RISING STAR: U.S. U-20 Midfielder Becky Edwards

• by Bryan Alvarez  @somuser, Nov 21, 2008

SOCCER AMERICA profiles Florida State's Becky Edwards, a member the U.S. national team competing at the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Chile. She started in midfield for the Americans in their 3-0 win over France in their opening game on Wednesday. She's a Philly girl through and through. Edwards was ecstatic about the Phillies' World Series and loves the Jersey Shore.

Becky Edwards
AGE: 20
HOMETOWN: Downingtown, Pa.
YOUTH CLUB: Westchester Predators
COLLEGE: Florida State
INTERNATIONAL: U-17s, U-20s
STARTING OUT: Like all other kids, I was forced to play rec. league when I was 4 years old. Something stuck and I really liked it. By 7 years old, I was playing traveling. My older brother was a big influence, too.
EARLY SOCCER MEMORY: I played on a boys club team and a girls club team at the same time. We played in the Jefferson Cup one year and both teams won the tournament.
FIRST CLEATS: I had Nike cleats. They were the first Mia Hamm's. They were black with red in the toe area.
CURRENT CLEATS: I play in men's Nike Legends.
OTHER SPORTS: I played basketball through high school.
FAVORITE TEAMS: Any Philly team. It [was] great having the Phillies in the World Series. I like the Eagles, the Sixers and the Flyers, too. For soccer, I like Liverpool.
FAVORITE PLAYER: Kelly Smith. I liked watching her when she was with the Philadelphia Charge (WUSA). I also like Chase Utley from the Philadelphia Phillies.
FAVORITE MOVIES: Elf, Billy Madison and Rudy.
FAVORITE ACTOR: Denzel Washington.
FAVORITE ACTRESS: None.
FAVORITE TV SHOW: Prison Break.
COLLEGE EXPERIENCE: I love it. On and off the field, it's a great community. Soccer-wise, it can't get any better. We have a world-class coach, a great team and great facilities. School-wise, I'm a Business Marketing Major. That's going well.
MOST INFLUENTIAL COACH: Mick Statham. He coached at my club team. We've stayed in touch over the years. He was an assistant coach at FSU for a while and he was the one who recruited me. He left before I got here, though.
MEMORABLE COACHING ADVICE (from youth coach): Dream big. Never give up on your dreams.
HOBBIES: I don't have a lot of free time. But when I get time, I like to read. I like to play basketball, too. I hang out with friends, go to the beach and go to the pool.
MUSIC: I like any kind. I listen to a lot of country. I like Sugarland, Kenny Chesney and Garth Brooks. I like rap, too. I like Jay-Z. I'm open to anything.
READING: During the summer, I read a lot for leisure. I like Jodi Picoult's books. I like reading sports books, too. I will read anything.
VACATION: Growing up, I used to like going to Ocean City on the Jersey Shore with my family.
FAMOUS PEOPLE YOU'D INVITE TO DINNER: Wentworth Miller from Prison Break and Angelina Jolie because of all the work she does in the community.