Here’s a good list of podcast or interview questions for anyone to use in the future (with answers from Daria Guava-Fresca, because why not).
Interviewer: Who is your hero?
Daria: I honestly don’t know how to answer that without it sounding cheesy. Honestly, my hero is my mom, for sure. A few years ago, oh man, almost five years ago now, she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and from the very beginning she was incredibly powerful and passionate about how she was going to go about treatments. She really wanted to make sure that she faced it head on, and while she may have been scared, she also was not going to let cancer ruin her life and control her. She was a warrior every step of the way, and fortunately for her, she was able to win her battle. I know that not everyone is lucky, but with her being five years cancer free, it means that we are out of the worst. It seems like she is really in a great spot and truly has beaten it. So for sure, I would have to say that my hero is my mom.
Interviewer: If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Daria: Okay, so for me there are a few really important things when it comes to picking a place to live, and honestly, as long as I have that, I will be okay. First of all, there needs to be moose, and the second thing is that I need snow on the regular. Fortunately for me, those two things really go together well, and it makes it a lot easier to know that I am going to be able to find my dream home when my wants for it actually fit together.
I know some people sit there and they want sun and snow and xyz and it makes it almost impossible for the realtor to find a house that they are interested in. It seems like one of those things that people get too picky, almost, which is why I try to be as simple as possible. Honestly, I would love to continue to have something close to my family, but I know that especially as an NSFL player, I will be able to see them almost any time that I want to, so that definitely makes it easier to pick a spot to live that is further from them.
Interviewer: What is your biggest fear?
Daria: Oh gosh, do I really have to share with you my biggest fear? I don’t know that I want to, it’s a little bit embarrassing. It’s kind of irrational, you know? So, I guess I would have to say that my biggest fear is that something lives under my bed. Like, you know how as a kid you have that fear that there is a monster under your bed, and you kind of run and jump into bed? I definitely still did that even as an adult. As long as my bed had a place underneath it where a monster could hide, or where I could feel that something could crawl under there and live, I definitely made sure that I ran and jumped into my bed after turning off the lights - even if I had a lamp on!
Now though, because I know that it is a stupid fear, but like, I can’t get over it. So now, I make sure to only buy bed frames that are either solid to the ground, or my current bed frame totally has a set of drawers underneath it. It definitely helps with that feeling that some monster is going to reach out and grab my foot.
And you know that weird mentality that if the blankets are covering you, then the monster won’t get you? Yeah, I totally follow that logic most nights, which sucks because I actually hate when my feet are covered in bed. So I legitimately try to sleep without it, and generally I am okay, but then there are some nights where I am most definitely not okay, and it is just one of those things where I continue to think about it over and over again, and I can’t fall asleep until I have pulled my foot back under the covers.
It’s dumb, but it is what it is.
Interviewer: What is your favorite family vacation?
Daria: Oh this is a tough one. I really love going to Disney World, but that is so much more fun outside of the fact that I am just with my family, so I think that instead I will have to say camping. Each year we would take a few camping trips throughout the summer, and I have to tell you that there is nothing quite like connecting to nature and connecting to the outdoors. I sleep in a tent, and when you go up north, it can get really cold during the night time, and hands down it is the best sleep that you will ever have. Have you ever slept outdoors before?
Interviewer: No, I haven’t.
Daria: You have to try it sometime. I’m not saying that you need to be isolated and out there with the bugs, by any means, but you definitely should think about sleeping with the air is a little bit cold and crisp. You know, it is something that is completely indescribable from any other feeling. I just feel relaxed. I know that it will be my favorite activity in between NSFL games, going out there and sleeping under the stars whenever I can get away.
Interviewer: What would you change about yourself if you could?
Daria: Gosh, this is another tough question. I don’t know if there is much that I would change about myself. I got really lucky in the hand that I was dealt. I have near optimal height stats for being a kicker, and I have worked really hard to maintain my physique, but I definitely know that my genetics plays a little bit into that. And getting drafted by an DSFL team really changes what you can do in the world, like the hand you have been dealt and the doors that are opened by becoming a professional football player is huge. I don’t know that I would change much of anything.
I’ve really made some great friends in the locker room, and on the team, and I know that I am going to miss those players in the future when they start getting called up, and then I know as much as I am looking forward to the draft and getting called up to the NSFL, I am also certain that I am going to cry the day that I need to leave Norfolk. Those people are my second home right now and I love them dearly.
Interviewer: What really makes you angry?
Daria: Oh boy. I’ve written about this before, but one of the things that really makes me angry is that kickers sometimes feel as though they don’t get a lot of respect in the league. I mean, everyone needs a kicker for their fantasy teams, and their NSFL teams, but at the same time, kickers don’t get the same stats and awards as everyone else. It sometimes feels like a sucky position to be in, because you want to have that fame and notoriety that your teammates get, but instead, if you miss the ‘game winning field goal’ everyone just blames you for the loss instead. It’s not like you don’t have a million other people on the team who contributed to the win, or the loss.
Interviewer: Do you have anything that frustrates you or angers you outside of playing football?
Daria: Hah, yeah, I do. So I am big into fiber arts, I knit and make a lot of my own socks that way, and I have to tell you one of the most infuriating and frustrating things that can happen when you are knitting is to have the ball of yarn have a knot in it. Typically, it isn’t really anyone’s fault, the yarn was faulty or you know at the end of what was spun in the first place, so they have to combine the old yarn with the new yarn, somehow, but it just sucks, because you lose out on a bunch of yardage that way.
You don’t want to knit with the knot, you see, you really want to make sure that it is cut out and you join the yarns together like you were starting with a new ball of yarn, it makes it smoother that way. I think if I were to have a knot in the yarn I used for my socks, it would be the only thing I could focus on when trying to kick, like a pebble in your shoe. It is the worst feeling ever.
Interviewer: What motivates you to work hard?
Daria: Definitely my parents. I have talked before about the relationship that my mom and I have had due to our Amazonian heritage, and it is just something that I really, really find important to me. Knowing that the goddesses have kind of blessed you, a little, is important, for sure. I think that you have to take that knowledge and respect it and work hard to prove your worth. Nobody wants to be blessed by the gods and then just kind of squander it. Outside of not wanting to receive the wrath of the gods, obviously, you also don’t want to take this gift for granted, so I make sure to work every day to live up to what the goddesses have given me.
Interviewer: What is your favorite thing about your career?
Daria: Oh boy, I think the best thing about my career, my favorite thing about it, is the fact that I get to chill and see the Norfolk people all the time. We joke and say that Norfolk Best Folk all the time, but honestly, I feel it in my heart that it is true. There is something so nice and so freeing about the locker room. They are always so incredibly supportive, no matter what happens. It is definitely one of those things where you feel like there is nothing you can’t do when you are with them.
Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely shenanigans that happen, and I think if the team were DSFL players, they would get so fat because of the amount of Taco Bell that they eat, but I feel really thankful and blessed to have been picked up by them on waivers. It would have been harder to stick around in this league if it wasn’t for how amazing they are. They really make players want to be their best, and it’s so nice to see.
Interviewer: What is your proudest accomplishment?
Daria: Well, if it was before the last few weeks, I would have said my proudest moment would have been the fact that I was the only kicker with 100% field goal accuracy… That however changed. I missed a decently large one in one of our latest games, and while I know that it isn’t anything massive or career ending, it would have been really great to end my rookie season never having missed a kick. I know how difficult of a thing that would be to pull off, but seriously, it would have been an amazing feeling.
Interviewer: What is your favorite book to read?
Daria: I think I have shared this before too, but most of my favorite books surround military theories. I spent some time a while back analyzing Sun Tzu, and attempting to apply it to my time here in the DSFL and the NSFL. I think that even if you aren’t looking at war itself, there are a lot of pieces of military theory that you can apply to your life.
I definitely feel that most players, coaches, and General Managers should spend time looking at some of these theories, and noticing what they can actually apply.
Interviewer: What makes you laugh the most?
Daria: Probably my boyfriend. He is the single greatest factor in my life right now. He’s been incredibly supportive throughout this entire DSFL journey, and he always makes sure to offer me encouragement and love every step of the way. I don’t know what I would do without him, and when I have been having a rough day, or I’m beating myself up with how I’ve been playing lately, he is always there to help bring me back up, and turn my frown upside down.
Interviewer: What was the last movie you went to? What did you think?
Daria: I honestly hate going to the movie theater, is that weird? I just don’t like feeling trapped and confined in a space where you can’t pause, and if you drink too much and need to pee, then you miss out on the movie. It’s not worth it to me. I would so much rather watch movies in the privacy of my own home.
Interviewer: Okay, so what was the last movie that you watched at home?
Daria: That would have to be Eurovision, on Netflix. I grew up watching Eurovision myself, even though I didn’t live anywhere close to Europe, but it is something that is kind of close to my heart, so when the movie was released, I said “I have to watch it!”.
Interviewer: Did you like it?
Daria: Yes! It was really good, I loved it. It’s really campy and cheesy, but that’s kind of exactly what actual Eurovision is, too, so I felt like it fit the movie and the theme perfectly. Not to mention I am kind of in love and obsessed with the soundtrack right now. Husavik is my go to song, even if it isn’t the most energy empowering song ever.
Interviewer: What did you want to be when you were small?
Daria: A warrior, for sure. I mean, I am an Amazon, you don’t grow up with that kind of fire in your blood without wanting to serve up a little bloodlust. My mom, by the way, would be mortified at me for telling you any of this. She absolutely hates how bloodthirsty I am, and it definitely can be a strain on our relationship sometimes.
Interviewer: Is it safe for you to play in the league if you’re feeling bloodthirsty?
Daria: Oh man, no it totally is okay to play in the league with me. I really didn’t mean to make it sound like I needed to go around and murder everyone, that is not what I meant at all! But I really do feel like that I need to sometimes just be aggressive and get it out a lot. It’s one of those things that football is an aggressive sport, right? You can’t really argue that it isn’t when the whole premise is players going at each other and smashing into one another. I feel like rugby and hockey are the only other team sports that are on par with the kind of aggressive nature in team sports that football has.
It’s just very competitive by its very nature, and so I feel that it is something that fits that niche I was looking for. That’s maybe a better way to describe the modern Amazon, competitive, not bloodthirsty.
Interviewer: Haha, that’s good to hear. I would be a little worried if you were still so bloodthirsty.
Daria: Oh I totally agree. I wouldn’t want to be in a position where I was completely bloodthirsty either.
Interviewer: What would sing at Karaoke Night?
Daria: Okay, so I’m going to have to stick to that Eurovision theme here and pick almost any really popular Eurovision song, or something from the 80s. I think that those kinds of songs are just made for Karaoke.
Interviewer: Which would you rather do: Wash dishes, mow the lawn, clean the bathroom, or vacuum the house?
Daria: Since three of those options are cleaning, I really am going to have to pick mowing the lawn. Aside from being outside, in nature, mowing the lawn is so relaxing. You can just sit there, assuming you have a riding lawn mower, listen to some music or an audiobook and kind of tune out as you get a chore done. Not to mention, fresh cut grass smells so good.
Interviewer: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Daria: Oooh, that’s a really good question. Food is one of my big passions, so I just know that I will have a hard time picking just one thing. I almost want to say Thanksgiving dinner or something insane like that because it encompasses so many of the foods that I love, and since it’s a multi-course meal (at least at my house it is), it means I can swap out the courses as time goes on, and change things a little.
Hands down my favorite just single food item are onions. They are so versatile, especially when you can eat them either cooked, or raw, or fried. I love a good fried onion, like beer battered onion rings are so incredible. So I guess that would be my two choices - thanksgiving dinner and onion rings. … Which may not be the worst combination put together, now that I think about it!
Interviewer: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?
Daria: Yeah, I have had a few nicknames throughout my time. “The tall woman” is one of my favorites, it was given to me by a very dear friend of mine.
Interviewer: Do you like or dislike surprises? Why or why not?
