The Connection

As a junior, Meghan Flynn was an all-region performer for the Yorktown girls’ soccer team, leading the Patriots to their first-ever state tournament berth. Whether it was scoring a goal or serving an assist, Flynn played a primary role in Yorktown winning 20 games in 2013, along with capturing the program’s third consecutive National District championship and finishing Northern Region runner-up.

While Flynn experienced success during her junior campaign, her senior season was one of disappointment as a torn ACL forced her to miss the entire 2014 schedule. The Patriots could have used Flynn in the postseason, as they lost to Washington-Lee in the Conference 6 championship match and fell to Robinson in the opening round of the regional tournament.

Flynn will play collegiate soccer at the University of Tennessee. Her status for her freshman season is uncertain, however, as she continues to work her way back from her knee injury. Flynn, a 2014 Yorktown graduate, recently participated in a Q and A via email with The Connection.

*Connection: What made Tennessee the right fit for you?

Flynn: Tennessee is the right fit for me for a number of reasons! The level of soccer there is incredible and even more so, the ambition of the whole team creates a very competitive atmosphere. Additionally, it's a big sports school and there is so much school spirit. Mostly, the coaches and players are really great. I was accepted into the honors college and I think, while it will be challenging and I’ll need to work extremely hard, it will be a great fit for me.

*Connection: What is your major?

Flynn: My major is political science.

*Connection: What position will you play?

Flynn: I'm not sure what position I'll play but forward and outside defense seem likely. I'm open to any position though!

*Connection: At what age did you start playing soccer? When did you realize playing college soccer was a possibility for you?

Flynn: I started playing soccer when I was 6 years old on a coed Arlington house team. I realized playing college soccer could be an option when I was in eighth grade and my club team scrimmaged against a DIII women’s team. Playing for Yorktown varsity the following spring only encouraged me more.

*Connection: It was a knee injury that kept you out your senior year, correct? Will you be healthy and able to play your freshman year of college?

Flynn: I tore my right ACL. While I have come a long way since, I am not fully recovered yet. I'm not sure where I will be in the fall but I will do everything I can before then to prepare.

*Connection: After Yorktown had such a strong season your junior year, what was the experience like having to watch during your senior season?

Flynn: It was incredibly difficult to have to sit out for my entire senior season. With that said, I knew that my team and coaches always supported me completely and I was behind them every step of the way, as well. So while it was tough to sit when I wanted to be out on the field, it was worth it to still be a part of this high school team that has meant so much to me.

*Connection: What is your favorite memory of playing high school soccer?

Flynn: My favorite memory of high school soccer was undoubtedly beating Stone Bridge [in the 2013 Northern Region semifinals] to qualify for the state tournament for the first time in Yorktown girls’ soccer history. It was especially rewarding because everyone expected that the very talented Stone Bridge team would beat us and I think that the upset earned us some respect.

*Connection: If you could go back and change one thing about your high school athletic career, what would it be?

Flynn: If I could change one thing about my high school athletic career, I would have joined the track team earlier. I was a sprinter and a high jumper for the indoor track team my junior and senior years and it was a great experience!

*Connection: What are you most looking forward to about the transition from high school to college?

Flynn: I'm really excited about being in an environment at Tennessee where everyone on the team is unified and working toward the same goal. I’m also excited to spend time with my teammates and play at such a high level for such great coaches.

*Connection: Who is your favorite music artist? Why?

Flynn: I like many artists but my favorite is probably Bruce Springsteen! I've been to a bunch of his concerts too.

*Connection: What is your favorite movie?

Flynn: My favorite movie is ‘Parent Trap.’

*Connection: What is your favorite hobby outside of soccer?

Flynn: I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading and going to the beach.

*Connection: What location is the farthest you have traveled from the Washington, D.C. metro area?

Flynn: The farthest place I've traveled for soccer is Colorado for ECNL National Semifinals.

*Connection: Did you follow the World Cup? If so, for which team(s) did you cheer?

Flynn: I did follow the World Cup! I mostly cheered for the US but I also like Argentina and the Netherlands.