MEET CENTRE-MIDFIELDER Julia Francki, a third-year communications student, and forward Lili Wong, a fourth-year human kinetics student; both play for the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees women’s varsity soccer team. These two dynamic women have a great friendship on and off the pitch that began due in part to their love of soccer.
The Fulcrum: Why did you choose to come to the University of Ottawa?
Francki & Wong: We came because it was close to home, offered a good education and a strong soccer program.
What are you both studying and why did you choose these programs?
Francki: I am in communications with a minor in business administration. I chose this program because I am interested in public relations and marketing.
Wong: I started in health sciences and then switched to human kinetics because it focused more on the aspects of science that relate to athletes.
When you first met each other, what were your first impressions?
Wong: I thought she was a skinny white girl with potentially smaller eyes than me.
Francki: I thought she was super fast but couldn’t figure out her ethnicity.
What were your favourite moments on the field with each other?
Francki & Wong: One game we each scored two goals in the first 15 minutes of the game and we each assisted the other’s goals.
What is a funny memory from practice?
Wong: In the off-season we were practicing in the gym and Julia was running trying to keep the ball in play but instead ran full speed into a wall.
What will you miss most about playing soccer for the Gee-Gees?
Francki & Wong: The team. All the girls have become like family.
What do you find is the hardest thing about being a student-athlete?
Francki & Wong: The hardest thing would be time management and making sure you have time to do all your assignments and homework around your soccer schedule.
Do both of you have pre-game rituals?
Francki & Wong: We have a song and dance we do as a team before every game.
What is your favourite activity to do together?
Francki & Wong: Eating nachos together [at the Draft].
What is your favourite food and dessert?
Wong: Sushi and frozen yogurt from Menchies.
Francki: Pizza and cookie dough ice cream.
If you had two words to describe each other, what would they be?
Wong: Hollow legs.
Francki: Bottomless pit.
If you had a free day, what would both of you be doing?
Francki & Wong: Most likely napping and eating.
