Heading into her senior season, veteran forward Danielle Mandela brings an experienced outlook to a youthful 2007 Campbell women's soccer team.

Mandela, a Burke, Va. native, made a quick impression on the Campbell women's soccer program her freshman year as she tied a CU record by playing in 21 matches on her way to earning Atlantic Sun All-Freshman team honors. She helped guide the Fighting Camels to an A-Sun Championships and led the team in assists (7) and finished fourth in goals (5).

Mandela continued her success as a sophomore as she started all 19 games, recording four assists and a goal, highlighted by an overtime score on Oct. 22 that pushed Campbell past North Florida, 2-1.

After an abbreviated 2006 season in which she battled injury, Mandela brings an optimistic attitude towards her senior campaign.

Q: This is your fourth year playing soccer for the Fighting Camels; how does this year's team compare to teams in the past?

Mandela: I am very excited for this year. We have picked up a lot of new players, but they all bring something new and exciting to the soccer field. I am very excited to finish out my fourth year with two other amazing seniors, who I've had an awesome time competing with. I am also excited about the senior transfer (Mary Trigg) that we picked up who has already shown us new depth and talent in the midfield. Throughout my four years it has definitely been somewhat of a rollercoaster with its ups and downs, but I'm really excited to see what this last year will be like for us.

Q: This year's team adds a lot of youth; how do you feel about the newcomers and what they add to the team?

Mandela: At first I was a bit hesitant with all the new players that we would be getting. Don't get me wrong we definitely needed more players, but meshing 12 new players to 11 returners might be a bit of a challenge. After playing soccer with them and getting to know them better, I can say that I am excited about what I've seen and I can't wait to see what we can accomplish together as a team.

Q: Campbell's schedule looks to be tough in 2007. What teams are you looking forward to playing?

Mandela: This year's schedule is exciting, especially with are first game against NC State. However, being that I am a senior I am looking forward to every single game, because this will be my last year that I will get to play against those teams.

Q: What are your personal and team goals for the 2007 season?

Mandela: I think we all have high expectations for this year, especially the seniors. If there is one thing I've learned throughout my four years with goal setting, it is not to let yourself get carried away with setting them. This year my individual goals and team goals are definitely more realistic and attainable. I look forward to achieving them both as an individual and a teammate.

Q: What is the most memorable moment of your career at Campbell?

Mandela: Probably my freshman year when we made it to the first-round of the NCAA tournament. We competed against UNC.

Q: Who has had the most influence in your career at Campbell? Why?

Mandela: My parents. They try to come to as many games as they can and always give helpful tips and encouragement.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go? Why?

Mandela: Italy, because of my family heritage and its beauty.

Q: If you could do anything in the world what would you do? Why?

Mandela: I would have my own show on the food network channel. I would travel the world testing out different foods and see the sights.