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.