Daria: I have to say that I really do not like surprises most of the time, at least when I know they are coming. When it seems like something is going to be a surprise, or say, the upcoming NSFL draft being a surprise, it really just sends my anxiety through the roof more than anything else. I think knowing the timeframe for finding out an answer or what the surprise will be is what I tend to focus on and it can sometimes make it a lot harder to enjoy the surprise after that.
When I don’t know that the surprise is happening, though, they tend to be great. It can be a lot of fun to suddenly have something amazing happen to you, right? That’s assuming that all of the surprises you get to have are good ones, anyway.
Interviewer: In the evening, would you rather play a game, visit a relative, watch a movie, or read?
Daria: I think that one of my favorite things to do to wind down for the night is to read or hang out with my boyfriend and watch a movie. There’s just something nice and relaxing about hanging out there and being together. That togetherness is super important to me. If it was earlier, like a weekend where I want to just hang out and be with friends and people, then I’m going to have to go with playing a game. Tabletop gaming has been a big part of my life for a really long time, and I know that it’s going to be something that I continue to do even after my time in the league is done. After all, I started a game of dungeons and dragons with Bjorn Ironside and Adelie de Pengu, and it’s made my time in the DSFL so much more fun.
Interviewer: Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why?
Daria: I think I would pick Hawaii, which might surprise some people. After all being the snow loving person that I am, I think people would expect me to pick Alaska. But the key here is that it says vacation and Hawaii just has such gorgeous scenery that if I am living in the land of ice and snow I'm going to want to Vacation somewhere that isn't that way. Hawaii is the complete opposite of Alaska and snow, and so vacationing there means that I get the best of both worlds.
Interviewer: Who would you want to be stranded on a deserted island with?
Daria: I mean, honestly, this has to be my boyfriend. He is hands down the greatest person ever, and he always tries his best to remain positive and upbeat around me, no matter what. It’s one of those things that I can be having the worst day ever, but he will do almost anything possible to find the bright spot in that day, or to try and make me feel better about everything that’s been happening. I think if we were stranded on a deserted island, not only would he just be so kind and down to earth about everything, but he would also be willing to whatever was necessary to make sure that we could escape the island together. At the very least, he’d find me coconuts or something to eat.
Interviewer: You could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
Daria: I don’t know when I might go back in time. Maybe to the first time that my boyfriend and I met. I have to tell you, as amazing as he is, I was kind of a huge idiot when it came to actually wanting to date him. He knew, basically, from day one that he was in love with me, it took me a lot longer than that. Even though we were able to become really good friends while he waited patiently for me to sort out my feelings, it is one of those situations where I wish we could have had other things happening in the interim, too. Like we could have had so much more time actually together, and that’s definitely something I regret and that I wish I could change.
Interviewer: How would your friends describe you?
Daria: I would hope that they would describe me as fun and caring. I try really hard to care about my friends and their successes, and to cheer them on no matter what, but there are also times I am a little self centered. It can be difficult to not want to talk about you, but I know that is one of the best things that you can do if you are trying to make friends - not make it about you.
I think one of the other things that my friends would say about me is that I am a little hot headed. I mean, I try not to be but there is definitely a lot of anger than can happen, and while I try to keep it under control, it bubbles over a little bit.
Interviewer: What are your hobbies?
Daria: Fiber arts, mostly. I really, really love knitting and crocheting, that kind of stuff is just relaxing and engages my hands when I’m watching tv or something at night. I also took up quilting, and while I really like it, it’s definitely something that is a bit harder to just dive in and do a little bit and then stop. I like making my socks, because they just are so much more comfortable and they keep together a lot more than anything I have ever bought at the store, especially when I am sitting there on the field forever. Being a kicker, more than anything, your shoes have to feel right, so hand knit socks definitely give me that feeling.
Interviewer: What is the best gift you have ever been given?
Daria: Oh what a great question! I think one of the best gifts I ever got was my first football. It clearly set me on a path to become the player that I am today, and I am really thankful to my mom and dad to make sure that that could become a huge part of my life. Without that gift, I really doubt that I would have been able to join the DSFL and be on my way to being drafted in the NSFL. It was one of those life changing incredible gifts.
Interviewer: What is the worst gift you have received?
Daria: The worst gift would have to be this really terrifying oven mitt that my boyfriend got me when we were still friends. You would not think that an oven mitt could be terrifying, but holy crap this one was. He thought it was going to be cute and perfect since it was supposed to be a moose oven mitt, it even had some sweet antlers and everything. The problem was, whoever made this oven mitt decided to be a little too realistic, and when you went to open it, you know so you could actually grip a pan or whatever, was where the mouth was supposed to be. Well, they decided that they wanted to put the actual mouth of the moose on this oven mitt, and when you opened it was painted on tongue and teeth, and it was horrifying. I can’t think about it or look at it without laughing. It really was one of those gifts that I loved the thought behind it, and I loved everything that was meant with the gift, but I could not bring myself to love the gift itself.
Interviewer: Aside from the necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
Daria: I definitely think that one of the things I couldn’t go a day without is football in some way shape or form. Like, I want to make sure that I am either playing the game, practicing, or still practicing and thinking about my theories behind kicking and gameplay. It’s really something that I have started living and breathing, and I will be sad if I need to go a day without football.
Interviewer: List two pet peeves.
Daria: Only two? Haha, well, okay, some of my pet peeves are definitely when people knowingly choose ignorance. The idea that they don’t even want to look at the information that is available to them or anything is one of those pieces that I will never understand. One of the second pet peeves that I have would have to be when people are late to practice. Especially as paid players of the NSFL and the DSFL I don’t understand how you could ever be late to the job you’re being for, barring the fact that you were in an accident or something, but the players who show up late because they wanted to get some coffee or something? That stuff is so annoying.
Interviewer: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Daria: I really hope that I’m still playing in the league and that I have been able to make a positive impact on the league as well. If we’re talking more ridiculous goals, then I would love to be one of the most popular picks when it comes to the NSFL fantasy drafts. How cool would it be to become the “it” kicker for the NSFL? On a more personal note, I really hope that my boyfriend and I will have transitioned to either an engaged or even married couple. I totally see that happening early in the five years, but you never know.
Interviewer: How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Daria: Do I have to answer this question? I wish I could tell you it was only a few, but at this point I honestly don’t know that I can give you a legitimate answer. Outside of the multiple pairs of cleats that I have for league games and practices, I have so many personal shoes. Shoes are kind of my kryptonite, and I really love them. I have so many sandals, flats, boots, all of them. Minnetonka shoes are some of my favorites, and I like some of their boots so much that I’ve bought them in multiple colors. How can you not like shoes, really?
Interviewer: If you were a superhero what powers would you have?
Daria: I think if I was a superhero, I would have super strength, especially when it comes to my legs and whatnot. I’d be able to make huge jumps and take the impact from landings. That’s purely based on who I am right now. But if I was going to be a superhero of my choosing, I think I would want to talk to animals or something like that. I’m not exactly a vegetarian, but I think that prey animals would understand the necessity of eating them, and I think I would feel better if I was able to really convey how much I appreciate their sacrifice. Plus telling your cat or your dog something and understanding their response also seems like it could be cool as all get out.
Interviewer: What's your favorite zoo animal?
Daria: Do moose count as zoo animals? I know they aren’t a traditional zoo animal, but they are definitely my favorite non-traditional pet animal. Even though they are massive beasts of terror and destruction, they’re also so stinking cute too. Like their fluffy antlers before the velvet gets rubbed off, especially when they are a young male moose and they have tiny baby antlers. It’s some of the greatest stuff ever.
If I have to pick a more traditional zoo animal, then I definitely am going to go with penguins. Adelie de Pengu has become one of my best friends in the league, and I really love how goofy and silly his penguin friends are. They are the best little floofs ever, and I will fight anyone who disagrees with that.
Interviewer: How many pillows do you sleep with?
Daria: Hahahaha, a lot. I have two pillows that I sleep with under my head, but then I also snuggle up against a pillow now and again, so you know. I live firmly in the camp of “You can never have too many pillows,” but maybe that is true. If it is, I haven’t really encountered it yet, so I’m guess at some point I will continue to add pillows to the bed until I either can’t fit anymore, or can’t stand anymore pillows.
Interviewer: How often do you buy clothes?
Daria: Honestly, when I need to. While I really wish I had a better fashion sense and a better wardrobe, I am way too practical most times when it comes to clothes. I want to make sure that I have enough that I’m covered, and that I can go at least a week before I have to do laundry, but I also want to make sure that I’m not spending an outrageous amount of money on clothes too. I definitely have more shoes than clothes.
Interviewer: What's your favorite holiday?
Daria: I love a lot of holidays because they really bring my family together, and that’s just such a nice thing to have. Being surrounded by my family and celebrating all of our old traditions is just kind of that warm fuzzy feeling within my heart. If I had to pick a single holiday I liked the best just for the holiday, then I would have to stick with New Years. I love the idea of a holiday that is completely surrounding new beginnings and fresh starts. Even if things have been kind of crappy for the year, knowing that I can mentally reset everything for myself is huge. I think everyone deserves to have that mental reset, ya know? It’s so important to know that even when I have messed up or made mistakes, I can clear that out, and I wish that everyone felt that way. It doesn’t always happen though, some past mistakes people will continue to make follow you.
Interviewer: What was the last thing you watched on TV?
Daria: I watched an episode of the Warrior nun earlier today and that was super awesome. I really recommend it if you are looking for something unique and different to watch. I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the episodes, but I think I’m going to have to wait until I can watch it with my boyfriend. It’s hard sometimes, with his work schedule and my league schedule, it doesn’t always match up in the same way.
Interviewer: What's your favorite type of foreign food?
Daria: I really love Japanese food, and Mexican food. Japanese food has so many more delicious and different flavors than what I’m used to and they’re different than what I grew up with. I really love the umami flavor that shines through when you’re eating something like gyoza or sushi, not to mention anything with teriyaki sauce is definitely lit. Mexican food feels like my second home, though. The flavors, colors, and spice are so delicious and nice too. I don’t know that I could pick between those two, so I’m going to have to call it a tie.
Interviewer: Are you a clean or messy person?
Daria: My boyfriend hates this but I’m a messy person at home. I try to stay super organized and on top of my stuff for the league, so being at home means that I am a much messier person overall. I really try to be clean and neat, but there are some things that just don’t happen. I never put my clothes away, and I know that it drives him nuts. I’ll just live out laundry baskets for about six months, then put half of my clothes away. Rinse and repeat forever and that is the state of my closet.
I’ve thought about hiring someone to help out, but honestly the idea that I actually have some extra cash to spend and do that is so foreign to me. I still cannot believe how much money I’ve already been able to earn in this league, it seems nuts that anyone could earn this much in such a short time. I think the opportunities that have been provided are really, really great.
Interviewer: Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Daria: I don’t know, there are a lot of great actresses out there, and I’m not exactly sure who I would want to play me. Maybe Gwendolyn Christie, I really love her voice and I feel like they could have done so much more with her as Phasma in the new Star Wars movies, but I think playing me in a movie could be a great role for her.
Interviewer: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
Daria: It depends upon the day and what you define as “get ready”. If you’re talking about my entire morning routine with a workout, shower, breakfast, and the whole shebang, then it takes a couple hours. If you’re asking me on a lazy day if I’m rolling out of bed and going to practice? Then enough time to brush my teeth and change my clothes, generally.
Interviewer: What kitchen appliance do you use every day?
Daria: The coffee pot. There is no greater love or force in this world than coffee to me. I’m lucky that my boyfriend always preps the pot the night before, so even when I’m feeling extra tired and out of it, I can just press the button and soon there is that amazing aroma of coffee. Add a little sugar and a lot of cream and you have something wonderful. It’s my fuel for the day, and I completely concede that I would be lost without it.
Interviewer: What's your favorite fast food chain?
Daria: Taco bell, hands down. It’s not that I even necessarily love Taco Bell, or any fast food, but I just have a soft spot in my heart for chalupas. The crispy naan filled with taco stuff? It’s like a crunchy and soft taco all rolled into one, without the pokey bits too.
