Dec. 7, 2011

How did you end up with the nickname Goofy?
"I always took whatever Coach said very seriously. Sometimes I would hear coach say something and assume she was talking to me so I would go ahead and do what she said. Then she would come up and ask me, "Rachel what are you doing?" I realized she wasn't talking to me, and then she would tell me to go do my own thing. Also, I would sometimes say things that, for some reason, would sound very silly and I would always wonder why everyone was laughing. So I guess that's how I got my nickname."

What was it like coming from Norway to Texas?
"I was over excited when I arrived because everything was so different. I was so surprised at how awesome the people were, and they were always asking me how I was doing. I would always try to answer like they were genuinely interested, but I quickly learned that they weren't really that interested, but it was nice anyway. It's very different, but I don't think I could have gone anywhere else."

Do you have a favorite course?
"I do, Caves Valley in Maryland. We played our first national championship there. It is the coolest course I have ever played."

Do you have any favorite team traditions?
"End of the year dinners because they are fun, and it's one of the times that we're all there to only have a good time. It's just about the team coming together and having a nice meal and enjoying the evening. I think it's one of the nicest things that Coach lets us do."

What is your favorite part of your game?
"Two years ago, I'd have to say my drives, but now I'd say my iron shots. Just being able to shape shots: like a high fade, low draw, punch shot or a stinger, just whatever it needs to be."

What influenced you to pick up the game?
"My dad actually picked it up. I was about nine and it took me about two shots and I thought to myself `Wow this is fun,' and at that time, I really had nothing else to do besides play golf and tennis. After awhile, I quit tennis and started playing golf full time."

Favorite movie?
"Forrest Gump."

Favorite music?
"80's! Journey, Poison, Prince, Def Leppard. Coach and I jam all the time."

Favorite piece of advice every received:
"There is no such thing as a free lunch. I got that from my grandpa."

Who would you want to play a round with and why?
"Annika because she makes the game so simple. And for her, she doesn't care about what every one else is doing, she is only focused on herself and having fun with it."

Biggest fear:
"My biggest fear would be to die early. I want to live until I'm at least 100 and have my brain in good shape. I just want to remember who everyone is around me."

How would your teammates describe you?
"Organized, I'm really into that. Great encourager, positive thinker and loves to have fun."

Do you have any superstitions?
"I have plenty! I can only warm up with the same clubs every single time and I have to have the same things in my bag. If I don't I get really aggravated with myself and it's just awful."

Have you ever made a hole in one?
"Once. It was a national qualifier to make the European Championship team. It was a blind par 3 so all you could see was the top of the flag. And I hit it really solid and I saw the flag move, which I thought was really weird. And then we realized the ball was in the hole."

How far would you like to see your game go?
"As far at can get. Everyone dreams of the LPGA, and I do too."