SARA DECOSTA: I think we’re really quick. We’re a fast team. We have some good size on the team now. I think we’re a very cohesive team and that’s so important. And we work at that. It’s not just on the ice. It’s off the ice in that being a close team off the ice is important as well.

Q2: How much have the younger players contributed to team?

SARA DECOSTA: They’re great. We have a 16-year-old on the team (Lyndsay Wall), an 18-year-old (Natalie Darwitz). The younger players are so much fun and they keep the humor going. I’m kind of in the middle. Some of the older players like Cammi (Granato) and KL (Karyn Bye), they’ll be in the lockerroom and be like, ‘What are we listening to?’ They’re just not used to the music or even some of the fashion. They definitely keep the team young and keep everyone going and keep the spirits up.

Q3: What are some of the things you take away from the Olympics?

SARA DECOSTA: The best thing for me is just putting on that jersey and representing your country. I remember in Nagano being out there and after winning the gold medal, being able to look up to the fans and our families. To be out there with your teammates, you’ll always have those friendships that you developed.

Q4: How did you get into hockey?

SARA DECOSTA: I started when I was about 5. I have two brothers and my father was a coach, so I played for him and I obviously was a rink rat. I was around the rink all the time. When you’re that young, you usually don’t have a goaltender, so it was kind of like, ‘Who wants to play goalie this week?’ and I raised my hand. I absolutely loved the position and stuck to it. My older brother would have his buddies come over and play street hockey and of course they’d throw me in net and fire the pucks at me.

Q5: As a goaltender, do you have superstitions?

SARA DECOSTA: Nothing too crazy. I know they always say goalies are a little weird, but I eat the same thing, try to keep a routine, take a nap and I have to put on my equipment the exact same way. After every whistle, I have to touch the posts a certain way or I don’t feel mentally ready for the next shot. But nothing too crazy.

Q6: Which Olympic athlete do you look up to?

SARA DECOSTA: There are a lot of athletes I look up to. There’s one who sticks out in my head right now and that’s Lance Armstrong. He is amazing. I read his book and I could read it every other day. It was so good and so inspirational.

Q7: What would you be doing if you didn’t have hockey?

SARA DECOSTA: I suppose I’d have a real job. (laughs) I don’t know, I guess I’d have to get in the real world.

Q8: The ‘real world’ awaits. What kind of ‘real job’ would you want?

SARA DECOSTA: I really enjoy when I’m home my work with Special Olympics. That’s probably what I want to do when I’m done with hockey. I’d love to do that and work with handicapped children.

Q9: Do you have any good luck charms?

SARA DECOSTA: Anything anyone gives me I keep for a good luck charm. My parents are always giving me little nick knacks that I carry on with me. I always have to wear my necklace. It’s a little diamond necklace in a heart that my Aunt Bertha left for me when she passed away. I never take it off.

Q10: What do you like to do outside of hockey?

SARA DECOSTA: I love to talk to my friends and I love to shop. I kind of have a problem with shopping.

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