammates – from freshman year to senior year, it's been amazing to learn how a culture is established and how relationships are built."

Q: What are your hopes and expectations for this group beyond this season?
A: "I have huge expectations for this team now, and even more so when I am gone. My hope is that the way I chose to lead this season will have an impact on our younger players. They're obviously performing on the field now, but I hope they stay focused and keep challenging themselves moving forward. I know they're more than capable, and they may be the most capable class of players we've had in my time here.

Q: What was it like returning to the National Team?
A: "It was amazing to return to the National Team after my injury last season. Everyone was so excited to have me back, which was nice since it can be an intimidating environment. In a way, it felt like I was going again for the first time and I was a little nervous, but at the same time, I felt more confident that the players and staff see something in me as a player. It was overall an awesome experience – the staff and players were amazing, and it really pushed my capabilities on the field."