Where Are They Now . . . Heather Rolland, Former CSUDH Women's Soccer Player
Periodic Q&A dialogues spotlighting past student-athletes well-known to Toro fans
September 19, 2006

THE ROLLAND FILE

Name: Heather Rolland
Age: 35
Sport: Women's Soccer
Years Played: 1989, 1996 and 1997
Year Graduated: 1999
Degree Earned: BA/Teaching
Current Job(s): LAPD-Police Officer
Time Period Worked For: 2 years

ROLLAND THEN

ROLLAND NOW

What are your job responsibilities?

Usually when you see me you are either getting a ticket or have been a victim of a crime. So I do my best to be respectful and courteous to everyone I come into contact with. It shouldn't be a negative experience when dealing with a police officer.

Rolland remains a permanent fixture in the area, having joined the Los Angeles Police Department as a police officer two years ago. She still remains connected to the CSUDH soccer program, trying to catch a match when she can.

Coach Hanks on her former offensive star suiting up in the black & blue uniform:

"I could see Heather as a police officer. She is a strong woman with a great sense of humor, and her sense of humor will keep her from becoming bitter from seeing all the things she will see as an officer."

Coach Hanks on her former offensive star suiting up in the black & blue uniform:

“I could see Heather as a police officer. She is a strong woman with a great sense of humor, and her sense of humor will keep her from becoming bitter from seeing all the things she will see as an officer.”

How did playing sports at Dominguez help prepare you for what you are doing now?

Being a police officer for such a large department, you are like being on a big team. By playing a college sport it taught me the importance of being a team player.

Are you still playing your sport now in any league or organization?

Yes, Sundays and tournaments.

What is the best memory that you have from playing sports at Dominguez?

Obviously playing in the final four at Dominguez my senior year. It was one of those games that you knew was going to be special. My entire senior year was something I will never forget. It was unfortunate that it ended in such a dramatic fashion, but looking back we all played with everything we had that day, and not a single person walked off that field and felt that they could have played with more heart or desire. We just lost to a better team.

What have you been doing since you finished your playing career?

Finishing my degree, coaching club soccer then going into the police department.

Do you keep in contact with any of your teammates or coaches?

A few. I see a lot at tournaments and games on Sundays.

Are sports still a part of your life?

Soccer is a major "de-stressor" in my life right now. I've mellowed out and no longer try to hit the wall on free kicks. Well, on purpose, that is.

Did you turn down a chance to further your sports career? If so, why?

I trained with the England National Team the spring before my senior year. It's something I could have pursued more, but I wasn't interested in going back to England weeks at a time.

When was the last time that you came back to watch your old team play?

I watched a couple of games last season. Not to give my age away, but I used to train Corrie Hirokawa when she was 10. She used to tell me that she was going to go to DH and break all my records. When I found out she signed to DH, I had to laugh. I think it would be outstanding if she did. But I think she would rather have a National Championship ring instead of some silly scoring records. I know I would.

Are you married? Engaged? Kids?

My partner and I have been together for almost 5 years now and we are trying to have a baby.

Do you belong to any organizations or clubs?

Between work and going to court on my days off, I don't have much free time to volunteer at all.

How have you grown/changed since your playing days?

I still have my sense of humor, and that has helped me a lot at work. I've matured a lot as well. I guess when you see what I see at work, you realize that life is short and to not sweat the small stuff. You just have to go out there and really enjoy each day.

If I can get one thing across to people, it would be to never drink and drive. Even if you have had just one drink, get a cab drive home or call a friend. It's worth the money to arrive home safe. I've seen so many drunk driving accidents that have ruined peoples lives, and that if they would have just gotten a ride home it would have changed everything. It's extremely sad to see the devastation that drunk driving causes.

What do you do to relax?

Still playing soccer on Sundays whenever I can. I also hang out with our dogs, Maggie and Bandit, and love to watch EPL and Man United whenever they are on TV, as well as the occasional Reno 9-1-1 show.