Interviewer: What's your favorite family recipe?
Daria: I have a super secret barbecue rub, that I don’t let anyone else know the recipe too. My parents don’t even know the ratios or the ingredients. I’m kind of super secretive about it because I love giving it as a gift every holiday season, but I also am not opposed to sharing out the recipe when people are looking to find it out.
Maybe if you’re super nice to me, or I love you a lot or something, I will share with you my secret recipe. Maybe.
Interviewer: Do you love or hate roller coasters?
Daria: I definitely love rollercoasters, a lot. It took me a while to get okay with them, but they give you that same adrenaline high that Amazonian bloodlust gives, too. So if you were ever wondering what being an Amazon was like, feel totally scared of rollercoasters, ride one, and then feel the endorphin rush after. It’s why we make the best warriors after all. I have spent a couple of summers at Cedar Point, especially when I was still in college, and spending all day riding roller coasters is a ton of fun, but it definitely makes your head hurt after. I advise you to take some pain medicine right before the day starts, and again as the day goes on. That much playing with your brain can give you a headache.
Interviewer: Do you have a favorite family tradition?
Daria: I think my favorite family tradition of all time are the Warrior Games that we would play every summer. My mom and aunts and all of my female cousins would always get together and have mock battles, do training seminars, all kinds of cool activities. It was less like a family reunion, and more like a sweet warrior summer camp. I don’t have as much time to go now that I’m a part of the league, but I still like trying to find time to fit it into my schedule as much as possible. It’s something that is super important to me, to continue the Amazonian traditions with as many of my female relatives as possible. If we take just a moment to ignore it, suddenly these traditions die out, and that would be a little bit of a crime. I can’t imagine a world where we wouldn’t have these amazingly awesome Amazonian traditions.
Interviewer: What's your favorite movie?
Daria: I love war movies, and one of the best war movies I have ever seen is Tora! Tora! Tora! It’s about World War II and the attack on Pearl Harbor. It’s one of my favorite movies, hands down, and if you haven’t seen it yet, I really recommend it.
Interviewer: How old are you when you learned Santa wasn't real? How did you find out?
Daria: I never really believed in Santa. It was always weird growing up in school because I can remember having more conversations about how Santa isn’t real, but parents lie to their children and tell them he is, so you need to pretend and not spoil the fact that Santa isn’t real for the other boys and girls that you know. Amazons don’t really believe in Santa Claus, so I really spent more time having to pretend, and then being the one everyone could go to when they found out that Santa wasn’t real more than anything.
I can remember one time that there was this kid who was in extreme denial about the whole thing, and since my mom had drilled into me that I was not to spoil Santa Claus, he felt like I was also the only other person who would keep the secret that he still believed, and that we could believe together. And I wasn’t going to tell him otherwise, because my mom told me not to spoil things, so this poor kid held onto his belief a lot longer than he probably would have otherwise, all because I kept pretending to believe in Santa Claus right along with him.
Interviewer: Is your glass half-full or half-empty?
Daria: It’s going to depend upon the day for me, but I like to think that most of the time I am a glass half-full kind of person. When the team is down, or it seems like we’re going to have a bad game day, I always try to be upbeat and positive about all of that. I think it’s really important to keep motivating your teammates, even if they don’t necessarily feel motivated themselves, ya know?
But everyone has their bad days, and they are allowed to have those bad days. Sometimes I feel half empty on those days. Like the day that I missed my first field goal, all of Norfolk was super positive and upbeat still, it’s clear how much they love having me on the team and in the locker room. At the same time, though, I was still feeling like there wasn’t anything that I could do right. It was kind of a miserable feeling.
Interviewer: What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
Daria: Items not people right? Because I already told you who I would take. I think it depends if I’m being stranded there or if it’s more of a vacation. If I’m getting stranded, I definitely want a satellite phone, a gps tracker, and a solar charger, because at least then I can escape the dreaded island.
If I was vacationing on a deserted island though, I’d be taking a lot of different books, probably honestly my kindle because I don’t know that I could pick just one book to bring. Then I would also bring the charger for said kindle, and probably my phone. I know it’s a lame list, but as long as I have my boyfriend there on the island with me, it won’t be so horrible.
Interviewer: What was your favorite subject in school?
Daria: I really loved history. Being a little bit of a warrior nut, I think learning about all of the past battles throughout the country and the world is interesting and really important. Knowing what worked for previous generals, and seeing how these new ideas suddenly infest the rest of military theory is fascinating. Some of these generals made tiny changes to their strategies, and changed the way that militaries did things for years to come. It’s also really interesting to note how successful or unsuccessful certain generals were, and why. Being able to really absorb all of these pieces of information has led to some interesting thought experiments that I have tried out with regards to football.
Interviewer: What was the most unusual thing you've ever eaten?
Daria: The most unusual thing I’ve ever eaten were mealworms. They were dried and kind of crispy, and they tasted like popcorn. It took a lot of courage to put them in my mouth the first time, and I was worried they would suddenly come alive and start wriggling, but nothing like that happens at all. Instead, they’re just little crunchy kernels. If you are feeling brave enough to try them, I really recommend it!
Interviewer: Do you collect anything?
Daria: I don’t really have anything that I collect, but I know that my boyfriend would disagree on this one. He would say that I collect yarn, since I keep purchasing a bunch of it, and never using it. The problem is that it’s just so pretty, and I can’t ever find the right project for it, but gosh, how can you not want to get it when it’s so pretty?
Interviewer: Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Daria: I am most definitely an extrovert. I love spending time with my team and my locker room, and I thrive on it. Being out on the field in front of a massive crowd is one of the best feelings in the world. It makes me feel unstoppable and I feel like I can accomplish anything after a game, even when we lose. That doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy some time where I can just chill and unwind, but I really do thrive on being out there in front of everyone. It’s one of the reasons I love being a kicker - you are the player everyone focuses on at that moment a lot of times. Whether you make or miss a field goal, it rests on your shoulders. It can be a lot of pressure, but I’m used to it.
Interviewer: What three things do you think of the most each day?
Daria: The three things I find myself thinking about most days would have to be my boyfriend, because he is just amazing and I love him. It would also have to be football, and then just what I’m going to do to relax each day.
Interviewer: If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
Daria: Warning: Opinionated and Headstrong
Interviewer: What song would you say best sums you up?
Daria: I’m going to stick to the Eurovision theme from earlier and say the song Husavik from the Eurovision movie. It’s such a great song and really talks about that sense of home. Every time that I listen to it, it makes me think of how I feel being a part of the Norfolk locker room. They are really that home, and with them, everything has felt so easy and simple and right.
Interviewer: What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee?
Daria: I would love to sit down for a coffee with Alex Dasistseinenachname one day. He’s kind of my NSFL idol, and I think being able to learn from him everything that he has to say about football and kicking would be a great privilege and an honor.
Interviewer: Who was your first crush?
Daria: My first crush was on AJ from the Backstreet Boys. While everyone was fawning over pretty boy Justin Timberlake, I was fawning all over the bad boy from the Backstreet Boys. Looking back, it was one of those moments where I look back and cringe at the taste that I had as a child. I was convinced I was going to end up with some huge tattooed dude. Oh how my boyfriend couldn’t be any more different from that (in all the best ways, though).
Interviewer: How many languages do you speak?
Daria: I really only speak English, but I spent a long time studying German, too. I’m really rusty at it, but I do try to keep practicing every now and then. It’s not something I get to speak very often, but I wish I had more opportunities for it.
Interviewer: if you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be?
Daria: Most people would assume I’d say moose here, but I am not a moose. I am definitely a dog. I’m super full of energy and I want to be around people and am so excited to just lay in someone’s lap and have them stroke my head. Not to mention, I get distracted by squirrels and bunny rabbits about as frequently as they do.
Interviewer: What is one thing you will never do again?
Daria: I am never going to fly spirit airlines ever again. It’s a service where you are going to get what you pay for. It’s cheap pay and even cheaper service, in my opinion. I don’t recommend you fly any third party airlines, but instead book directly.
Interviewer: What's your favorite way to spend the weekend?
Daria: My favorite way to spend the weekend is to get a workout or two in, gotta stay on top of my game after all, but after that I love to just spend time with my boyfriend and my friends and play games with them. We switch a lot between playing video games together and playing tabletop games or card games together. If it’s just my boyfriend and myself, then I really want to just hang out with him, maybe cook, clean the house together a little bit, and just snuggle up on the couch. It’s one of my favorite pastimes.
Interviewer: What type of music are you into?
Daria: I really love all kinds of music, but my favorite genre over all would be alternative rock. It's the kind of music that motivates me and gets me pumped up and ready for a game each and every day.
Interviewer: What was your favorite age growing up?
Daria: My favorite age would have to be elementary school, maybe fifth or sixth grade, right before middle school. Everything felt so easy then. I wasn’t a whirling ball of hormones and emotions yet, and so I still loved being around my parents and I wasn’t frustrated and angry at every decision they made. I had someone who was still helping me to organize my life and take care of me, but I was beginning to earn some freedoms in other ways too, so that made it really nice. Life was just so much more carefree and easy when you were a kid, and there are days that I miss that.
Interviewer: What's your favorite ice cream topping?
Daria: Sprinkles!! I love going and getting a soft serve cone (a twist of course) and getting it covered in sprinkles. They help block the cold just that little bit and then give you a tiny crunch when you take a bit of your ice cream. Yeah, you heard me, I’m an ice cream biter.
Interviewer: What was the last show you binge watched?
Daria: This is totally embarrassing but I just watched the entirety of the new Baby Sitters Club on Netflix, and I really recommend it. It’s so modern and progressive and embodies everything that the books were about. I always loved reading them as a kid, and I had wished that I could have been a part of the Baby sitters Club too when I was growing up.
Interviewer: What's your favorite sleeping position?
Daria: I’m a side sleeper, kind of curled up in a little ball with one foot sticking straight out. That is, until I’m worried about the bed monsters, and then I am completely curled up and covered by a blanket, because it’s monster armor.
Interviewer: What's your go-to guilty pleasure?
Daria: I love sour candy so much. I find myself struggling to only eat one piece whenever I’m around sour candy, and I just kind of devour all of it in one go. I won’t let myself buy it anymore, because it just doesn’t last in the house. I definitely only get it when it’s been given to me by the boyfriend.
Interviewer: What's one thing that can instantly make your day better?
Daria: Pictures of baby moose, especially if they are doing something ridiculous or derpy. They have such long legs and awkward bodies, that everything they do looks goofy and silly. Whenever I am having a bad day, I look at gifs or pictures of baby moose and everything feels right. I even set it to my background on my phone so I always have a reason to smile.
Interviewer: Which meal is your favorite: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Daria: My favorite time of the day to eat would be dinner, because it’s relaxing and you can just eat it whenever. My favorite genre of foods would be breakfast foods. They are so versatile and who doesn’t love grits? Grits all day every day baby, they are the best!
Interviewer: What activity instantly calms you?
Daria: Knitting is one of those things that instantly calms me, especially if it’s a more complicated pattern that requires a little bit more focus and attention. It can be frustrating when you make a mistake or there is something wrong with the yarn, but it is also super chill to just watch tv and at the end of the episode you have a dish cloth!
Interviewer: Ideally, how would you spend your birthday?
Daria: One of my favorite ways to spend my birthday is by just hanging out with my family. I love going to arcades too, especially if I can earn some stupid tickets playing skiball or basketball. Ticket prizes make my brain super happy for some reason!
Interviewer: What's your favorite season and why?
Daria: Winter! Snow is everything to me. I love the fact that I never feel too hot and hanging out at the cabin in front of the fireplace and sipping hot chocolate is like a dream come true for me. It’s how I plan to spend every winter as soon as the NSFL seasons are finished, hide out at the cabin for a bit before it’s time to go back to the grind.
Interviewer: What's the best joke you've ever heard?
