Sept. 11, 2007
Washington, DC - Sophomore midfielder Scott Larrabee (Palos Verdes Estates, Calif./Loyola HS of Los Angeles) played in every game as a freshman, making five starts, including the team's final four matches. Larrabee was one of the most consistent Hoyas throughout the 2006 season, tallying a goal in the win over Howard while assisting on the game-winning goal at Villanova. The Californina native has been in the starting lineup in each of the team's four matches this season and he sat down with the Hoya Headliner this week.
HH: So how did you get recruited here?
SL: I sent emails to many coaches and (former assistant) Jon Pascale saw me in a California tournament. We kept in contact before we saw each other at the Elite 300 Camp near my hometown. I took an official visit with Corey Zeller as a host and I really liked what I saw at Georgetown.
HH: What do your parents think of their son playing collegiate soccer?
SL: They think it's great. It has been a good pay off for all those years that they drove me around and watched my club games. My mom is a flight attendent so they travel to as many games as they can. My sister, Jessica plays at the University of San Diego so their fall seasons are busy keeping up with us.
HH: Can you describe your relationship with your sister considering she also plays collegiate soccer?
SL: Jessica and I are twins and we have a pretty close relationship. She also plays in the midfield for USD. My second choice was USD. She was looking at George Mason. We thought there was a good chance we could have gone to colleges that were near each other. We write almost every day with instant messenger and talk on the phone every few days. We kind of understand the ups and downs of the season.
HH: How was the transition from high school to college for your freshman year?
SL: I thought I performed well playing PDL (Premier Develpoment League). I played with the Orange Country Blue Star. It was really competitive. We finished second in our league, went to the regionals in Utan and finals in Michigan. Five players on my team were drafted to play in the MLS, including Brad Evans of the Columbus Crew. We played a 4-3-3 systemwhere our outside forwards played quite a bit of defense so it was pretty similar to my midfield position here at Georgetown.
HH: Who do you look to for advice when you need it?
SL: I guess I speak with my dad when I need advice. But I also talk to my sister. My teammate Mark Zeman and I have lived together since school started last year so we have a good enough relationship where we hang out a lot too.
HH: What song gets you pumped up before games?
SL: I have been listening a lot to Linkin Park's song Bleed it Out. A good amount of people on the team like it too.
HH: How do you pick out the songs on the team's warm up cd?
SL: (laughing) I didn't have any input last year. Last year, the seniors picked the songs and if we suggested something different, they usually just said "No". This year I think everyone will get to pick at least one song that they like.
HH: If you could be on any reality show, which one would you choose? Why?
SL: Road Rules on MTV. I'm not sure if they're still running that show though. There's a lot of competition and it just seems like it would be fun.
HH: What would you do if you won a million dollars?
SL: I'd go on a suffing trip to some exotic places like Hawaii, Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands. There's some sweet surfing there. Oh and I'd buy a sweet car!
HH: What do you like to do in the off-season?
SL: I play the piano - I have a keyboard in my room. I tought myself during my senior year in high school and I've gotten progressively better. I play a whole bunch of cover songs. I read the music and play it and then memorize it. During freshman year, my roommate (teammate Mark Zeman) used to get annoyed because I'd be learning a new song and have to play the same part of a song over and over until I learned it. I finally got somoe headphones so he doesn't have to listen to it as much. Now I just play him the end product.
HH: What is your favorite quote from your Coach?
SL: Oh, there's so many. I like when he says "be on your front studs and get chomping at the bit". It means be ready to pounce on the ball when you're attacking. He kind of acts it out when he says it. It's funny but we know whet he means.
HH: What is the best thing about living in D.C.?
SL: I like the change of the different seasons. It not something I'm used to from southern California.
HH: What is your "breakfast of champions"?
SL: Smart start cereal or honey nut cheerios.
HH: If you could get front row tickets to any concert, now or in the past, which would it be?
SL: I'd go see Taking Back Sunday, they're a modern band right now. I saw them with the group Angels and Airways my senior year in high school.
HH: When did you first start playing soccer?
SL: Probably at eight or nine. I started playing club ball in the U-11 leagues.
HH: When did you know that you wanted to play soccer competitively in college?
SL: My birthday falls on the cutline for school. I probably thought about playing in college at the U-16 level. I was one of the younger guys on my club teams but I am one of the older guys in school for my grade.
HH: Who is your biggest rival?
SL: Probably Notre Dame. Obviously Coach Wiese came from there. Notre Dame always has a great team and there's usually a big crowd for that game.
HH: What do you have in your personal equipment bag?
SL: Nothing weird. My I-pod, wallet, cell phone, cleats, shin guards, jersey, warm up gear.
HH: What was your "welcome to college" moment?
SL: During the preseason of freshman year. I took the hardest tackle I've ever had from (teammate) Hunter Joslin. Hunter plays hard all the time. I said, "Whoa, take it easy!" I roomed with him during the preseason last year. I understand why he plays hard all the time.
HH: Favorite Georgetown restaurant?
SL: The Tombs. I like their buffalo chicken sandwich.
HH: What is your dream job?
SL: I'd like to play pro soccer. But I came to Georgetown for an education and I'd like to use some of the skills I've learned in my business classes someday.
HH: Freshman dorm?
SL: Village C West
HH: Booey's or Wisey's?
SL: Wisey's. I've never been to Booey's. I like the burger madness from Wisey's.
