As part of our efforts to preview all 80 teams competing in USQ World Cup 8, the Quidditch Post is chatting with representatives from each team. Today we spoke with Margo Aleman, captain of Arizona Quidditch Club (AZQC).
Quidditch Post: What does it mean for AZQC to qualify in its first year of existence?
Margo: Coming into this season, I wasn't sure if I was going to play quidditch after winning World Cup, but of course I was convinced by my awesome girlfriend Amanda Nagy to play again. I didn't know many people from the West much less from Arizona, but Amanda kept insisting they were going to be a good squad. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. After the first tournament, the team decided to vote me in as captain, and after beating the Los Angeles Gambits, I knew our team was not going to be a pushover. Cooper Davis created this team with one goal in mind, which was to bring together as many great athletes from Arizona and surrounding states as he could. After attending four tournaments with only one team-organized practice after our third tournament, and ultimately gaining a World Cup bid, I know this team has surpassed his and my expectations. Though we were short-handed at the regional championship, where I know we could have taken home the gold with a full squad, our goal to obtain a bid was a success. Our team began with a bad rep, which was in part due to a lack of chemistry between the team that has now been built through tournament play, rather than the team that didn’t care about being carded. AZQC qualifying for World Cup shows that when individual hard work comes together as a team, amazing things can happen. We are so humbled to have reached World Cup after just one season and look forward to proudly representing the West Coast and Arizona. With all that said, AZQC is only going to get stronger through the years, and I know Cooper Davis will do an amazing job at keeping his tradition going strong. I'm excited for World Cup, and it should be a heck of a journey!
QP: You talked about how the team has lacked practice time. Do you think that will be an obstacle for World Cup?
QP: You talked about how the team has lacked practice time. Do you think that will be an obstacle for World Cup?
Margo: Not at all. There is no question that with good practice comes better performance, but we are a strong squad that has gotten better every tournament. AZQC is going to go out and perform to the best of our ability.
QP: How is the team preparing for World Cup?
QP: How is the team preparing for World Cup?
Margo: Individual preparation. Communication on daily progress. Motivation within the team.
QP: What are the team's goals for World Cup?
QP: What are the team's goals for World Cup?
Margo: Winning. It’s our only goal. Ever.
QP: I venture you know better than 99 percent of the world what it takes to win a quidditch World Cup. What will AZQC have to do to get there?
QP: I venture you know better than 99 percent of the world what it takes to win a quidditch World Cup. What will AZQC have to do to get there?
Margo: If there’s one thing that I know carries a team further than anything, its’ a strong heart and the will to win. I'm a true believer in the fact that when a team wants it more, fights harder, and leaves every drop of sweat on the field, it will win. Second would be staying healthy. World Cup is a marathon, not a race. I don't think the University of Texas at Austin was the most skilled team last year, but I know we were the hungriest team out there. It’s the will to win and a healthy squad throughout the two-day war that will carry our team to victory.
QP: How would you characterize AZQC's heart?
QP: How would you characterize AZQC's heart?
Margo: There is so much fight in our team. I feel the tournaments we have participated in have served as our chemistry and skill building components. It’s all going to come together at World Cup.
QP: Would you say the team has a particular style of play?
QP: Would you say the team has a particular style of play?
Margo: Play fast, play smart, hit hard, and win.
QP: Can you talk about a few of the team's key players? You already alluded to Nagy, and you're obviously a strong player. Who else?
QP: Can you talk about a few of the team's key players? You already alluded to Nagy, and you're obviously a strong player. Who else?
Margo: This is a team game, and every player on our team plays a key role in our victories.
QP: Are there particular teams you're hoping to face?
QP: Are there particular teams you're hoping to face?
Margo: Not necessarily. We're ready to face any team.
QP: Anything else you think our readers should know about AZQC?
QP: Anything else you think our readers should know about AZQC?
Margo: We stand for anarchy. Not rebellion against the system, but change.
QP: Thanks, Margo; we appreciate your time.
QP: Thanks, Margo; we appreciate your time.
Margo: Any time!
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