Anna Coulter: I hear you hail from England. You don't look British.
Jess Bhamra: Well, I am from England. I am Indian, actually, but have lived until one year ago in London my whole life.
AC: Santa Clara gave you a full scholarship. How many years have you been playing soccer?
JB: Pardon?
AC: Soccer. How long have you been playing?
JB: Sorry. I forget somtimes that people
here call it soccer. In England we call it
football, because you play it with your feet.
I played for years with my cousins in the
park, but two years ago I joined the Hounslow
Harriers, and last year an American scout
spotted me and now I play for Santa Clara.
AC: Is it true that at first, your parents had no idea you were playing for a real team?
JB: Yeah. I was afraid that my mum and dad would make me stop playing, but after my coach had a talk with my parents and my dad saw how miserable I was not playing they decided that I could play.
AC: Why didn't they take to the idea of you playing?
JB: It's rather improper in the Indian culture to wear such short clothes like the kits we wear to play. My parents simply didn't want me to be disfavorable to our god.
AC: What do you like best about Santa Clara?
JB: I like the fact that Jules, my best friend, is here with me. I also like Santa Clara in general. It's pretty cool. You can't go many other places in America and frequent a bar that lets those under 21 in just to watch football matches.
AC: Is there anything you don't like about Santa Clara? I've heard that you have a boyfriend back home.
JB: Yeah, his name is Joe. He's the best. He's actually coming to visit soon.
AC: Is it true that he was the Harriers'
coach while you were on the team?
JB: He was, and he still is.
AC: Aren't player/coach relationships taboo?
JB: Well, we didn't really get together officially until Jules and I were leaving for California and Joe declared his undying love for me.
AC: I heard you ignored Victoria and David Beckham passing to another terminal in order to share a kiss with your dear Joe.
JB: Good old Jules. Well, practice starts in five minutes, so I've got to go. See you later!
AC: Go, Santa Clara!
END