Sept. 25, 2008

By: Willie T. Smith III, Greenville News

Greenville, S.C. -- Although Furman University freshman soccer player Yekaterina Lazareva Gokhman’s name reveals her Russian heritage, the 18-year-old has lived in Atlanta since she was 2.

In recent years, Gokhman, who goes by the nickname Katya, has had the opportunity to explore her roots as the only American on the Russian Under-19 National Women’s Soccer team.

Despite being the only American on the team, Gokhman was voted team captain by her teammates. She said her Russian isn’t perfect, but she speaks well enough to communicate.

“They call me ‘America,’ “ she said with a laugh. “I don’t really know how to explain it. I am definitely different but I am one of them when I go there.”

Gokhman left Greenville on Saturday to join the Russian team in Bosnia for the European Championships. The team plays its first game today against Moldova in Sarejevo. She returns to Furman on Oct. 1.

She concedes leaving her Furman teammates is difficult but believes it is a positive move.

“I think it will make me a better player because I will be able to see how the rest of the world is playing,” Gokhman said. “It will expose me to different styles of play.

“This will be also be my last chance to see if I can get onto the adult (Russian) national team. I really want to do that.”

Gokhman has gotten off to a solid start at Furman, earning a starting slot in the midfield this season. And the Paladins have done well, starting 6-2-1, including the program’s first-ever win against Clemson.

“We could potentially go all the way,” she said. “It’s just up to us.”

Gokhman also has high hopes for the Russian team, though it did not enter the tournament as one of the favorites.

“In 2005 we actually won the European Cup,” Gokhman said. “Obviously, since then, players have gone because of age. Right now, I would say we’re in the middle.

We made it to the second round last year and we were the first that didn’t get into the final round. As of right now, we’re average. Hopefully that will change.” Despite being without one of his star newcomers, Paladins coach Andrew Burr said he is excited for Gokhman.

“It is tough because our chemistry is so high and we all get along so well,” said Burr. “Because our season is so short and so intense, every game is extremely valuable. ... But I think our players recognize that playing for your country is a wonderful honor. It is certainly one that we’re going to support her with.”