Completed Event: Women's Soccer at St. John's on September 24, 2025 , Tie , 1, to, 1
Women's Soccer
at St. John's
Final
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Providence College Athletics
Q&A With Former Women's Soccer Student-Athlete Catherine Zimmerman '16
6/17/2020 10:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Zimmerman is currently playing professional soccer in Australia for Calder United SC.
Catherine Zimmerman is a 2016 graduate of Providence College and was a three-time All-BIG EAST selection for the women's soccer program. She became the first player in program history to earn All-BIG EAST First-Team recognition in 2014 and made a repeat appearance on the First Team in her final season (2015). She helped guide the Friars to back-to-back appearances in the BIG EAST Tournament, including an appearance in the championship game during the 2016 season. To date, Zimmerman ranks fourth all-time in career points at Providence College (58) on 25 goals and eight assists. Zimmerman currently plays professional soccer in Australia for Calder United SC. She has won two Golden Boots during your time in the league, having scored 77 goals in 55 career games.
Q: What many people may not know is that you were on the official roster for the NWSL's Western New York Flash to start your pro career, and eventually put your professional career on hold and finish your degree. What was that experience like for you and how did it motivate you moving forward in your quest to continue playing professionally?
A: When I was at WNY Flash I actually played in a couple of the preseason games and thought I did pretty well. I was starting to feel comfortable there, even though I was traveling back and forth between school and Buffalo a few times. I'd say it wasn't necessarily my decision to put my professional career on hold, the coach at the time told me he was going to release me, but still wanted me to come back after graduation and he could see me getting back on the roster. I could have continued to travel back and forth as a practice player but that just didn't seem logical. But as far as my own decision making process, a lot of the girls I met that were my age there, had already finished their classes and had basically graduated, I really didn't know that that was an option for me, if I had planned better maybe it could have been, but that just wasn't on my radar throughout college. But I was so close to finishing school, I wasn't going to not finish my classes and graduate, and looking back I don't regret that decision. I finished college and got to graduate with my teammates and friends. Going forward I had to decide if I wanted to go back to WNY or go to Sky Blue, neither one was a sure bet for who I'd get contracted with, but I was drawn towards Sky Blue for many reasons. Despite being released I was still motivated and had opportunities to keep playing so that was a positive.
Q: After graduating from Providence College, you returned home to New Jersey and began training as a reserve for Sky Blue FC of the NWSL. After training with them for a short period, the team signed you to your first professional contract. What was that moment like for you?
A: That was a dream come true for me. Obviously I was just as thrilled when I signed with WNY but something about signing for a team in my home state was a bit more special. I remember going to Sky Blue games when I was young, and it had kind of just come full circle for me. I was definitely proud of myself, and happy I could make my friends, family, and previous coaches proud.
Q: After getting signed, you played in five games for Sky Blue FC, including four appearances in the starting line-up. You were on an upward trajectory with the team, but your rookie year came to a close after undergoing surgery to repair the meniscus in your knee, and injury that occurred just one month into your professional career. Share with us what you were going through at that time, and did you think that you would ever be able to get back on the field, professionally?
A: That was probably the hardest time for me mentally, almost more than physically. I know I can push through pain and do rehab and all of that stuff to get better physically, but mentally I struggled during that time. I felt confident in that last game and even leading up to it I remember thinking "I know what I want to do once the season ends, I'm going to train hard and work on really specific things so I can be a better player." So that was a big blow for me mentally knowing that I was going to be sitting around all off-season and doing rehab. I knew I would be able to play again, it just became a matter of when and where. I pretty much anticipated getting released from Sky Blue, but I knew that wouldn't stop me from playing, and especially at that point I was looking for more out of soccer. I started to look forward to a change and something different in life.
Q: Fast forward to the present, and you are having an impressive career as a member of Calder United SC in Australia. In your debut with the club, you scored both goals in a 2-1 win over South Melbourne FC, and you haven't looked back. You've won two Golden Boots during your time in the league, having scored 77 goals in 55 games. What has allowed you to find so much success on the offensive side of the ball during your time with Calder?
A: When I came to Calder I think I just found confidence in myself again. With the help of my teammates and coaches, mentally I found that belief in myself. But from a playing standpoint I have players around me that are very skilled and accomplished themselves, but also play to my strengths. I wouldn't have scored any of those goals if my teammates didn't make a big play or make a good pass. Although the ages range anywhere from 17 to 30, for some reason we all get along really well on, and especially, off the field. I think that team bond just helps us be even better soccer players. So those off field bonds and relationships, I think, contribute to my personal success but the team's success as well.
Q: When you're not playing soccer, how do you spend your time? And what has it been like living in Australia?
A: The past two and a half years have been some of the best of my life. I'm very fortunate to have had the opportunity to live and play here because it's a beautiful country with some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Calder was so welcoming to me at the start and have been so good to me over the years as a player and person, so I'm very thankful for that. Besides playing, moving here has allowed me to travel a good amount, which is another one of my passions. Whether it's a weekend surf trip or a flight overseas I've been able to see some pretty cool parts of the world. I've also worked a few random jobs to make some extra cash. The most random was working at a factory packing car parts. I currently coach a few times a week and work at a pizza restaurant around the corner from where I live.
