Q1: You have pitched numerous perfect games and no hitters, does performing these feats repeatedly cause them to lose its mystique and glamour?

LISA FERNANDEZ: Definitely not. You're only as good as your last performance and that's the kind of attitude that I have. Competing year after year is really to never be satisfied. Every year you're facing a different opponent. Even though the name on the shirt may be the same, everybody changes. Everybody strives to improve and you've got to elevate your game to stay on top. What keeps me going year in and year out is seeing how long I can stay on top of the game and push myself to reaching new levels.

Q2: How has the international game changed since the pitching rubbers and fences have been moved back?

LISA FERNANDEZ: I think the fact that the pitching mound is at 43 feet has definitely made it more offensive-minded. More balls are put into play and you're not seeing as many of the 15 or 16-strikeout games that you might have seen in the past. With the fences put back to 220 feet, home runs aren't as easy; yet, there is more action in terms of triples and more ground that the outfielders must cover. Outfield play is going to be big because more balls are going to be put into action and there is more field to cover. So your defense is going to have to pick it up a step.

Q3: How have you adjusted to the new dimensions?

LISA FERNANDEZ: This is obviously my first time throwing at 43 feet internationally. So, this is a good year for me to see what kinds of adjustments I do need to make. From a pitcher's perspective, whether it's throwing in new pitches or throwing in different speeds, you really need to be more consistent with your spots. Any mistake that you throw now can definitely be a huge factor in determining a game. What you used to be able to get away with throwing at 40 feet by throwing it past someone; now, at 43 feet, they have time to make an adjustment. So now, you have to be a lot more precise in hitting your spots.

Q4: Compared to your opponents, the USA squad is put together a month before competition and receives no federal funding, yet, you are so dominant. What do you attribute to your team's success?

LISA FERNANDEZ: I think the level of coaching that we have is one reason. I think that goes unparalleled in terms of the experience that our coaches have and their knowledge of the game. I think the other factor is the talented athletes that we have competing against one another. When you have our kids who are continually used to facing some of the best pitchers in the world in terms of the USA staff, their level of play is going to get better. And when you're an USA pitcher and you continually have to face your own country's hitters, that are considered to be one of the best in the world, your level of play is also going to improve. The fact that we compete within ourselves, with the talent that we have offensively and defensively, it raises both those aspects of our game.

Q5: As an assistant coach for UCLA, what is it like to coach some of these players and then become teammates on the national team?

LISA FERNANDEZ: It's been an interesting transition. But one thing that we make for sure and discuss is the fact that we are now teammates and that there is no coach-player relationship. At this level [the UCLA players] understand that we are teammates. But I am there for them in any aspect that they need me. I think they respect me as a player and as a coach to know that when we're on the field we're teammates, and what goes on the road stays on the road.

Q6: Is there any place that you're looking forward to visit with the team?

LISA FERNANDEZ: Greece. That's definitely something that I'm looking forward to. Not only just the act that we're going to be able to defend our title, hopefully, for the third time. But to be able to come back to where the Olympics originated. After the '96 Games, I purchased a portrait commemorating the 100th celebration of the Olympics. It was a painting done by Delacroix with Athens in the background. Ever since I purchased that painting, I've had my sights set on not only 2004, but also 2008.

Q7: Are there any career interests you wish to pursue once you retire from softball?

LISA FERNANDEZ: I definitely want to be able to stay in the sport. And if coaching is my calling, then I will do it-Whether it's UCLA or internationally. Softball is in my blood and it's something I love to do, and I plan on making a contribution in the sport once my playing career is done.

Q8: Can you share an interesting travel story?

LISA FERNANDEZ: In Guatemala, we stayed in a barn that was one room. In that one room, We had 22 women in 11 bunk beds. Furthermore, there were only two bathrooms and one shower and we only had a sheet and no covers in the middle of November. The room was the size of two bedrooms put together and no drawers, no space for your clothes, but you just had to make due.

Q9: On the softball field, is there one moment that particularly stands out in your minds?

LISA FERNANDEZ: Obviously the gold medal. Atlanta was special because it was the first one. In Sydney, it was due to the adversity: losing three straight, having to win the last five to come away with the gold, and beating each of the teams that had beaten you earlier in the round-robin.

Q10: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

LISA FERNANDEZ: As a softball player, I wish I was fast. That would be cool, so I could run like all of those fast players on my team; which I can't do very well. But, personally, I would want to have the ability to make people live for today. There's no reason to be sad or depressed. If I could make someone happy, then that would be desire.