Sunday Q&A: FSN alum Jenny Taft is working World Cup

Edina native Jenny Taft was a youth soccer player back in 1999 when the U.S. women's national team last won the World Cup. Taft, whom you might remember locally from earlier this decade as a Fox Sports North Girl, is now a reporter for Fox Sports embedded with the U.S. squad as it attempts to win this year's World Cup in Canada. She recently chatted with the Star Tribune's Michael Rand:

Q What have you sensed so far in terms of the mood of the American team going into their first match in Winnipeg on Monday?

A I think the mood is really excited. I spoke to two veterans, midfielder Lauren Holiday and defender Ali Krieger, who were both on the 2011 team that lost to Japan on penalties. They still talk about that moment. They say the moment that Cup ended, they wanted the World Cup again. It's crazy because they're Olympians and have won gold medals, but in soccer, the World Cup is what they want and what they've been working so hard for. They're just ready to be here and get going.

Q Has there been much FIFA scandal chatter, or are they putting that out of sight, out of mind?

A It's definitely come up, but I think they're trying to take a positive approach. Heather O'Reilly said if people are talking about soccer because of this, they'll take it. They're viewing it as they can make it a positive thing.

Q For you, career-wise, where does this assignment rank?

A I think it's pretty much at the top, but I think you probably could have guessed that. I just feel so fortunate that Fox asked me to be a part of it. For me, Abby Wambach was someone I looked up to when I was playing soccer. When they won in 1999, I remember watching that game with my youth soccer team in Edina. I remember Brandi Chastain and the whole sports bra that changed female sports — and remembering I wanted to be a part of something like that. … I've always loved the game, and when you look at these women not only as unbelievable athletes but role models — the way they treat fans and take time every day to talk to fans — it's a really cool team to be a part of. They're the most talented group I've seen, but they're also very aware that they're role models.

Q When you were a Fox Sports North Girl, could you have imagined your career getting to this point — and have you thought any more about how the Fox recently pulled the plug on the "Girls" concept?

A Gosh, it's crazy to think about all the opportunities I've been given. … I think it was probably just Fox going a different direction. For me, working for Fox Sports North and being a Fox Sports Girl launched my career. I still remember the first Gophers hockey game, back when I did social media. I had to be on air for 20 seconds, talking about Twitter, reading a tweet. And I must have practiced it a hundred times. It could have gone horribly wrong, but if they hadn't given me that chance, I wouldn't be in this place. I always get people who ask about getting into the industry. I really believe that in this day and age you can start anywhere — it's just what you do with your opportunity.