Editor’s note: This Q&A with Amber Brooks was taken from the Thorns FC match-day program. For each home match, one Thorns FC player is featured in a Q&A. See who the next featured player is as Thorns FC close out the regular season against Seattle Reign FC on Aug. 17, at Providence Park.
You played in Germany’s Frauen Bundesliga with Bayern Munich before you arrived in Portland. What was your experience like in Germany?
“I really enjoyed my experience over there, both culturally and soccer-wise. I think I learned a lot, both as a player and a person. It really helped me grow. [Bayern Munich] is my favorite men’s team, even though I don’t play for the club anymore. Obviously, a lot of their players were on the German team that just won the World Cup and I respect a lot of them.”
There are a lot of players from the University of North Carolina playing in the NWSL and you are currently playing with two of your former college teammates, Tobin Heath and Jessica McDonald. What is it like playing with and against so many Tar Heels?
“It’s always great seeing a lot of Tar Heels on the field, even if you’re going up against them. I think it says a lot about the program. It’s great. I played with Tobin my freshman year. She played attacking mid and I played defensive mid behind her. It’s been good to have that connection again. And Jess also was a forward when I was a freshman. It’s been really fun to play with them and talk a little bit about the past and everything.”
You did a lot of great community service work during your time at UNC and even started “Score for the Cure” to raise money to fight pancreatic cancer. Why is that an important cause for you?
“One of my mentors, one of my inspirations, and I call her my ‘Soccer Mom,’ Charlotte Moran was head of the Olympic Development Program (ODP) for Eastern Pennsylvania and Region I. She died of pancreatic cancer my senior year. So she was alive at the time I started the internship and started the tournament. She just had a great influence on me and several other girls who play in this league and it’s great because the tournament actually still goes on. I think they just had the sixth anniversary of the tournament last month. It’s just a really cool tradition and a great way to honor a woman who helped so many girls get where they are.”
You are a big Bruce Springsteen fan. How and when did you become a big Bruce fan?
“I just grew up listening to Bruce. He was my Dad’s favorite artist. I saw him in person and got to meet him in Spain; that was my 21st birthday present. My mom took me over there to one of his concerts. So that was probably one of the greatest moments of my life, getting to meet him.”
You seem to really enjoy getting out and exploring Portland when you have time. What is your favorite thing to do in the city?
“I like to go to different restaurants. My favorite go-to place is Salt & Straw. I love it. I go every month to see what the new flavors are and taste-test them.”