Daria: Okay, I know a knock knock joke, you start.
Interviewer: Knock knock
Daria: Who's there? Ahhh, gets me every time.
Interviewer: What phone app do you use the most?
Daria: I am a redditor, massively. I spend my mornings scrolling through the headlines on reddit, and then I wind down with a little reddit too. It’s definitely not something that I want to spend all of my time on, but I think reddit creates a bit of time suck blackhole effect, where you don’t actually realize that it’s been two hours and you are way past your bedtime.
Interviewer: Would you rather cook or order in?
Daria: I would rather cook most nights, I just don’t want to be the one who is deciding what the meal is. I love cooking and I will do it every day, but someone else has to decide what we’re eating.
Interviewer: What's your favorite board game?
Daria: I really love playing Terraforming Mars. It’s this more complex game where you are building up your corporation and trying to terraform Mars and earn the most points. Sometimes you might try generating heat, or maybe you’re mining metals, or trying to plant trees. You have so many options and it can change completely what your strategy is every game.
Interviewer: How do you take your coffee?
Daria: A little bit of sugar and a whole lot of cream. I like it to be about as pale as my flesh when I’m done adding cream. Then, sometimes, maybe a splash more.
Interviewer: How would your 10 year old self react to what you do?
Daria: I think that my 10 year old self would be absolutely amazed and impressed about what I do. I don’t think that I could have ever seriously imagined I would become a professional footballer for the NSFL right out of college. It’s kind of that dream come true scenario that nobody could ever picture.
Interviewer: Do you have a work best friend?
Daria: Yes! My teammate Adelie de Pengu is my best friend on the Norfolk team and we spend a lot of time together, especially now that we’ve started playing Dungeons and Dragons together with Bjorn Ironside.
Interviewer: What qualities do you look for in a general manager?
Daria: I want a General Manager who can make sure that the team is feeling comfortable and safe around one another, and that they work to build trust within the team. Being able to trust your teammates and to want to do things for them is so important when you’re then going out on the field with them. Like, I know that I would need to have such a good and trusting relationship with my long snapper (IF I HAD ONE) and my holders for a lot of the plays that I do, so a general manager that can build that is key.
Interviewer: What's the best career advice you've ever heard?
Daria: Be totally honest and transparent when you are getting scouted. You know what you want and teams are checking if you are a good fit for their team, but remember that scouting is also your opportunity to check if that team is a good fit for you, too. It may seem silly at first, but making sure that you are happy where you get drafted is a big deal, if you aren’t going to be happy about it, you have to ask yourself if you spoke up enough about what you really want.
Interviewer: What does your family think of your career?
Daria: My dad couldn’t be happier. He always wanted a boy who would become a professional footballer, but instead he got me. After my dance phase, he was pleased as punch that I started going out for the football team.
My mom on the other hand while she loves my success and how great I’ve become at playing football, she also really worries about how taxing it can be to keep that bloodlust side of me in check. I’ve told her not to worry, and I think after this season of playing professionally, she’s beginning to really trust me about it more, but I know that is always in the back of her head.
Interviewer: If you could do it all over again would you pursue the same career? Why or why not?
Daria: I think if I was thrust into my younger body, and I would do almost everything the same in my life. Most definitely the career that I picked would stay the same. You get the chance to become a professional player for the NSFL, who would honestly give that up? So many little kids dream about that every single day. It’s one of the most humbling and honoring things that has happened in my life. I love that I get to go out and do what I love day after day and make a ton of money doing it. Not many people get to say that, so it’s something that feels super important to me.
Interviewer: How much time do you spend with your family?
Daria: I try to spend as much time with my family as I possibly can, but it’s not always easy to do. Right now, being a part of the league means that I have a lot more time that is scheduled and devoted to something else. Fortunately, with my parents being super supportive, it means that they fly out and try to attend every single game of mine. They’re enjoying the travel, and I enjoy that I still get to have some weekly dinners with them after the games. It’s really a great new tradition that we’ve started ever since I joined the DSFL. I really hope that they can keep attending as many games as possible throughout the rest of my career.
Interviewer: If you only had one sense, which would you want?
Daria: I think I would have to pick sight. There are other ways to communicate aside from hearing and speaking, so I would want to make sure that I could really see the people who mean so much to me, and I could still watch and participate in football to some extent. It’s one of those things that I think picking which sense you want is going to depend upon what your goal is. If I was older, or closer to wanting to retire, then I would probably pick hearing so I could listen to my boyfriend as I fell asleep every night.
Interviewer: What is your definition of success,
Daria: I think having goals that you have set for yourself and accomplished. It’s definitely something where success is going to mean something different for a lot of people, and even then definitions of success are going to change, adapt and grow. I know that when I first started out playing football, success was winning the game, no matter what. It didn’t matter if I never had the opportunity to play or not, if we didn’t win, I found myself feeling like a failure.
As I got a little older, though, I started to shift my definition to be something more attainable and something that was a lot more in my control. That is definitely a key, making sure that it is something within my grasps and that I can actually influence. While I can control how much I practice and how much I work on my technique as a kicker, I can’t control if we win or lose. That relies on way too many players and pieces as you look at the offense and defense, on top of my job as the kicker. So instead, I’ve morphed my thinking about games to ask myself if I could have done anything else to prepare for this game, or did I do absolutely everything that was in my power. I think being able to answer that question in the affirmative and feel good about yourself with it is such a big deal.
Interviewer: Are you at all religious or spiritual?
Daria: I believe in the goddesses, for certain. After all, a lot of the gifts that I have been given, a lot of the reasons why I am where I am today is because of the goddesses. They’ve given me these gifts and it would feel incredibly disrespectful to ignore the fact that they exist. I was born when the moon and Venus were in alignment, so that has meaning, right? I don’t know how you can look at the fact that every female in my family was born on the days when the moon and Venus were in alignment and not think that it has meaning.
Interviewer: What makes you feel most accomplished?
Daria: Feeling success in this league has definitely helped me to feel accomplished. So many kids and people live their lives hoping and believing that they will become a professional athlete, and it doesn’t ever pan out that way. Not that they don’t get a life that is full and amazing, but it kind of stinks when your childhood dreams get crushed. I got to have my childhood dream fulfilled and that is just the best feeling.
Interviewer: What's the scariest thing you've ever done, and why did you do it?
Daria: I think one of the scariest things I’ve ever done was play my first ever DSFL game. When you reach that professional level, generally, you’ve been playing for a really long time. You feel confident in your abilities, and you feel like you know what you’re doing but the same thing goes for any job, really, that it’s still nerve wracking. Walking out of the tunnel and onto the field for the first time totally scared the crap out of me. I can remember my stomach just churning all night and all morning, I had barely slept.
Fortunately, everything kind of fell by the wayside as I went onto the field for the first time. Lining up for the kick it was like my body just knew what to do, you know? All of the years of practice and games and muscle memory came flooding back, and instead of feeling nervous I just felt calm. I think that cool energy is what led to me having some killer games initially.
Interviewer: Do you believe in second chances?
Daria: I think it depends upon the reason. Most people who have made a mistake deserve a second chance, but there are some things that were just so premeditated and cold that I don’t think they deserve another chance at all. If it wasn’t for second chances, though, I’d never be with my boyfriend. We had kind of started dating early on, but I just wasn’t feeling the relationship at the time, and it took a long time for me to realize that he was truly the person I was in love with. If he hadn’t given me that second chance then I honestly don’t know where we’d be. I’d be crushed, that’s for sure.
Interviewer: Do you contribute to any charities?
Daria: Yes! There is a girl’s camp near where I grew called Camp Athena, and it is run by the absolute best people. Aside from the fact that it supports some of the goddesses that I love dearly, it is also a camp devoted to empowering young women. I think that making sure these girls feel cared for and important and special is such a big deal.
I always grew up with strong female role models, it’s kind of part of the Amazonian gig. That is one of the biggest impacts on my life and my feeling that I could join a sport that historically has been dominated by men. So I will gladly give a huge donation to Camp Athena every year, and I really encourage the rest of you to do the same.
Interviewer: When was the last time you volunteered?
Daria: I try to take some time to volunteer for Camp Athena as often as I can. Since a lot of the time camp is occurring while I’m in training, it can be difficult to find the time, but I want to be out there giving those girls another role model to look up to. I’ve had so many little girls come up to me over the past few years when I was a college player and tell me about how much it meant to them to see me on TV and how they wanted to play football now too. It’s been really inspiring and humbling to realize how much an impact you can have on someone else’s life. I never thought I would be that role model that other kids would look up to.
Interviewer: Are you an organ donor?
Daria: Yeah, for sure. I figure why not, right? If I’m dead then I don’t really need my organs anymore, might as well help someone else, right?
Interviewer: Do you believe in life on other planets?
Daria: I think it would be silly to assume there isn’t life somewhere on another planet. I don’t know that I believe in little green men, or other life that is at the same level of advancement as us, but I think that the odds of some kind of life occurring somewhere else should be decent, especially if we’ve been able to identify other so-called “Goldilocks” planets. It seems like a little bit of hubris to assume we are the only planet capable of sustaining life, as well as having life form. There is so much out there that we haven’t explored yet, it’s just hard to say definitively anything at this point.
Interviewer: A genie gives you three wishes, what are they?
Daria: For my first wish I would want to be able to pick whichever team I wanted for the NSFL draft. I think my second one would have to be that I get to win an Ultimis, because being a champion is definitely cool. The last wish would be for my dream house in the land of snow and moose. Being able to sit there and drink my morning coffee while moose just wander up near the house would be a literal dream come true, and I can’t imagine a better way to start the day.
Interviewer: Do you think you'll likely accomplish all of your dreams?
Daria: I think I will be able to accomplish a lot of them. I mean, I have already accomplished so much just by being in the DSFL and being eligible for the NSFL draft. It would be really cool to see what happens in the future, and as much as I love to win the Ultimini or an Ultimis, it’s going to be one of those things that we’ll see what happens.
The biggest dream I have my eyes set on right now is to be the #1 fantasy pick for kickers. There aren’t a lot of us in the league, so I think being able to be the best out of the kickers is a pretty decent goal. A lot of it obviously depends upon the team, but that’s where my hope comes in for getting drafted, too.
Interviewer: If you could relive One Moment in your life, which would it be?
Daria: I think the moment I would want to relive over and over again was when I finally started dating my boyfriend. As cool as the rest of my life has been with football games, playoffs, wins, professional success and all of that, he is my rock and the most important thing in my life. If I could go back to that day, it was just a flood and outpour of emotion and love and hope. I think about it all the time because I felt so cared for and respected and loved. It still makes me smile and just feel so stupidly happy all the time.
Interviewer: Do you hit the snooze button or wake up immediately?
Daria: I’m a weird mix of both when I can afford to be. I don’t necessarily go back to sleep, but my favorite thing to do is lay in bed and just read or browse reddit for a little bit before I get up. It lets me kind of snooze if I need to, but I also get to slowly wake up and get myself ready for the rest of the day. If I have things to do, though, I am an up and at ‘em kind of girl. I roll out of bed and just get myself ready for the day.
Interviewer: What would be the title of your memoir?
Daria: Daria Guava-Fresca: Kicking Life’s Ass
Interviewer: Do you believe in any conspiracy theories?
Daria: I don’t believe in any conspiracy theories, or at least ones that I know are conspiracy theories, but I do believe in the monsters under my bed. So maybe that counts, I don’t know. I’ll let you be the judge of that.
Interviewer: What's the first thing you do in the morning?
Daria: Typically it’s browse my phone for a little bit. I want to slowly wake up and this is one of the best ways to do it. Then I get ready and grab some coffee.
Interviewer: What's the last thing you do at night?
Daria: I brush my teeth like a normal person, and then I like to lay in bed and read every night. I wind down this way and make sure that I am completely relaxed before I fall asleep. Honestly, most of the time I fall asleep while I’m reading, so a lot of times when I try to read during the day, it makes me fall asleep too.
Interviewer: What's the silliest argument you've ever been in?
