Q: You have an insane training, touring, and teaching schedule. Were you able to get away for some quality time with your family here in Maple Ridge since your return?

A: I did! When we first got back from London, I spent some time with my friends and family. I went to Jamaica with my mom for my uncle's 70th birthday. Most of the time we miss things like this, but I got to surprise Uncle, and the look on his face was priceless. All the days are blending together, because I've been to 31 cities since being back from London.

Q: Have you made any public appearances in your home town?

A: I spoke at local elementary and high schools, which was great. It is great to be able to speak to the kids and tell them that anything is possible if you dream big.

Q: How are you planning to ring in the new year?

A: I will probably be somewhere warm, because I'm going to visit my sister Sharma, who lives in Fort Lauderdale. She is pregnant with the first grandchild. I'm really excited!

Q: The year 2012 was a pretty good year for you. What was the highlight of the year?

A: Every day there's been a highlight! Obviously, winning the bronze medal and stepping up on the podium was powerful, but even after coming home, seeing the way Canadians reacted, I was never prouder to be a Canadian.

Q: Coming off such an incredible year, how do you intend to top that?

A: I think for us, as a team, the bronze medal was an incredible thing for Canada, and with the World Cup in 2015 in Canada, it would be great to win the gold medal here.

Q: Did growing up playing sports in Maple Ridge lay the foundation for you to become an elite athlete? If so, how?

A: Yes, I was always competitive, and was fortunate that I went to Maple Ridge Secondary, which supported many competitive athletes. If I grew up somewhere else, I wouldn't be where I am today. Teachers challenged me academically and peers challenged me athletically. My Grade 5 teacher Ms. Donnelly was one of the first teachers who believed there was something special about me. I was shy, and she was the first person to make me believe I was special.

Q: You played basketball in your early years. What motivated the switch to soccer? Any regrets or thoughts of walking away from soccer?

A: Originally, all my basketball teammates were playing soccer in the off season - and I watched my dad playing, growing up - so I tried it and loved it. I was 11.

Q: Do you have a hero? If so, who is it and how did they impact your life?

A: Obviously, growing up, my parents were my heroes. I always dreamt about running a big corporation - I looked up to my dad in that sense. And my mother is an empowering and powerful woman. My parents gave up a lot. They gave up a great lifestyle on the island Dominica to give us more opportunities. Kurt was three, Sharma was 11, and I was eight.

Q: Will soccer always play a part in your life?

A: Absolutely. I'm a UNICEF ambassador, which gives me the opportunity to travel the world and give back, not just to Canada, but to empower and inspire kids around the world to dream big and have fun.

Q: What was it like to be chosen to represent Canada in the 2012 London Olympics?

A: It was a dream come true. I remember the Donovan Bailey [Olympic] moment and I wanted to have a moment like that. Our goal was to inspire a generation and leave the Olympics with a medal. All of us want to leave the idea of women's soccer in Canada better than when we stepped into it.

Q: World Cup is around the corner. Will you be ready?

A: Absolutely! Playing at the Olympic qualifier in Vancouver gave me the opportunity to see what it's like to play at home. The World Cup is the biggest event in soccer and I'd be a fool not to try. That's the joy of representing the country. This country makes me so proud to wear that flag on my jersey.

Q: Any New Year's Resolutions?

A: To have fun every day. I want to continue on this path and live each day to the fullest.