Get To Know: Shaye Villanueva
October 27, 2017 | Women's Soccer
Shaye Villanueva has been an important part of Washington's midfield for four years now, starting ten games so far this year after starting 33 over the last two years. Villanueva has helped the Huskies record ten shutouts so far this year with her defensive play and been a part of the offense as well, with Washington outscoring the opposition 15-9 in games in which she plays. As the only Hawai'i native on the Huskies, Villanueva has kept bringing some sunshine to Montlake with her impressive play all season long.
What does it feel like to play at Husky Soccer Stadium?
Villanueva: It's a gift that keeps on giving. Imagine being given a present and you're super excited to open it because you have no idea what it holds…that's how it feels to play at the Husky Soccer Stadium.
What is something the coaching staff has taught you off the field?
Villanueva: The coaching staff has taught me that the pride and honor that comes with wearing the W on my chest goes beyond the 4 years that I've played here.
What is it like to play in the Pac-12 Conference?
Villanueva: Playing in the Pac-12 conference is like the "Hunger Games"; a fight to be the champion of champions.
What is your favorite thing about living in Seattle?
Villanueva: My favorite part about living in Seattle is, surprisingly, the weather. Especially during the winter, you are so excited for the summer because summers in Seattle are breath-taking.
What are your favorite things to do in the summer in Seattle?
Villanueva: My favorite things to do are go on hikes, lay out, get tan, and get ready for the season.
What are some of your earliest memories of playing soccer?
Villanueva: I remember my brother and I would always go in our backyard and try to make those cool juggling videos like Ronaldinho.
Who is your biggest inspiration in why you play soccer?
Villanueva: My biggest inspiration in why I play soccer is definitely my dad because he would always say, "find what you love and run with it," so I did.
What do you love most about playing soccer?
Villanueva: I absolutely love the feeling I get when gameday comes around and I strap on my cleats and get on the field, because in that moment nothing else matters but me, the ball and the goal.
Who was your favorite player growing up?
Villanueva: My favorite player growing up was Brandi Chastain, because she took off her shirt after winning the World Cup and it was super dope!
Can you talk about some of your experiences in soccer have changed your life?
Villanueva: One experience that opened my love for the sport was definitely tearing my ACL during my junior year of high school because it really tested my love for the game.
What does it feel like to play at Husky Soccer Stadium?
Villanueva: It's a gift that keeps on giving. Imagine being given a present and you're super excited to open it because you have no idea what it holds…that's how it feels to play at the Husky Soccer Stadium.
What is something the coaching staff has taught you off the field?
Villanueva: The coaching staff has taught me that the pride and honor that comes with wearing the W on my chest goes beyond the 4 years that I've played here.
What is it like to play in the Pac-12 Conference?
Villanueva: Playing in the Pac-12 conference is like the "Hunger Games"; a fight to be the champion of champions.
What is your favorite thing about living in Seattle?
Villanueva: My favorite part about living in Seattle is, surprisingly, the weather. Especially during the winter, you are so excited for the summer because summers in Seattle are breath-taking.
What are your favorite things to do in the summer in Seattle?
Villanueva: My favorite things to do are go on hikes, lay out, get tan, and get ready for the season.
What are some of your earliest memories of playing soccer?
Villanueva: I remember my brother and I would always go in our backyard and try to make those cool juggling videos like Ronaldinho.
Who is your biggest inspiration in why you play soccer?
Villanueva: My biggest inspiration in why I play soccer is definitely my dad because he would always say, "find what you love and run with it," so I did.
What do you love most about playing soccer?
Villanueva: I absolutely love the feeling I get when gameday comes around and I strap on my cleats and get on the field, because in that moment nothing else matters but me, the ball and the goal.
Who was your favorite player growing up?
Villanueva: My favorite player growing up was Brandi Chastain, because she took off her shirt after winning the World Cup and it was super dope!
Can you talk about some of your experiences in soccer have changed your life?
Villanueva: One experience that opened my love for the sport was definitely tearing my ACL during my junior year of high school because it really tested my love for the game.
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