Daria: I once had an argum
Interviewer: Who is your hero?
Daria: I honestly don’t know how to answer that without it sounding cheesy. Honestly, my hero is my mom, for sure. A few years ago, oh man, almost five years ago now, she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and from the very beginning she was incredibly powerful and passionate about how she was going to go about treatments. She really wanted to make sure that she faced it head on, and while she may have been scared, she also was not going to let cancer ruin her life and control her. She was a warrior every step of the way, and fortunately for her, she was able to win her battle. I know that not everyone is lucky, but with her being five years cancer free, it means that we are out of the worst. It seems like she is really in a great spot and truly has beaten it. So for sure, I would have to say that my hero is my mom.
Interviewer: If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Daria: Okay, so for me there are a few really important things when it comes to picking a place to live, and honestly, as long as I have that, I will be okay. First of all, there needs to be moose, and the second thing is that I need snow on the regular. Fortunately for me, those two things really go together well, and it makes it a lot easier to know that I am going to be able to find my dream home when my wants for it actually fit together.
I know some people sit there and they want sun and snow and xyz and it makes it almost impossible for the realtor to find a house that they are interested in. It seems like one of those things that people get too picky, almost, which is why I try to be as simple as possible. Honestly, I would love to continue to have something close to my family, but I know that especially as an NSFL player, I will be able to see them almost any time that I want to, so that definitely makes it easier to pick a spot to live that is further from them.
Interviewer: What is your biggest fear?
Daria: Oh gosh, do I really have to share with you my biggest fear? I don’t know that I want to, it’s a little bit embarrassing. It’s kind of irrational, you know? So, I guess I would have to say that my biggest fear is that something lives under my bed. Like, you know how as a kid you have that fear that there is a monster under your bed, and you kind of run and jump into bed? I definitely still did that even as an adult. As long as my bed had a place underneath it where a monster could hide, or where I could feel that something could crawl under there and live, I definitely made sure that I ran and jumped into my bed after turning off the lights - even if I had a lamp on!
Now though, because I know that it is a stupid fear, but like, I can’t get over it. So now, I make sure to only buy bed frames that are either solid to the ground, or my current bed frame totally has a set of drawers underneath it. It definitely helps with that feeling that some monster is going to reach out and grab my foot.
And you know that weird mentality that if the blankets are covering you, then the monster won’t get you? Yeah, I totally follow that logic most nights, which sucks because I actually hate when my feet are covered in bed. So I legitimately try to sleep without it, and generally I am okay, but then there are some nights where I am most definitely not okay, and it is just one of those things where I continue to think about it over and over again, and I can’t fall asleep until I have pulled my foot back under the covers.
It’s dumb, but it is what it is.
Interviewer: What is your favorite family vacation?
Daria: Oh this is a tough one. I really love going to Disney World, but that is so much more fun outside of the fact that I am just with my family, so I think that instead I will have to say camping. Each year we would take a few camping trips throughout the summer, and I have to tell you that there is nothing quite like connecting to nature and connecting to the outdoors. I sleep in a tent, and when you go up north, it can get really cold during the night time, and hands down it is the best sleep that you will ever have. Have you ever slept outdoors before?
Interviewer: No, I haven’t.
Daria: You have to try it sometime. I’m not saying that you need to be isolated and out there with the bugs, by any means, but you definitely should think about sleeping with the air is a little bit cold and crisp. You know, it is something that is completely indescribable from any other feeling. I just feel relaxed. I know that it will be my favorite activity in between NSFL games, going out there and sleeping under the stars whenever I can get away.
Interviewer: What would you change about yourself if you could?
Daria: Gosh, this is another tough question. I don’t know if there is much that I would change about myself. I got really lucky in the hand that I was dealt. I have near optimal height stats for being a kicker, and I have worked really hard to maintain my physique, but I definitely know that my genetics plays a little bit into that. And getting drafted by an DSFL team really changes what you can do in the world, like the hand you have been dealt and the doors that are opened by becoming a professional football player is huge. I don’t know that I would change much of anything.
I’ve really made some great friends in the locker room, and on the team, and I know that I am going to miss those players in the future when they start getting called up, and then I know as much as I am looking forward to the draft and getting called up to the NSFL, I am also certain that I am going to cry the day that I need to leave Norfolk. Those people are my second home right now and I love them dearly.
Interviewer: What really makes you angry?
Daria: Oh boy. I’ve written about this before, but one of the things that really makes me angry is that kickers sometimes feel as though they don’t get a lot of respect in the league. I mean, everyone needs a kicker for their fantasy teams, and their NSFL teams, but at the same time, kickers don’t get the same stats and awards as everyone else. It sometimes feels like a sucky position to be in, because you want to have that fame and notoriety that your teammates get, but instead, if you miss the ‘game winning field goal’ everyone just blames you for the loss instead. It’s not like you don’t have a million other people on the team who contributed to the win, or the loss.
Interviewer: Do you have anything that frustrates you or angers you outside of playing football?
Daria: Hah, yeah, I do. So I am big into fiber arts, I knit and make a lot of my own socks that way, and I have to tell you one of the most infuriating and frustrating things that can happen when you are knitting is to have the ball of yarn have a knot in it. Typically, it isn’t really anyone’s fault, the yarn was faulty or you know at the end of what was spun in the first place, so they have to combine the old yarn with the new yarn, somehow, but it just sucks, because you lose out on a bunch of yardage that way.
You don’t want to knit with the knot, you see, you really want to make sure that it is cut out and you join the yarns together like you were starting with a new ball of yarn, it makes it smoother that way. I think if I were to have a knot in the yarn I used for my socks, it would be the only thing I could focus on when trying to kick, like a pebble in your shoe. It is the worst feeling ever.
Interviewer: What motivates you to work hard?
Daria: Definitely my parents. I have talked before about the relationship that my mom and I have had due to our Amazonian heritage, and it is just something that I really, really find important to me. Knowing that the goddesses have kind of blessed you, a little, is important, for sure. I think that you have to take that knowledge and respect it and work hard to prove your worth. Nobody wants to be blessed by the gods and then just kind of squander it. Outside of not wanting to receive the wrath of the gods, obviously, you also don’t want to take this gift for granted, so I make sure to work every day to live up to what the goddesses have given me.
Interviewer: What is your favorite thing about your career?
Daria: Oh boy, I think the best thing about my career, my favorite thing about it, is the fact that I get to chill and see the Norfolk people all the time. We joke and say that Norfolk Best Folk all the time, but honestly, I feel it in my heart that it is true. There is something so nice and so freeing about the locker room. They are always so incredibly supportive, no matter what happens. It is definitely one of those things where you feel like there is nothing you can’t do when you are with them.
Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely shenanigans that happen, and I think if the team were DSFL players, they would get so fat because of the amount of Taco Bell that they eat, but I feel really thankful and blessed to have been picked up by them on waivers. It would have been harder to stick around in this league if it wasn’t for how amazing they are. They really make players want to be their best, and it’s so nice to see.
Interviewer: What is your proudest accomplishment?
Daria: Well, if it was before the last few weeks, I would have said my proudest moment would have been the fact that I was the only kicker with 100% field goal accuracy… That however changed. I missed a decently large one in one of our latest games, and while I know that it isn’t anything massive or career ending, it would have been really great to end my rookie season never having missed a kick. I know how difficult of a thing that would be to pull off, but seriously, it would have been an amazing feeling.
Interviewer: What is your favorite book to read?
Daria: I think I have shared this before too, but most of my favorite books surround military theories. I spent some time a while back analyzing Sun Tzu, and attempting to apply it to my time here in the DSFL and the NSFL. I think that even if you aren’t looking at war itself, there are a lot of pieces of military theory that you can apply to your life.
I definitely feel that most players, coaches, and General Managers should spend time looking at some of these theories, and noticing what they can actually apply.
Interviewer: What makes you laugh the most?
Daria: Probably my boyfriend. He is the single greatest factor in my life right now. He’s been incredibly supportive throughout this entire DSFL journey, and he always makes sure to offer me encouragement and love every step of the way. I don’t know what I would do without him, and when I have been having a rough day, or I’m beating myself up with how I’ve been playing lately, he is always there to help bring me back up, and turn my frown upside down.
Interviewer: What was the last movie you went to? What did you think?
Daria: I honestly hate going to the movie theater, is that weird? I just don’t like feeling trapped and confined in a space where you can’t pause, and if you drink too much and need to pee, then you miss out on the movie. It’s not worth it to me. I would so much rather watch movies in the privacy of my own home.
Interviewer: Okay, so what was the last movie that you watched at home?
Daria: That would have to be Eurovision, on Netflix. I grew up watching Eurovision myself, even though I didn’t live anywhere close to Europe, but it is something that is kind of close to my heart, so when the movie was released, I said “I have to watch it!”.
Interviewer: Did you like it?
Daria: Yes! It was really good, I loved it. It’s really campy and cheesy, but that’s kind of exactly what actual Eurovision is, too, so I felt like it fit the movie and the theme perfectly. Not to mention I am kind of in love and obsessed with the soundtrack right now. Husavik is my go to song, even if it isn’t the most energy empowering song ever.
Interviewer: What did you want to be when you were small?
Daria: A warrior, for sure. I mean, I am an Amazon, you don’t grow up with that kind of fire in your blood without wanting to serve up a little bloodlust. My mom, by the way, would be mortified at me for telling you any of this. She absolutely hates how bloodthirsty I am, and it definitely can be a strain on our relationship sometimes.
Interviewer: Is it safe for you to play in the league if you’re feeling bloodthirsty?
Daria: Oh man, no it totally is okay to play in the league with me. I really didn’t mean to make it sound like I needed to go around and murder everyone, that is not what I meant at all! But I really do feel like that I need to sometimes just be aggressive and get it out a lot. It’s one of those things that football is an aggressive sport, right? You can’t really argue that it isn’t when the whole premise is players going at each other and smashing into one another. I feel like rugby and hockey are the only other team sports that are on par with the kind of aggressive nature in team sports that football has.
It’s just very competitive by its very nature, and so I feel that it is something that fits that niche I was looking for. That’s maybe a better way to describe the modern Amazon, competitive, not bloodthirsty.
Interviewer: Haha, that’s good to hear. I would be a little worried if you were still so bloodthirsty.
Daria: Oh I totally agree. I wouldn’t want to be in a position where I was completely bloodthirsty either.
Interviewer: What would sing at Karaoke Night?
Daria: Okay, so I’m going to have to stick to that Eurovision theme here and pick almost any really popular Eurovision song, or something from the 80s. I think that those kinds of songs are just made for Karaoke.
Interviewer: Which would you rather do: Wash dishes, mow the lawn, clean the bathroom, or vacuum the house?
Daria: Since three of those options are cleaning, I really am going to have to pick mowing the lawn. Aside from being outside, in nature, mowing the lawn is so relaxing. You can just sit there, assuming you have a riding lawn mower, listen to some music or an audiobook and kind of tune out as you get a chore done. Not to mention, fresh cut grass smells so good.
Interviewer: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Daria: Oooh, that’s a really good question. Food is one of my big passions, so I just know that I will have a hard time picking just one thing. I almost want to say Thanksgiving dinner or something insane like that because it encompasses so many of the foods that I love, and since it’s a multi-course meal (at least at my house it is), it means I can swap out the courses as time goes on, and change things a little.
Hands down my favorite just single food item are onions. They are so versatile, especially when you can eat them either cooked, or raw, or fried. I love a good fried onion, like beer battered onion rings are so incredible. So I guess that would be my two choices - thanksgiving dinner and onion rings. … Which may not be the worst combination put together, now that I think about it!
Interviewer: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?
Daria: Yeah, I have had a few nicknames throughout my time. “The tall woman” is one of my favorites, it was given to me by a very dear friend of mine.
Interviewer: Do you like or dislike surprises? Why or why not?
