Jennifer Benson:
«Use your mind in European soccer».

 Jenny Benson was signed by FC Energy (Voronezh) in March, 2004. We met her at the training camp of Energy team just after her coming to Russia from Germany. Where the team had the training season.
— Jenny, why have you decided to come to Russia? Actually there are so many good teams in the United States….
-- Truly speaking soccer is very popular in USA. Especially after the last two Worls Cup Finals. We have a lot of teams but not of them play good soccer. I have a long experience in this kind of sports  because I started when I was 6. I’ve got the information about the football team Energy who plays very good soccer. I have also seen some players from the team in World Cup Final. The name of the team “Energy” means what it means!
—You have played three friendly games for FC Energy in Germany. What do you think about your participation ?
 – I scored 5 times during this three games but I could play more better – the problem is that I haven’t got accustomed yet.  
— Was it difficult for you to talk to Russian girls from the team because you speak different languarges?
– Yes, it was. But actually you can talk to your friends. I have come  to Russia to do my work – to play soccer, not to waste time. Any combination in soccer you can describe with your hands or some less words – this way we usually do now.
–   And how do you understand the coach?
– Unfortunately with the help of translator yet. I am making my first steps in Russian language…
– What do you think about the head coach – Ivan Saenko? Do you think him too strict?
 – I like the head coach. He is strict, enjoys the discipline, he is really a professional. I suppose the coach has to be have such a character to move the team on top. 
 – You have played already in Energy team. What girls do you like how they play?
– It is difficult to answer because I am just a short time here. But I like the way Natalia Zinchenko and Vera Strukova play. From young players I would like to mark Elena Danilova by all means. She has a good perspective. I also like her game during World Cup Final against Germany.
 – Is it a great difference between American and European soccer?
– It is rather big. American soccer more straight, you get the ball and try to run, try to kick to the gates… European football more full of combinations, you have to feel the other players more… May be it is one of the matters of my decision to play in Europe. But “American style” is more emotional and attractive for the spectators.
– When have you appeared in US national team for the first time?
 – It was in 2001. I played for Nebraska University and was invited to the  main team. I also has played against the Chinese national team in our squad.
— Do you like the atmosphere in FC Energy team?
 – I like the attitudes which are there in the team… We are like one family. I enjoy my playing here in this team. I will try to do my best during the matches.
It is interesting to know something about your family.

–   My family is big – my parents and three brothers, I love them so much! My father is retired, my mother is working inschool teachers consulting, my brothers work for reselling companies.  Two of my brothers are older then me, and I also have a twin-brother. We try to see each other more often, we usually don’t quarrel and organize great family’s parties with a lot if friends invited. I really miss my family. I hope that my mother and brothers will come to Russia this summer.
 — Does someone from your family play some sport professionally like you do?
  – No. In spare time my brothers enjoy surfing, motorbikes, sometime they play baseball. When I am at hope (which happens not very often) I am playing and doing out door sports with them.
 – And what about your private life?
– I am not married. But I have a boyfriend, he is a professional baseball player, he plays for the team San Diego Padres. He makes me like baseball too.
–  Jenny, what do you think about our country?
– I am an optimist. When I have come to Russia I didn’t know anything about the country itself, about culture, Russian people, I can only say DA /yes – English/ and NET /no-English/. So I couldn’t imagine what it is. I only have known that it is a big country. My parents really worry about me, I am the only daughter in our family. But here in Russia there was a warm hospitality! Al the Russians whom I know are friendly and try to help me..
–Do you learn some Russian language now?
– Yes, I already have a teacher. I already learned such words as PRIVET (hello), POKA (goodbuy), SPASIBO (thanks), POJALUISTA (please)… Russian language is very reach but too difficult…
 – Jenny, do you like our Russian dishes?
 – Yes, of course! I have heard that Russians enjoy cooking. I like soups, cookies…
 – Do you like listen to music?
– I adore music. I can listen to music during hours. After the training I like to switch it on loudly and to listen to my favourites -  Ozzy Ozbourne and Linkin Park. And when I would like to relax I usually listen to country music.
 – Your profession is PR. Does your education help you in life?
 – Yes, I easily can communicate with every person. I think that communication skills are  very important for success.
– Did you have some other hobbies besides sports in you life before?
– Yes, surely. I’ve  played in performances in college’s theatre, wrote some articles to regional magazines.
– The climate in our country is rather different  to compare to California. How do you feel yourself here?
 – Not bad. But I tried to go out when it was snowy and too cold. It s a pity that you have no beach in Voronezh. We have a lot of sun in California all year round! But It is not a pity that I came her to Russia. Your city is very beautiful.
–  Would you like to wish something?
– I hope for the good season for FC Energy team!

The translation from Russian to English language, the newspaper IGROK, 07/04/04, EKATERINA NOVAK