Claire’s lair: senior in goal

Tilton has earned four shutouts this season.

Tilton has earned four shutouts this season.

Meet Claire Tilton, the standout goalkeeper for the nationally ranked women’s soccer team. Tilton was recognized as the Heartland Conference Defensive Player of the Week in successive weeks: Aug. 29-Sept. 4 and Sept. 5-11. Tilton has earned four shutouts and made 12 saves so far this season.  

Brian Caudill: What year are you and what’s your major?

Claire Tilton: I am a senior, and I am majoring in Marketing.

BC: Where are you from?

CT: I was in born in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to Sugar Land, Texas when I was four and have lived there ever since.

BC: How long have you been playing soccer?

I started playing soccer when I was 8 years old — so, 13 years.

BC: Do you have any pre-game rituals/routines?

CT: Before every game we have dance parties in the locker room as a whole team to kind of loosen up and let go of any nerves that we may be experiencing before the game.  As for me, I listen to dubstep up until we warm up to get me pumped for the game, but other than that I don’t do too much.

BC: What is your best soccer memory?

CT: My best soccer memory would be beating Central Missouri 3-2 last year in the Sweet 16 to advance in the [NCAA Division II] tournament. The whole team fought up until the last whistle and put in 110% throughout the entire match. It was by far one of the best victories I have ever been a part of in my 13 years of soccer.

BC: What do you like to do when you’re not playing soccer for St. Ed’s?

CT: You can probably find me at a dog park with my dog, Mika. I also like longboarding around Austin, but only when I am not in season. Coach doesn’t like my longboarding too much.

BC: Who are your favorite musical artists?

CT: I’d have to say it’s a toss-up between Skrillex, Tracy Chapman and Third Eye Blind — a little bit of every genre right there. I like to mix it up depending on my mood.

BC:  Who are your favorite pro sports teams? 

CT: Arsenal. Regardless of how bad they have been playing lately, I’ll always love my Gunners.              BC: What is something about you that most people don’t know?

CT: I have a footprint tattooed on the bottom of my foot.