Give And Go: Boston Breakers’ Heather Mitts

Heather Mitts has started and played all but 12 minutes of the Boston Breakers' 12 matches this season. One of the most recognized female defenders, Mitts has helped the Breakers back line stay strong. The Breakers have allowed 13 goals this season, while posting four shutouts. Boston is currently on a three-game unbeaten streak, with a record of 2-0-1 having outscored opponents 4-1 during that span. The streak has helped the Breakers (5-4-3, 18 points) move into the No. 2 spot in the WPS standings.

“This season has been a rollercoaster ride, as can be expected,” Mitts said. “To see where we started off until now it’s been a wild ride. It’s been a great season. We’re in second place now, and we’re peaking at the right time.”

On the offensive end, Mitts has an assist to her credit and one shot on goal. June 24th Mitts sent a freekick into the box. Christine Latham headed it into the goal for a 1-0 Boston win. With the win the Breakers jumped into second place.

The U.S. Women’s National Team standout has appeared in 101 matches for the USA while posting two goals. She became the 25th American to collect 100 caps in a career in March. And one of her biggest accomplishments to date – Mitts just earned her second Gold Medal at the 2008 Olympic Games.   

Kathryn L. Knapp: How has the inaugural season of Women’s Professional Soccer been?  

Heather Mitts: It’s been good. It’s been a rollercoaster as can be expected. To see where we started off until now it’s been a wild ride. It’s been a great season. We’re in second place now. We’re peaking at the right time.

Do you feel you can hold on to second place and make a push for the playoffs?

I think we’re starting to play together really well. We went through a lull. But then we all came together. We knew that if we put in the extra five percent and picked up the effort that much more then we’d be a great team, not just an average team.

Looking back to the WUSA, how do you think things have changed?

Like the WUSA we are putting an amazing product on the field. One thing that’s different is we’re treating it more as a start-up league, as opposed to a start-up league that’s trying to start big. We’re doing it small and making sure things are going to last.

The stadiums suit us a lot better. In Philly (WUSA), we played in a really small stadium. It was very intimate and always packed. The stadiums this time around are more like that. It’s a better fit for this league. They did their homework this time, and it’s paying off.

What does a league like WPS mean for the U.S. Women’s National Team?

It definitely strengthens it. We’re playing every single weekend. We’re training more players. It will increase the player pool, which in turn will help the women’s team continue to be one of the best in the world.

What made you decide to join the WPS?

I was one of the fortunate ones when the WUSA folded because I was still playing with the National Team. I wanted to continue to play. I love it. I loved my time in the WUSA. Straight out of college I had an opportunity to continue playing. It’s kind of a no-brainer to go in and play in one city. I get to be in one place for six months and have a permanent home, and be able to represent a team and a city.

Is Boston a good fit for you?

It’s a great fit. I love playing for Tony [DiCicco]. I love my team. Boston is a great sports town. The fans constantly support us.

What has been the biggest challenge this season for you individually and for the team?

Playing on the left side has been tough. I’m right-footed and I’ve been playing on the right side for many, many years. I feel comfortable there now.

As a team just gelling was challenging – getting everybody on the same page. Learning Tony’s new philosophy. As long as we’re all buying into it, we’ll be fine.  

If you weren’t playing soccer, what would you be doing?  

I plan on getting my Masters in sports broadcasting. I do my soccer camps every summer. I enjoy working with the kids at camps and clinics, but I don’t think I would coach full time. I would have to be involved in some way. I love it way too much.

So you’re currently in second place. If you end in the final four, do you honestly think anyone can top the Los Angeles Sol?

We’re taking it one game at a time. LA is obviously just running away with it. Our goal is to end up in second place. Our record against them is pretty good – a win and a tie. We play them the very last game of the season at home. They’re a great team, but I like our results against them.

Give and Go runs Thursdays on Goal.com

For more on Women’s Professional Soccer, go to Goal.com’s women’s soccer page.