Sept. 26, 2011

In the latest edition of the season-long Q & A feature with the Rice soccer team, the Just For Kicks home office is introducing a special new innovation. Welcome to the first-ever "Gab-Week," where Owls Gaby Garton and Gabi Iribarne field the tough Kicks questions.

Iribarne, a freshman midfielder, scored her first career goal last week in the Owls' Conference USA victory over UAB. So far the California native has played 212 minutes for the Blue & Gray in her debut season at the Division I level.

Full name: Gabriela Renee Iribarne

Nicknames from my teammates: "Gabi"

My College: Will Rice

Favorite soccer players: Messi, Xavi

Favorite movies: The Shawshank Redemption; and Harry Potter

Favorite web site: Stumbleupon.com

Favorite music artist: John Mayer

Favorite snack: frozen grapes

Favorite meal at the Rice servery: pasta

I chose to attend Rice because: Awesome balance between academics and athletics

What I like most about college life at Rice: Being on my own!

My pet peeve: songs on ITunes that don't have names, just track numbers

One athlete (non soccer player) I would like to meet: Rafael Nadal

One person (non athlete) I would like to meet: J.K. Rowling

Favorite moment of my soccer career so far: being given the opportunity to play here at Rice!

I've probably been through this many pair of soccer shoes: 13

Who got me interested in soccer: My mom and dad

The best soccer advice I ever had: "Always play like it's your last game."

Favorite sports besides soccer: basketball and volleyball

The Rice team I like to watch play their sport: volleyball

The most embarrassing moment or thing that ever happened to me was: At the beginning of a soccer game the referee blew the whistle, and when I tried to touch the ball forward, I completely ate it in front of everyone.

The Rice Owl to keep an eye on this season: The whole team. We are amazing, and going to do awesome this year.

The Rice soccer player with the best non-soccer talent: Annie's dancing abilities

One thing I'd like to say, but you didn't ask: I love my team!!!