Pride of Orlando: An Interview with the Orlando Pride’s Kristen Edmonds

Metuchen, NJ, native Kristen Edmonds joined the NWSL in 2014 by signing with Western New York after playing for WFC Rossiyanka in Russia. Edmonds is an experienced player who was traded to Orlando in December. A solid addition to Tom Sermanni's squad, Edmonds will provide depth to the back line. She was kind enough to answer some of our questions during the preseason.

Q: You played overseas for several years before playing in the NWSL, can you talk about your reasons for returning to the U.S.?

A: The biggest reason for me was to able to play in front of my family. Growing up, they were a big part of me playing soccer and always supported me. I went to college like in my backyard, so not having them in the stands was kind of tough. So when the opportunity came to come back to the States, I did that.

Q: You arrived to Orlando in a trade this past December. Can you share your thoughts on that and the opportunity it presented to you?

A: Yeah, I was real excited when I found out about the trade. For me, I think I needed a fresh start. When Orlando came into the league, I was really excited about just having another team in the NWSL and when I found out I was coming here, it was just kind of like a dream come true. Just to have a new start and be part of a new club.

Q: For those people unfamiliar with your playing style, can you talk about your strengths and what you bring to the team?

A: I think that I've always prided myself on coming in fit to every team that I go into, so I think being able to get up and down the outsides is definitely one of my strengths. I'll try to help the team any way that I can — wherever Tom sees fit to play me, I will step in and play. But whatever I can do to help the team is what I'm going to be best at.

Q: Has Head Coach Tom Sermanni discussed your role with you and where you'll be on the pitch for the team? Do you see that role in the midfield or back line?

A: I've spoke a little with Tom about what my role is going to be on the team and I think he's still trying to figure out everyone's role. We're still putting the pieces together, so…I think once we get really close to the first game we'll know a lot more about our individual roles. But right now as a team, we're trying to put all the puzzle pieces together.

Q: What are the toppings on the perfect pizza?

A: I don't like pizza because I don't like cheese.

While a member of the Flash, Edmonds sat down in a Flash Focus segment last year where she answered a few other questions.

Thank you to Kristen Edmonds. Even though I feel a little sad about her pizza answer, we know more about her. The Mane Land wishes the best of luck to her for the upcoming season. You can follow her on Twitter: @Kris10edmonds and on Instagram: kris10edmonds.