Aug. 14, 2004
The previous time that a player from Finland played for the Notre Dame women’s soccer program, Helsinki native Anne Makinen was dominating the college game – earning 2000 national player-of-the-year honors while becoming just the fifth Division I player ever to combine four-year All-America honors with totaling 50-plus goals and 50-plus assists in her career. Makinen’s stellar career also coincided with great team success, as the Irish were the 1999 NCAA runner-up in her junior season before being ranked No. 1 for most of the 2000 season, losing in the ’00 NCAA semifinals. Makinen is proud that “another Fin” has followed in her footsteps, with forward/midfielder Jannica Tjeder turning in an impressive debut with the Irish this week in Brazil. Tjeder – ranked by Soccer America as the nation’s No. 24 incoming recruit – scored twice in Saturday’s action as Notre Dame flexed its offensive muscle for a pair of impressive wins (5-1, 3-0). The Freshman Focus series continues with Tjeder’s participation in a quick Q&A. Midfielder Ashley Jones and goalkeeper Lauren Karas – two other members of the nation’s No. 2-ranked freshman class – also will be checking in during the next couple of days. Freshman Focus #2 – Jannica Tjeder
Jannica Tjeder struck for a pair of goals during Saturday’s action in Brazil.
|
 |
Favorite Soccer Player – (French midfielder) Zinedine Zidane Game Rituals – Listen to music (all kinds) Favorite Soccer Move – Sharp cuts/break ankles What do you most admire about former Notre Dame great and fellow Finland native Anne Makinen (as a player)? – She is a great player, she is just so good at everything. How do you pronounce your name? – Yawn-nick-ah Cheddar Nicknames – Yan Muffin, Yanna, Chedd-a-Sausage Siblings – 19-year-old twin sister Daniella, younger sister Caroline What are the best and worst things about being a twin? – The best is that we are very close. The worst thing is you never get to have your own birthday.
Jannica Tjeder hails from Espoo, Finland, and has a twin sister Gabriella.
|
|
Mama/Papa – Christel and Peter Jersey Number – 3 Shoe Size – 40 large feet What is your greatest soccer moment? – Shaking coach Waldrum’s hand What other sports do you play? – Badminton What is something most people may not know about Finland? – We have two languages, Finnish and Swedish, that are taught in the schools and on all the signs. Are any of your friends from back home also playing in the U.S.? – Yes, Susanna Lehtinen at the University of Florida. Give us a Finnish word that you often would say in a game – Hyva means “good.” What other countries have you visited before? – For playing soccer, there is China, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Germany and Switzerland. I also have been to Mexico just for vacation.
Jannica Tjeder (right) and Amanda Cinalli are two of the leading members of Notre Dame’s No. 2-ranked freshman class.
|
|
How would you describe your classmates who are on this trip? – Ashley (Jones) is very funny, has great soccer technique and is very fast. Amanda (Cinalli) also is funny and is a great forward, especially in the 1-vs.-1 battles. Lauren (Karas) is very funny as well, is a great goalkeeper and is tall. Favorite TV Show – Friends Favorite Movie – Notting Hill Favorite Food – Pasta with chicken What dorm are you going to live in? – Farley When you’re not on the soccer field, what are you doing? – Out with friends or watching a movie Things you will miss abiout Finland – Family and friends Tell us something about yourself – I’m a great singer and dancer and love to put on shows for family guests What’s the first thing that comes to your mind about coach Waldrum? – Great hair Favorite place to shop – Stadium We can always find you wearing … – Socks, jeans or sweatpants Intended Major – Business