Q: Thinking back on your time at Providence College, what are some of your best memories with the Friars?
A: There are too many good memories to choose from. But looking back one of my favorite times was my senior season when we made post season and made it to the BIG EAST Final. When we were traveling to Chicago for the quarterfinals, I believe, I opened up the seat back magazine and there was a picture of the United States with the state of Nebraska highlighted like it was meant to be jumping out of the map. The BIG EAST Tournament was in Nebraska that year and we just had to beat DePaul to get to Omaha, so I knew we were meant to get there. If that picture wasn't a sign, I don't know what is. I still have a picture of it on my phone. That trip to Chicago, beating DePaul, then playing in the BIG EAST Tournament was a great time for me and the team. It was the farthest I had ever made it in my college soccer career, and the farthest the team had made it in a while, too. I think having Coach Lopes as our leader and just all the hard work we put in that year, we really deserved to be there. Soccer-wise it was a goal of mine to make the tournament, but to make that trip with that group of girls made it that much more special. Would have been even better if we won, but that's life.
Q: Have you been able to keep up with the program here at Providence or your former teammates since your departure?
A: Yes, I keep in touch with a handful of old teammates, not as much as I probably should, but this interview has inspired me to reach out. Social media can be a great tool as well. I'm always staying up to date with the program and the school. Just saw that the girls got a cumulative GPA of 3.6! Good on them… better than I ever did. But on a more serious note, Coach recently organized a Zoom call with about 40 current players and alumni to discuss racial injustice in the US. It was great to see a lot of faces I hadn't seen in a while, but more importantly a great way for all of us to take part in change and educate ourselves in how we can be better humans.
Q: What are your career plans beyond playing soccer professionally? Will you be coming back to the States?
A: I'm not exactly sure what my career plans are after soccer. I hope to finish this season here in Australia, and play for one more year maybe with Calder, or maybe overseas. After that, I'm not exactly sure what I want to do. I 'd like to get a job that allows me to travel, I've always been interested in the airlines so maybe something in that industry.
Q: Is there any advice you would like to give to youth soccer players who aspire to play at the college and professional levels?
A: The advice I'd give to any youth soccer player (or person) would be that everything happens for a reason. I would never ever wish an injury on anyone, and I know that they are physically and mentally challenging, and the worst part about sports, but when I look back on my knee injury (before and after) I was in very different places as far as my head space goes. And if I didn't sustain that injury, I don't know where I would be right now. I may have never taken the chance to go abroad to Switzerland and Australia to play. And above all, I would not have the memories from the past three years on and off the field that have made me who I am today. So the bottom line is, everything happens for a reason whether its an injury, changing teams, being subbed off the field, its all part of the learning experience. And although in the moment it might be hard, later on down the road you'll look back and be thankful. My second, and most important piece of advice is what my idol, Mia Hamm told me when I spoke to her on the phone one morning in 5th grade, and that is to Dream Big.
- GO FRIARS! -
Q: What many people may not know is that you were on the official roster for the NWSL's Western New York Flash to start your pro career, and eventually put your professional career on hold and finish your degree. What was that experience like for you and how did it motivate you moving forward in your quest to continue playing professionally?
A: When I was at WNY Flash I actually played in a couple of the preseason games and thought I did pretty well. I was starting to feel comfortable there, even though I was traveling back and forth between school and Buffalo a few times. I'd say it wasn't necessarily my decision to put my professional career on hold, the coach at the time told me he was going to release me, but still wanted me to come back after graduation and he could see me getting back on the roster. I could have continued to travel back and forth as a practice player but that just didn't seem logical. But as far as my own decision making process, a lot of the girls I met that were my age there, had already finished their classes and had basically graduated, I really didn't know that that was an option for me, if I had planned better maybe it could have been, but that just wasn't on my radar throughout college. But I was so close to finishing school, I wasn't going to not finish my classes and graduate, and looking back I don't regret that decision. I finished college and got to graduate with my teammates and friends. Going forward I had to decide if I wanted to go back to WNY or go to Sky Blue, neither one was a sure bet for who I'd get contracted with, but I was drawn towards Sky Blue for many reasons. Despite being released I was still motivated and had opportunities to keep playing so that was a positive.
Q: After graduating from Providence College, you returned home to New Jersey and began training as a reserve for Sky Blue FC of the NWSL. After training with them for a short period, the team signed you to your first professional contract. What was that moment like for you?
A: That was a dream come true for me. Obviously I was just as thrilled when I signed with WNY but something about signing for a team in my home state was a bit more special. I remember going to Sky Blue games when I was young, and it had kind of just come full circle for me. I was definitely proud of myself, and happy I could make my friends, family, and previous coaches proud.
Q: After getting signed, you played in five games for Sky Blue FC, including four appearances in the starting line-up. You were on an upward trajectory with the team, but your rookie year came to a close after undergoing surgery to repair the meniscus in your knee, and injury that occurred just one month into your professional career. Share with us what you were going through at that time, and did you think that you would ever be able to get back on the field, professionally?