Daria: I have to say that I really do not like surprises most of the time, at least when I know they are coming. When it seems like something is going to be a surprise, or say, the upcoming NSFL draft being a surprise, it really just sends my anxiety through the roof more than anything else. I think knowing the timeframe for finding out an answer or what the surprise will be is what I tend to focus on and it can sometimes make it a lot harder to enjoy the surprise after that.
When I don’t know that the surprise is happening, though, they tend to be great. It can be a lot of fun to suddenly have something amazing happen to you, right? That’s assuming that all of the surprises you get to have are good ones, anyway.
Interviewer: In the evening, would you rather play a game, visit a relative, watch a movie, or read?
Daria: I think that one of my favorite things to do to wind down for the night is to read or hang out with my boyfriend and watch a movie. There’s just something nice and relaxing about hanging out there and being together. That togetherness is super important to me. If it was earlier, like a weekend where I want to just hang out and be with friends and people, then I’m going to have to go with playing a game. Tabletop gaming has been a big part of my life for a really long time, and I know that it’s going to be something that I continue to do even after my time in the league is done. After all, I started a game of dungeons and dragons with Bjorn Ironside and Adelie de Pengu, and it’s made my time in the DSFL so much more fun.
Interviewer: Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why?
Daria: I think I would pick Hawaii, which might surprise some people. After all being the snow loving person that I am, I think people would expect me to pick Alaska. But the key here is that it says vacation and Hawaii just has such gorgeous scenery that if I am living in the land of ice and snow I'm going to want to Vacation somewhere that isn't that way. Hawaii is the complete opposite of Alaska and snow, and so vacationing there means that I get the best of both worlds.
Interviewer: Who would you want to be stranded on a deserted island with?
Daria: I mean, honestly, this has to be my boyfriend. He is hands down the greatest person ever, and he always tries his best to remain positive and upbeat around me, no matter what. It’s one of those things that I can be having the worst day ever, but he will do almost anything possible to find the bright spot in that day, or to try and make me feel better about everything that’s been happening. I think if we were stranded on a deserted island, not only would he just be so kind and down to earth about everything, but he would also be willing to whatever was necessary to make sure that we could escape the island together. At the very least, he’d find me coconuts or something to eat.
Interviewer: You could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
Daria: I don’t know when I might go back in time. Maybe to the first time that my boyfriend and I met. I have to tell you, as amazing as he is, I was kind of a huge idiot when it came to actually wanting to date him. He knew, basically, from day one that he was in love with me, it took me a lot longer than that. Even though we were able to become really good friends while he waited patiently for me to sort out my feelings, it is one of those situations where I wish we could have had other things happening in the interim, too. Like we could have had so much more time actually together, and that’s definitely something I regret and that I wish I could change.
Interviewer: How would your friends describe you?
Daria: I would hope that they would describe me as fun and caring. I try really hard to care about my friends and their successes, and to cheer them on no matter what, but there are also times I am a little self centered. It can be difficult to not want to talk about you, but I know that is one of the best things that you can do if you are trying to make friends - not make it about you.
I think one of the other things that my friends would say about me is that I am a little hot headed. I mean, I try not to be but there is definitely a lot of anger than can happen, and while I try to keep it under control, it bubbles over a little bit.
Interviewer: What are your hobbies?
Daria: Fiber arts, mostly. I really, really love knitting and crocheting, that kind of stuff is just relaxing and engages my hands when I’m watching tv or something at night. I also took up quilting, and while I really like it, it’s definitely something that is a bit harder to just dive in and do a little bit and then stop. I like making my socks, because they just are so much more comfortable and they keep together a lot more than anything I have ever bought at the store, especially when I am sitting there on the field forever. Being a kicker, more than anything, your shoes have to feel right, so hand knit socks definitely give me that feeling.
Interviewer: What is the best gift you have ever been given?
Daria: Oh what a great question! I think one of the best gifts I ever got was my first football. It clearly set me on a path to become the player that I am today, and I am really thankful to my mom and dad to make sure that that could become a huge part of my life. Without that gift, I really doubt that I would have been able to join the DSFL and be on my way to being drafted in the NSFL. It was one of those life changing incredible gifts.
Interviewer: What is the worst gift you have received?
Daria: The worst gift would have to be this really terrifying oven mitt that my boyfriend got me when we were still friends. You would not think that an oven mitt could be terrifying, but holy crap this one was. He thought it was going to be cute and perfect since it was supposed to be a moose oven mitt, it even had some sweet antlers and everything. The problem was, whoever made this oven mitt decided to be a little too realistic, and when you went to open it, you know so you could actually grip a pan or whatever, was where the mouth was supposed to be. Well, they decided that they wanted to put the actual mouth of the moose on this oven mitt, and when you opened it was painted on tongue and teeth, and it was horrifying. I can’t think about it or look at it without laughing. It really was one of those gifts that I loved the thought behind it, and I loved everything that was meant with the gift, but I could not bring myself to love the gift itself.
Interviewer: Aside from the necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
Daria: I definitely think that one of the things I couldn’t go a day without is football in some way shape or form. Like, I want to make sure that I am either playing the game, practicing, or still practicing and thinking about my theories behind kicking and gameplay. It’s really something that I have started living and breathing, and I will be sad if I need to go a day without football.
Interviewer: List two pet peeves.
Daria: Only two? Haha, well, okay, some of my pet peeves are definitely when people knowingly choose ignorance. The idea that they don’t even want to look at the information that is available to them or anything is one of those pieces that I will never understand. One of the second pet peeves that I have would have to be when people are late to practice. Especially as paid players of the NSFL and the DSFL I don’t understand how you could ever be late to the job you’re being for, barring the fact that you were in an accident or something, but the players who show up late because they wanted to get some coffee or something? That stuff is so annoying.
Interviewer: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Daria: I really hope that I’m still playing in the league and that I have been able to make a positive impact on the league as well. If we’re talking more ridiculous goals, then I would love to be one of the most popular picks when it comes to the NSFL fantasy drafts. How cool would it be to become the “it” kicker for the NSFL? On a more personal note, I really hope that my boyfriend and I will have transitioned to either an engaged or even married couple. I totally see that happening early in the five years, but you never know.
Interviewer: How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Daria: Do I have to answer this question? I wish I could tell you it was only a few, but at this point I honestly don’t know that I can give you a legitimate answer. Outside of the multiple pairs of cleats that I have for league games and practices, I have so many personal shoes. Shoes are kind of my kryptonite, and I really love them. I have so many sandals, flats, boots, all of them. Minnetonka shoes are some of my favorites, and I like some of their boots so much that I’ve bought them in multiple colors. How can you not like shoes, really?
Interviewer: If you were a superhero what powers would you have?
Daria: I think if I was a superhero, I would have super strength, especially when it comes to my legs and whatnot. I’d be able to make huge jumps and take the impact from landings. That’s purely based on who I am right now. But if I was going to be a superhero of my choosing, I think I would want to talk to animals or something like that. I’m not exactly a vegetarian, but I think that prey animals would understand the necessity of eating them, and I think I would feel better if I was able to really convey how much I appreciate their sacrifice. Plus telling your cat or your dog something and understanding their response also seems like it could be cool as all get out.
Interviewer: What's your favorite zoo animal?
Daria: Do moose count as zoo animals? I know they aren’t a traditional zoo animal, but they are definitely my favorite non-traditional pet animal. Even though they are massive beasts of terror and destruction, they’re also so stinking cute too. Like their fluffy antlers before the velvet gets rubbed off, especially when they are a young male moose and they have tiny baby antlers. It’s some of the greatest stuff ever.
If I have to pick a more traditional zoo animal, then I definitely am going to go with penguins. Adelie de Pengu has become one of my best friends in the league, and I really love how goofy and silly his penguin friends are. They are the best little floofs ever, and I will fight anyone who disagrees with that.
Interviewer: How many pillows do you sleep with?
Daria: Hahahaha, a lot. I have two pillows that I sleep with under my head, but then I also snuggle up against a pillow now and again, so you know. I live firmly in the camp of “You can never have too many pillows,” but maybe that is true. If it is, I haven’t really encountered it yet, so I’m guess at some point I will continue to add pillows to the bed until I either can’t fit anymore, or can’t stand anymore pillows.
Interviewer: How often do you buy clothes?
Daria: Honestly, when I need to. While I really wish I had a better fashion sense and a better wardrobe, I am way too practical most times when it comes to clothes. I want to make sure that I have enough that I’m covered, and that I can go at least a week before I have to do laundry, but I also want to make sure that I’m not spending an outrageous amount of money on clothes too. I definitely have more shoes than clothes.
Interviewer: What's your favorite holiday?
Daria: I love a lot of holidays because they really bring my family together, and that’s just such a nice thing to have. Being surrounded by my family and celebrating all of our old traditions is just kind of that warm fuzzy feeling within my heart. If I had to pick a single holiday I liked the best just for the holiday, then I would have to stick with New Years. I love the idea of a holiday that is completely surrounding new beginnings and fresh starts. Even if things have been kind of crappy for the year, knowing that I can mentally reset everything for myself is huge. I think everyone deserves to have that mental reset, ya know? It’s so important to know that even when I have messed up or made mistakes, I can clear that out, and I wish that everyone felt that way. It doesn’t always happen though, some past mistakes people will continue to make follow you.
Interviewer: What was the last thing you watched on TV?
Daria: I watched an episode of the Warrior nun earlier today and that was super awesome. I really recommend it if you are looking for something unique and different to watch. I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the episodes, but I think I’m going to have to wait until I can watch it with my boyfriend. It’s hard sometimes, with his work schedule and my league schedule, it doesn’t always match up in the same way.
Interviewer: What's your favorite type of foreign food?
Daria: I really love Japanese food, and Mexican food. Japanese food has so many more delicious and different flavors than what I’m used to and they’re different than what I grew up with. I really love the umami flavor that shines through when you’re eating something like gyoza or sushi, not to mention anything with teriyaki sauce is definitely lit. Mexican food feels like my second home, though. The flavors, colors, and spice are so delicious and nice too. I don’t know that I could pick between those two, so I’m going to have to call it a tie.
Interviewer: Are you a clean or messy person?
Daria: My boyfriend hates this but I’m a messy person at home. I try to stay super organized and on top of my stuff for the league, so being at home means that I am a much messier person overall. I really try to be clean and neat, but there are some things that just don’t happen. I never put my clothes away, and I know that it drives him nuts. I’ll just live out laundry baskets for about six months, then put half of my clothes away. Rinse and repeat forever and that is the state of my closet.
I’ve thought about hiring someone to help out, but honestly the idea that I actually have some extra cash to spend and do that is so foreign to me. I still cannot believe how much money I’ve already been able to earn in this league, it seems nuts that anyone could earn this much in such a short time. I think the opportunities that have been provided are really, really great.
Interviewer: Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Daria: I don’t know, there are a lot of great actresses out there, and I’m not exactly sure who I would want to play me. Maybe Gwendolyn Christie, I really love her voice and I feel like they could have done so much more with her as Phasma in the new Star Wars movies, but I think playing me in a movie could be a great role for her.
Interviewer: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
Daria: It depends upon the day and what you define as “get ready”. If you’re talking about my entire morning routine with a workout, shower, breakfast, and the whole shebang, then it takes a couple hours. If you’re asking me on a lazy day if I’m rolling out of bed and going to practice? Then enough time to brush my teeth and change my clothes, generally.
Interviewer: What kitchen appliance do you use every day?
Daria: The coffee pot. There is no greater love or force in this world than coffee to me. I’m lucky that my boyfriend always preps the pot the night before, so even when I’m feeling extra tired and out of it, I can just press the button and soon there is that amazing aroma of coffee. Add a little sugar and a lot of cream and you have something wonderful. It’s my fuel for the day, and I completely concede that I would be lost without it.
Interviewer: What's your favorite fast food chain?
Daria: Taco bell, hands down. It’s not that I even necessarily love Taco Bell, or any fast food, but I just have a soft spot in my heart for chalupas. The crispy naan filled with taco stuff? It’s like a crunchy and soft taco all rolled into one, without the pokey bits too.
