New Orleans, LA (March 20th, 2023) – Kat Whitman, a native of Lafayette, Louisiana, has recently signed with professional club TSV Schott Mainz in Germany. GCPL’s Jonathan Rednour sat down with Whitman to learn more of her background, her experience playing the game she loves and how it all transpired signing with a professional club in Germany.
Rednour: Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got into playing soccer?
Whitman: I started playing soccer when I was 6 years old. My parents saw a sign on the side of the road offering rec soccer and that’s how it all started. I played rec until I was 10 when I started playing club soccer at Cajun Soccer Club which is now known as Cajun Rush. I then played at St. Edward’s University for 3 years and then at University of Louisiana at Lafayette for 1 year. I also played in the WPSL during the summer of 2019 and in the USWL during the summer of 2020 before playing in GCPL in 2021 and 2022.
Rednour: How did you feel when you found out that you had been signed by TSV Schott Mainz?
Whitman: When I received the offer from Mainz, I felt extremely happy, of course, but also very calm. It was almost peaceful and serene to know my hard work had paid off and to experience the dream I had seen for so long come to life.
Rednour: How do you think playing soccer in Germany differs from playing in the US?
Whitman: So far, soccer in Germany has been much more tactical than in the US. In the US, athletes and technical players stand out a lot. Of course, there are athletic and technical players here, but it is more of a level playing field where that is concerned. The successful players are those that solve problems or break down other teams through tactics, and the successful teams are those that execute those tactics in unison.
Rednour: How has being from Lafayette (Acadiana region) shaped you as a soccer player and as a person?
Whitman: Being an athlete in the Lafayette area has had a huge impact on who I am as a player but even more so who I am as a person–I owe this to all of the amazing coaches I’ve had. The main things I’ve learned from them is accountability and hard work. No matter what obstacles I have faced–whether as a player, person, or in the circumstance surrounding me–I’ve learned that, while it is easier to blame others or things that are out of your control, it is never beneficial. Blame isn’t necessary to take the next step. You can only grow or improve if you take accountability for the role you play and for the things you do have control over. Once you’ve taken responsibility for things you are in control of, you can achieve anything if you are willing to put the work in.
Rednour: What advice would you give to young players who aspire to continue their competitive careers?
Whitman: I would tell young players that the number one thing to improve as a player and continue their career is to love the game first. When your focus is on stats, comparisons to other teammates or teams, or pleasing other people rather than enjoying the game, your love for the game can diminish and then what is the point? Of course you should strive to be the best player you can be and you should learn from other teammates or coaches, but the most important thing is to enjoy yourself. As long as you have a love for the game, your passion (with some discipline) will push you to where you want to be.
Cajun Rush Executive Director, Michael Ritch, shared a few words about Kat and her time with the club. “Kat is a lifelong member of Cajun Soccer Club who went on to have a solid collegiate career and never lost sight of her goals. She is a exactly what you want in a player, teammate and friend. She’s one of the most sincere people you will ever meet and her team first mentality and tireless work rate has led her to individual success. I couldn’t be happier for her and I am proud of the woman she has become.”
Whitman helped lead Cajun Rush to bringing home the GCPL Cup trophy in 2022 having contributed 3 goals in nine contest which led to her being named to the GCPL’s Best XI for her stellar play in the midfield. Adding to her list of accolades, she was also awarded the All-Acadiana MVP after her Senior season (2016) at St. Thomas More and named to the All-Heartland Second Team in 2018 while at St. Edwards University.
The GCPL wishes Kat well on the next stage of her competitive career.
To stay up to date with Kat’s journey playing in Germany you can follow her on Instagram (@katwhitman).