A: That was probably the hardest time for me mentally, almost more than physically. I know I can push through pain and do rehab and all of that stuff to get better physically, but mentally I struggled during that time. I felt confident in that last game and even leading up to it I remember thinking "I know what I want to do once the season ends, I'm going to train hard and work on really specific things so I can be a better player." So that was a big blow for me mentally knowing that I was going to be sitting around all off-season and doing rehab. I knew I would be able to play again, it just became a matter of when and where. I pretty much anticipated getting released from Sky Blue, but I knew that wouldn't stop me from playing, and especially at that point I was looking for more out of soccer. I started to look forward to a change and something different in life.
Q: Fast forward to the present, and you are having an impressive career as a member of Calder United SC in Australia. In your debut with the club, you scored both goals in a 2-1 win over South Melbourne FC, and you haven't looked back. You've won two Golden Boots during your time in the league, having scored 77 goals in 55 games. What has allowed you to find so much success on the offensive side of the ball during your time with Calder?
A: When I came to Calder I think I just found confidence in myself again. With the help of my teammates and coaches, mentally I found that belief in myself. But from a playing standpoint I have players around me that are very skilled and accomplished themselves, but also play to my strengths. I wouldn't have scored any of those goals if my teammates didn't make a big play or make a good pass. Although the ages range anywhere from 17 to 30, for some reason we all get along really well on, and especially, off the field. I think that team bond just helps us be even better soccer players. So those off field bonds and relationships, I think, contribute to my personal success but the team's success as well.
Q: When you're not playing soccer, how do you spend your time? And what has it been like living in Australia?
A: The past two and a half years have been some of the best of my life. I'm very fortunate to have had the opportunity to live and play here because it's a beautiful country with some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Calder was so welcoming to me at the start and have been so good to me over the years as a player and person, so I'm very thankful for that. Besides playing, moving here has allowed me to travel a good amount, which is another one of my passions. Whether it's a weekend surf trip or a flight overseas I've been able to see some pretty cool parts of the world. I've also worked a few random jobs to make some extra cash. The most random was working at a factory packing car parts. I currently coach a few times a week and work at a pizza restaurant around the corner from where I live.
Q: Thinking back on your time at Providence College, what are some of your best memories with the Friars?
A: There are too many good memories to choose from. But looking back one of my favorite times was my senior season when we made post season and made it to the BIG EAST Final. When we were traveling to Chicago for the quarterfinals, I believe, I opened up the seat back magazine and there was a picture of the United States with the state of Nebraska highlighted like it was meant to be jumping out of the map. The BIG EAST Tournament was in Nebraska that year and we just had to beat DePaul to get to Omaha, so I knew we were meant to get there. If that picture wasn't a sign, I don't know what is. I still have a picture of it on my phone. That trip to Chicago, beating DePaul, then playing in the BIG EAST Tournament was a great time for me and the team. It was the farthest I had ever made it in my college soccer career, and the farthest the team had made it in a while, too. I think having Coach Lopes as our leader and just all the hard work we put in that year, we really deserved to be there. Soccer-wise it was a goal of mine to make the tournament, but to make that trip with that group of girls made it that much more special. Would have been even better if we won, but that's life.
Q: Have you been able to keep up with the program here at Providence or your former teammates since your departure?
A: Yes, I keep in touch with a handful of old teammates, not as much as I probably should, but this interview has inspired me to reach out. Social media can be a great tool as well. I'm always staying up to date with the program and the school. Just saw that the girls got a cumulative GPA of 3.6! Good on them… better than I ever did. But on a more serious note, Coach recently organized a Zoom call with about 40 current players and alumni to discuss racial injustice in the US. It was great to see a lot of faces I hadn't seen in a while, but more importantly a great way for all of us to take part in change and educate ourselves in how we can be better humans.
Q: What are your career plans beyond playing soccer professionally? Will you be coming back to the States?
A: I'm not exactly sure what my career plans are after soccer. I hope to finish this season here in Australia, and play for one more year maybe with Calder, or maybe overseas. After that, I'm not exactly sure what I want to do. I 'd like to get a job that allows me to travel, I've always been interested in the airlines so maybe something in that industry.
Q: Is there any advice you would like to give to youth soccer players who aspire to play at the college and professional levels?
A: The advice I'd give to any youth soccer player (or person) would be that everything happens for a reason. I would never ever wish an injury on anyone, and I know that they are physically and mentally challenging, and the worst part about sports, but when I look back on my knee injury (before and after) I was in very different places as far as my head space goes. And if I didn't sustain that injury, I don't know where I would be right now. I may have never taken the chance to go abroad to Switzerland and Australia to play. And above all, I would not have the memories from the past three years on and off the field that have made me who I am today. So the bottom line is, everything happens for a reason whether its an injury, changing teams, being subbed off the field, its all part of the learning experience. And although in the moment it might be hard, later on down the road you'll look back and be thankful. My second, and most important piece of advice is what my idol, Mia Hamm told me when I spoke to her on the phone one morning in 5th grade, and that is to Dream Big.
- GO FRIARS! -
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