Interviewer: What's your favorite family recipe?
Daria: I have a super secret barbecue rub, that I don’t let anyone else know the recipe too. My parents don’t even know the ratios or the ingredients. I’m kind of super secretive about it because I love giving it as a gift every holiday season, but I also am not opposed to sharing out the recipe when people are looking to find it out.
Maybe if you’re super nice to me, or I love you a lot or something, I will share with you my secret recipe. Maybe.
Interviewer: Do you love or hate roller coasters?
Daria: I definitely love rollercoasters, a lot. It took me a while to get okay with them, but they give you that same adrenaline high that Amazonian bloodlust gives, too. So if you were ever wondering what being an Amazon was like, feel totally scared of rollercoasters, ride one, and then feel the endorphin rush after. It’s why we make the best warriors after all. I have spent a couple of summers at Cedar Point, especially when I was still in college, and spending all day riding roller coasters is a ton of fun, but it definitely makes your head hurt after. I advise you to take some pain medicine right before the day starts, and again as the day goes on. That much playing with your brain can give you a headache.
Interviewer: Do you have a favorite family tradition?
Daria: I think my favorite family tradition of all time are the Warrior Games that we would play every summer. My mom and aunts and all of my female cousins would always get together and have mock battles, do training seminars, all kinds of cool activities. It was less like a family reunion, and more like a sweet warrior summer camp. I don’t have as much time to go now that I’m a part of the league, but I still like trying to find time to fit it into my schedule as much as possible. It’s something that is super important to me, to continue the Amazonian traditions with as many of my female relatives as possible. If we take just a moment to ignore it, suddenly these traditions die out, and that would be a little bit of a crime. I can’t imagine a world where we wouldn’t have these amazingly awesome Amazonian traditions.
Interviewer: What's your favorite movie?
Daria: I love war movies, and one of the best war movies I have ever seen is Tora! Tora! Tora! It’s about World War II and the attack on Pearl Harbor. It’s one of my favorite movies, hands down, and if you haven’t seen it yet, I really recommend it.
Interviewer: How old are you when you learned Santa wasn't real? How did you find out?
Daria: I never really believed in Santa. It was always weird growing up in school because I can remember having more conversations about how Santa isn’t real, but parents lie to their children and tell them he is, so you need to pretend and not spoil the fact that Santa isn’t real for the other boys and girls that you know. Amazons don’t really believe in Santa Claus, so I really spent more time having to pretend, and then being the one everyone could go to when they found out that Santa wasn’t real more than anything.
I can remember one time that there was this kid who was in extreme denial about the whole thing, and since my mom had drilled into me that I was not to spoil Santa Claus, he felt like I was also the only other person who would keep the secret that he still believed, and that we could believe together. And I wasn’t going to tell him otherwise, because my mom told me not to spoil things, so this poor kid held onto his belief a lot longer than he probably would have otherwise, all because I kept pretending to believe in Santa Claus right along with him.
Interviewer: Is your glass half-full or half-empty?
Daria: It’s going to depend upon the day for me, but I like to think that most of the time I am a glass half-full kind of person. When the team is down, or it seems like we’re going to have a bad game day, I always try to be upbeat and positive about all of that. I think it’s really important to keep motivating your teammates, even if they don’t necessarily feel motivated themselves, ya know?
But everyone has their bad days, and they are allowed to have those bad days. Sometimes I feel half empty on those days. Like the day that I missed my first field goal, all of Norfolk was super positive and upbeat still, it’s clear how much they love having me on the team and in the locker room. At the same time, though, I was still feeling like there wasn’t anything that I could do right. It was kind of a miserable feeling.
Interviewer: What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
Daria: Items not people right? Because I already told you who I would take. I think it depends if I’m being stranded there or if it’s more of a vacation. If I’m getting stranded, I definitely want a satellite phone, a gps tracker, and a solar charger, because at least then I can escape the dreaded island.
If I was vacationing on a deserted island though, I’d be taking a lot of different books, probably honestly my kindle because I don’t know that I could pick just one book to bring. Then I would also bring the charger for said kindle, and probably my phone. I know it’s a lame list, but as long as I have my boyfriend there on the island with me, it won’t be so horrible.
Interviewer: What was your favorite subject in school?
Daria: I really loved history. Being a little bit of a warrior nut, I think learning about all of the past battles throughout the country and the world is interesting and really important. Knowing what worked for previous generals, and seeing how these new ideas suddenly infest the rest of military theory is fascinating. Some of these generals made tiny changes to their strategies, and changed the way that militaries did things for years to come. It’s also really interesting to note how successful or unsuccessful certain generals were, and why. Being able to really absorb all of these pieces of information has led to some interesting thought experiments that I have tried out with regards to football.
Interviewer: What was the most unusual thing you've ever eaten?
Daria: The most unusual thing I’ve ever eaten were mealworms. They were dried and kind of crispy, and they tasted like popcorn. It took a lot of courage to put them in my mouth the first time, and I was worried they would suddenly come alive and start wriggling, but nothing like that happens at all. Instead, they’re just little crunchy kernels. If you are feeling brave enough to try them, I really recommend it!
Interviewer: Do you collect anything?
Daria: I don’t really have anything that I collect, but I know that my boyfriend would disagree on this one. He would say that I collect yarn, since I keep purchasing a bunch of it, and never using it. The problem is that it’s just so pretty, and I can’t ever find the right project for it, but gosh, how can you not want to get it when it’s so pretty?
Interviewer: Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Daria: I am most definitely an extrovert. I love spending time with my team and my locker room, and I thrive on it. Being out on the field in front of a massive crowd is one of the best feelings in the world. It makes me feel unstoppable and I feel like I can accomplish anything after a game, even when we lose. That doesn’t mean that I don’t enjoy some time where I can just chill and unwind, but I really do thrive on being out there in front of everyone. It’s one of the reasons I love being a kicker - you are the player everyone focuses on at that moment a lot of times. Whether you make or miss a field goal, it rests on your shoulders. It can be a lot of pressure, but I’m used to it.
Interviewer: What three things do you think of the most each day?
Daria: The three things I find myself thinking about most days would have to be my boyfriend, because he is just amazing and I love him. It would also have to be football, and then just what I’m going to do to relax each day.
Interviewer: If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
Daria: Warning: Opinionated and Headstrong
Interviewer: What song would you say best sums you up?
Daria: I’m going to stick to the Eurovision theme from earlier and say the song Husavik from the Eurovision movie. It’s such a great song and really talks about that sense of home. Every time that I listen to it, it makes me think of how I feel being a part of the Norfolk locker room. They are really that home, and with them, everything has felt so easy and simple and right.
Interviewer: What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee?
Daria: I would love to sit down for a coffee with Alex Dasistseinenachname one day. He’s kind of my NSFL idol, and I think being able to learn from him everything that he has to say about football and kicking would be a great privilege and an honor.
Interviewer: Who was your first crush?
Daria: My first crush was on AJ from the Backstreet Boys. While everyone was fawning over pretty boy Justin Timberlake, I was fawning all over the bad boy from the Backstreet Boys. Looking back, it was one of those moments where I look back and cringe at the taste that I had as a child. I was convinced I was going to end up with some huge tattooed dude. Oh how my boyfriend couldn’t be any more different from that (in all the best ways, though).
Interviewer: How many languages do you speak?
Daria: I really only speak English, but I spent a long time studying German, too. I’m really rusty at it, but I do try to keep practicing every now and then. It’s not something I get to speak very often, but I wish I had more opportunities for it.
Interviewer: if you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be?
Daria: Most people would assume I’d say moose here, but I am not a moose. I am definitely a dog. I’m super full of energy and I want to be around people and am so excited to just lay in someone’s lap and have them stroke my head. Not to mention, I get distracted by squirrels and bunny rabbits about as frequently as they do.
Interviewer: What is one thing you will never do again?
Daria: I am never going to fly spirit airlines ever again. It’s a service where you are going to get what you pay for. It’s cheap pay and even cheaper service, in my opinion. I don’t recommend you fly any third party airlines, but instead book directly.
Interviewer: What's your favorite way to spend the weekend?
Daria: My favorite way to spend the weekend is to get a workout or two in, gotta stay on top of my game after all, but after that I love to just spend time with my boyfriend and my friends and play games with them. We switch a lot between playing video games together and playing tabletop games or card games together. If it’s just my boyfriend and myself, then I really want to just hang out with him, maybe cook, clean the house together a little bit, and just snuggle up on the couch. It’s one of my favorite pastimes.
Interviewer: What type of music are you into?
Daria: I really love all kinds of music, but my favorite genre over all would be alternative rock. It's the kind of music that motivates me and gets me pumped up and ready for a game each and every day.
Interviewer: What was your favorite age growing up?
Daria: My favorite age would have to be elementary school, maybe fifth or sixth grade, right before middle school. Everything felt so easy then. I wasn’t a whirling ball of hormones and emotions yet, and so I still loved being around my parents and I wasn’t frustrated and angry at every decision they made. I had someone who was still helping me to organize my life and take care of me, but I was beginning to earn some freedoms in other ways too, so that made it really nice. Life was just so much more carefree and easy when you were a kid, and there are days that I miss that.
Interviewer: What's your favorite ice cream topping?
Daria: Sprinkles!! I love going and getting a soft serve cone (a twist of course) and getting it covered in sprinkles. They help block the cold just that little bit and then give you a tiny crunch when you take a bit of your ice cream. Yeah, you heard me, I’m an ice cream biter.
Interviewer: What was the last show you binge watched?
Daria: This is totally embarrassing but I just watched the entirety of the new Baby Sitters Club on Netflix, and I really recommend it. It’s so modern and progressive and embodies everything that the books were about. I always loved reading them as a kid, and I had wished that I could have been a part of the Baby sitters Club too when I was growing up.
Interviewer: What's your favorite sleeping position?
Daria: I’m a side sleeper, kind of curled up in a little ball with one foot sticking straight out. That is, until I’m worried about the bed monsters, and then I am completely curled up and covered by a blanket, because it’s monster armor.
Interviewer: What's your go-to guilty pleasure?
Daria: I love sour candy so much. I find myself struggling to only eat one piece whenever I’m around sour candy, and I just kind of devour all of it in one go. I won’t let myself buy it anymore, because it just doesn’t last in the house. I definitely only get it when it’s been given to me by the boyfriend.
Interviewer: What's one thing that can instantly make your day better?
Daria: Pictures of baby moose, especially if they are doing something ridiculous or derpy. They have such long legs and awkward bodies, that everything they do looks goofy and silly. Whenever I am having a bad day, I look at gifs or pictures of baby moose and everything feels right. I even set it to my background on my phone so I always have a reason to smile.
Interviewer: Which meal is your favorite: breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Daria: My favorite time of the day to eat would be dinner, because it’s relaxing and you can just eat it whenever. My favorite genre of foods would be breakfast foods. They are so versatile and who doesn’t love grits? Grits all day every day baby, they are the best!
Interviewer: What activity instantly calms you?
Daria: Knitting is one of those things that instantly calms me, especially if it’s a more complicated pattern that requires a little bit more focus and attention. It can be frustrating when you make a mistake or there is something wrong with the yarn, but it is also super chill to just watch tv and at the end of the episode you have a dish cloth!
Interviewer: Ideally, how would you spend your birthday?
Daria: One of my favorite ways to spend my birthday is by just hanging out with my family. I love going to arcades too, especially if I can earn some stupid tickets playing skiball or basketball. Ticket prizes make my brain super happy for some reason!
Interviewer: What's your favorite season and why?
Daria: Winter! Snow is everything to me. I love the fact that I never feel too hot and hanging out at the cabin in front of the fireplace and sipping hot chocolate is like a dream come true for me. It’s how I plan to spend every winter as soon as the NSFL seasons are finished, hide out at the cabin for a bit before it’s time to go back to the grind.
Interviewer: What's the best joke you've ever heard?
Daria: Okay, I know a knock knock joke, you start.
