Celeb Q&A Alexi
Lalas
By Sean Doorly
Lalas is a legend in the world of soccer. In 1994 he became the only American player ever to play in in Italy's Serie A -- one of the world's top professional leagues. He played in the Olympics, and was one of only five players to play every minute of every game at the 1994 World Cup.
He joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2001, after a yearlong hiatus during which he tried his hand at broadcast commentary.
When he isn't on the field, Lalas even finds time to pursue another passion -- music. He has released three albums so far. (So how's that for multi-talented?)
ChannelOne.com: Since you began your career, how has soccer changed in America?
Alexi Lalas: I started playing at a high level in the late '80s. I have seen it grow from an underground sport -- more underground than skating -- to the President understanding what soccer moms and soccer families are all about.
All the exposure it has gotten by so many kids playing has been wonderful. I have been lucky to be a part of it professionally.
Q: What about the future of soccer in America?
A: It's still growing. It still has a long way to go, but the progress is unprecedented, especially compared with other countries and to other sports.
Q: What was your greatest moment on the field?
A: The World Cup in 1994, which was held in the United States. It was a wonderful moment not only to be a player but to see the reaction the U.S. had towards the sport and the players.
Q: What was your greatest moment off the field?
A: I got married! Last year I was playing in Los Angeles and I won a championship -- then I got married right after.
Truth be told, as great as the championship was, the wedding was better. If I had to pick a ring I know which one I would pick.
Q: What were you like in high school?
A: [Laughs] I had a sweet mullet going. I grew up in Detroit, and I had a hockey/soccer mullet.
In high school I was lucky enough to be able to move between two worlds -- the jock world and the music world. I was able to make friends in both.
Q: Your worst and best subject in high school?
A: I was horrible at science in high school, and continued to be horrible even into college. I never failed anything until I got to college -- that was a nice four-credit, welcome-to-college F in biology.
My favorites were singing and music classes-- that was an automatic A. It would help pump up the GPA.
Q: What is your philosophy on the field and off?
A: To win! (Laughs)
I'm certainly not the best soccer player who's ever played the game -- and I don't claim to be. I try to be as a good as I possibly can with the things I do well, and to work on the things I don't do well.
On and off the field you need to take what you do seriously, but don't take yourself too seriously. Have a good time and milk it for all it's worth.