Interviewer: Knock knock
Daria: Who's there? Ahhh, gets me every time.
Interviewer: What phone app do you use the most?
Daria: I am a redditor, massively. I spend my mornings scrolling through the headlines on reddit, and then I wind down with a little reddit too. It’s definitely not something that I want to spend all of my time on, but I think reddit creates a bit of time suck blackhole effect, where you don’t actually realize that it’s been two hours and you are way past your bedtime.
Interviewer: Would you rather cook or order in?
Daria: I would rather cook most nights, I just don’t want to be the one who is deciding what the meal is. I love cooking and I will do it every day, but someone else has to decide what we’re eating.
Interviewer: What's your favorite board game?
Daria: I really love playing Terraforming Mars. It’s this more complex game where you are building up your corporation and trying to terraform Mars and earn the most points. Sometimes you might try generating heat, or maybe you’re mining metals, or trying to plant trees. You have so many options and it can change completely what your strategy is every game.
Interviewer: How do you take your coffee?
Daria: A little bit of sugar and a whole lot of cream. I like it to be about as pale as my flesh when I’m done adding cream. Then, sometimes, maybe a splash more.
Interviewer: How would your 10 year old self react to what you do?
Daria: I think that my 10 year old self would be absolutely amazed and impressed about what I do. I don’t think that I could have ever seriously imagined I would become a professional footballer for the NSFL right out of college. It’s kind of that dream come true scenario that nobody could ever picture.
Interviewer: Do you have a work best friend?
Daria: Yes! My teammate Adelie de Pengu is my best friend on the Norfolk team and we spend a lot of time together, especially now that we’ve started playing Dungeons and Dragons together with Bjorn Ironside.
Interviewer: What qualities do you look for in a general manager?
Daria: I want a General Manager who can make sure that the team is feeling comfortable and safe around one another, and that they work to build trust within the team. Being able to trust your teammates and to want to do things for them is so important when you’re then going out on the field with them. Like, I know that I would need to have such a good and trusting relationship with my long snapper (IF I HAD ONE) and my holders for a lot of the plays that I do, so a general manager that can build that is key.
Interviewer: What's the best career advice you've ever heard?
Daria: Be totally honest and transparent when you are getting scouted. You know what you want and teams are checking if you are a good fit for their team, but remember that scouting is also your opportunity to check if that team is a good fit for you, too. It may seem silly at first, but making sure that you are happy where you get drafted is a big deal, if you aren’t going to be happy about it, you have to ask yourself if you spoke up enough about what you really want.
Interviewer: What does your family think of your career?
Daria: My dad couldn’t be happier. He always wanted a boy who would become a professional footballer, but instead he got me. After my dance phase, he was pleased as punch that I started going out for the football team.
My mom on the other hand while she loves my success and how great I’ve become at playing football, she also really worries about how taxing it can be to keep that bloodlust side of me in check. I’ve told her not to worry, and I think after this season of playing professionally, she’s beginning to really trust me about it more, but I know that is always in the back of her head.
Interviewer: If you could do it all over again would you pursue the same career? Why or why not?
Daria: I think if I was thrust into my younger body, and I would do almost everything the same in my life. Most definitely the career that I picked would stay the same. You get the chance to become a professional player for the NSFL, who would honestly give that up? So many little kids dream about that every single day. It’s one of the most humbling and honoring things that has happened in my life. I love that I get to go out and do what I love day after day and make a ton of money doing it. Not many people get to say that, so it’s something that feels super important to me.
Interviewer: How much time do you spend with your family?
Daria: I try to spend as much time with my family as I possibly can, but it’s not always easy to do. Right now, being a part of the league means that I have a lot more time that is scheduled and devoted to something else. Fortunately, with my parents being super supportive, it means that they fly out and try to attend every single game of mine. They’re enjoying the travel, and I enjoy that I still get to have some weekly dinners with them after the games. It’s really a great new tradition that we’ve started ever since I joined the DSFL. I really hope that they can keep attending as many games as possible throughout the rest of my career.
Interviewer: If you only had one sense, which would you want?
Daria: I think I would have to pick sight. There are other ways to communicate aside from hearing and speaking, so I would want to make sure that I could really see the people who mean so much to me, and I could still watch and participate in football to some extent. It’s one of those things that I think picking which sense you want is going to depend upon what your goal is. If I was older, or closer to wanting to retire, then I would probably pick hearing so I could listen to my boyfriend as I fell asleep every night.
Interviewer: What is your definition of success,
Daria: I think having goals that you have set for yourself and accomplished. It’s definitely something where success is going to mean something different for a lot of people, and even then definitions of success are going to change, adapt and grow. I know that when I first started out playing football, success was winning the game, no matter what. It didn’t matter if I never had the opportunity to play or not, if we didn’t win, I found myself feeling like a failure.
As I got a little older, though, I started to shift my definition to be something more attainable and something that was a lot more in my control. That is definitely a key, making sure that it is something within my grasps and that I can actually influence. While I can control how much I practice and how much I work on my technique as a kicker, I can’t control if we win or lose. That relies on way too many players and pieces as you look at the offense and defense, on top of my job as the kicker. So instead, I’ve morphed my thinking about games to ask myself if I could have done anything else to prepare for this game, or did I do absolutely everything that was in my power. I think being able to answer that question in the affirmative and feel good about yourself with it is such a big deal.
Interviewer: Are you at all religious or spiritual?
Daria: I believe in the goddesses, for certain. After all, a lot of the gifts that I have been given, a lot of the reasons why I am where I am today is because of the goddesses. They’ve given me these gifts and it would feel incredibly disrespectful to ignore the fact that they exist. I was born when the moon and Venus were in alignment, so that has meaning, right? I don’t know how you can look at the fact that every female in my family was born on the days when the moon and Venus were in alignment and not think that it has meaning.
Interviewer: What makes you feel most accomplished?
Daria: Feeling success in this league has definitely helped me to feel accomplished. So many kids and people live their lives hoping and believing that they will become a professional athlete, and it doesn’t ever pan out that way. Not that they don’t get a life that is full and amazing, but it kind of stinks when your childhood dreams get crushed. I got to have my childhood dream fulfilled and that is just the best feeling.
Interviewer: What's the scariest thing you've ever done, and why did you do it?
Daria: I think one of the scariest things I’ve ever done was play my first ever DSFL game. When you reach that professional level, generally, you’ve been playing for a really long time. You feel confident in your abilities, and you feel like you know what you’re doing but the same thing goes for any job, really, that it’s still nerve wracking. Walking out of the tunnel and onto the field for the first time totally scared the crap out of me. I can remember my stomach just churning all night and all morning, I had barely slept.
Fortunately, everything kind of fell by the wayside as I went onto the field for the first time. Lining up for the kick it was like my body just knew what to do, you know? All of the years of practice and games and muscle memory came flooding back, and instead of feeling nervous I just felt calm. I think that cool energy is what led to me having some killer games initially.
Interviewer: Do you believe in second chances?
Daria: I think it depends upon the reason. Most people who have made a mistake deserve a second chance, but there are some things that were just so premeditated and cold that I don’t think they deserve another chance at all. If it wasn’t for second chances, though, I’d never be with my boyfriend. We had kind of started dating early on, but I just wasn’t feeling the relationship at the time, and it took a long time for me to realize that he was truly the person I was in love with. If he hadn’t given me that second chance then I honestly don’t know where we’d be. I’d be crushed, that’s for sure.
Interviewer: Do you contribute to any charities?
Daria: Yes! There is a girl’s camp near where I grew called Camp Athena, and it is run by the absolute best people. Aside from the fact that it supports some of the goddesses that I love dearly, it is also a camp devoted to empowering young women. I think that making sure these girls feel cared for and important and special is such a big deal.
I always grew up with strong female role models, it’s kind of part of the Amazonian gig. That is one of the biggest impacts on my life and my feeling that I could join a sport that historically has been dominated by men. So I will gladly give a huge donation to Camp Athena every year, and I really encourage the rest of you to do the same.
Interviewer: When was the last time you volunteered?
Daria: I try to take some time to volunteer for Camp Athena as often as I can. Since a lot of the time camp is occurring while I’m in training, it can be difficult to find the time, but I want to be out there giving those girls another role model to look up to. I’ve had so many little girls come up to me over the past few years when I was a college player and tell me about how much it meant to them to see me on TV and how they wanted to play football now too. It’s been really inspiring and humbling to realize how much an impact you can have on someone else’s life. I never thought I would be that role model that other kids would look up to.
Interviewer: Are you an organ donor?
Daria: Yeah, for sure. I figure why not, right? If I’m dead then I don’t really need my organs anymore, might as well help someone else, right?
Interviewer: Do you believe in life on other planets?
Daria: I think it would be silly to assume there isn’t life somewhere on another planet. I don’t know that I believe in little green men, or other life that is at the same level of advancement as us, but I think that the odds of some kind of life occurring somewhere else should be decent, especially if we’ve been able to identify other so-called “Goldilocks” planets. It seems like a little bit of hubris to assume we are the only planet capable of sustaining life, as well as having life form. There is so much out there that we haven’t explored yet, it’s just hard to say definitively anything at this point.
Interviewer: A genie gives you three wishes, what are they?
Daria: For my first wish I would want to be able to pick whichever team I wanted for the NSFL draft. I think my second one would have to be that I get to win an Ultimis, because being a champion is definitely cool. The last wish would be for my dream house in the land of snow and moose. Being able to sit there and drink my morning coffee while moose just wander up near the house would be a literal dream come true, and I can’t imagine a better way to start the day.
Interviewer: Do you think you'll likely accomplish all of your dreams?
Daria: I think I will be able to accomplish a lot of them. I mean, I have already accomplished so much just by being in the DSFL and being eligible for the NSFL draft. It would be really cool to see what happens in the future, and as much as I love to win the Ultimini or an Ultimis, it’s going to be one of those things that we’ll see what happens.
The biggest dream I have my eyes set on right now is to be the #1 fantasy pick for kickers. There aren’t a lot of us in the league, so I think being able to be the best out of the kickers is a pretty decent goal. A lot of it obviously depends upon the team, but that’s where my hope comes in for getting drafted, too.
Interviewer: If you could relive One Moment in your life, which would it be?
Daria: I think the moment I would want to relive over and over again was when I finally started dating my boyfriend. As cool as the rest of my life has been with football games, playoffs, wins, professional success and all of that, he is my rock and the most important thing in my life. If I could go back to that day, it was just a flood and outpour of emotion and love and hope. I think about it all the time because I felt so cared for and respected and loved. It still makes me smile and just feel so stupidly happy all the time.
Interviewer: Do you hit the snooze button or wake up immediately?
Daria: I’m a weird mix of both when I can afford to be. I don’t necessarily go back to sleep, but my favorite thing to do is lay in bed and just read or browse reddit for a little bit before I get up. It lets me kind of snooze if I need to, but I also get to slowly wake up and get myself ready for the rest of the day. If I have things to do, though, I am an up and at ‘em kind of girl. I roll out of bed and just get myself ready for the day.
Interviewer: What would be the title of your memoir?
Daria: Daria Guava-Fresca: Kicking Life’s Ass
Interviewer: Do you believe in any conspiracy theories?
Daria: I don’t believe in any conspiracy theories, or at least ones that I know are conspiracy theories, but I do believe in the monsters under my bed. So maybe that counts, I don’t know. I’ll let you be the judge of that.
Interviewer: What's the first thing you do in the morning?
Daria: Typically it’s browse my phone for a little bit. I want to slowly wake up and this is one of the best ways to do it. Then I get ready and grab some coffee.
Interviewer: What's the last thing you do at night?
Daria: I brush my teeth like a normal person, and then I like to lay in bed and read every night. I wind down this way and make sure that I am completely relaxed before I fall asleep. Honestly, most of the time I fall asleep while I’m reading, so a lot of times when I try to read during the day, it makes me fall asleep too.
Interviewer: What's the silliest argument you've ever been in?
Daria: I once had an argum