Neopian Times Editorial Database

Interviewer: “Welcome, Miss Stokes. Everyone has been very excited to finally have a Neopia Central team in the Altador Cup. How’s the new team coming together?”

Stokes: “Excited to be here, and even more excited to be a part of the Cup. The team is fabulous, of course! We’re more than ready to get on the field.”

Interviewer: “That’s great to hear. The try-outs were quite the performance. The fact that you all came from separate teams was a twist that really tugged at many fans' heartstrings. But, how is everyone feeling with so little time to get to know each other?”

Stokes: “We may all come from different teams, but that’s actually been an advantage I don’t think many other teams out there have.”

Interviewer: “Really? How so?”

Stokes: “A few other lands maybe have one or two reserve teams they can scrimmage with here and there throughout the year, but not like us! We’ve got 5 whole other teams in our back pockets. All with different playing styles to keep us on our toes!”

Interviewer: “Oh wow, that never occurred to me. That really does sound like a great way to get ready in time for this year’s Cup.”

Stokes: “You never have to get ready when you stay ready, darling. We may all be new to each other, but we aren’t new to the game. Every single member of the team is giving it their all, and I’m beyond proud to be called their captain.”

Interviewer: “With such talented players and such an unconventional way of coming to be, how did the team choose a captain?”

Stokes: “It wasn’t easy. Everyone on the team was initially vying for the position, except for Raya [Valensi]. He was just sorta happy to be there. To be honest, the obvious choice seemed like Nat [Eyser]. They’re beyond skilled at everything they do. Yet after a few rounds of letting everyone have a crack at playing captain, we took a vote, and it was 1 vote for Nat and the rest for me. I was the vote for Nat.”

Interviewer: “That’s very touching. Did the team give a reason behind why they voted for you?”

Stokes: “Oh, I definitely asked, because I know me. I know I can get a little intense when it comes to competition, and that usually turns people off. But they said while they saw I was quick to call out mistakes, I was just as quick to provide solutions and give praise… That’s when they gave me the nickname, Coach. They… they really saw me, you know? ”

[Stokes pauses to sip some water and compose herself]

Stokes: “And it’s that sort of connection that shows while we may not have been playing together as long, we’re just as synced as the rest of the teams in the Cup. We’re ready to face them on equal footing and take home the gold!”

Interviewer: “Strong words from Altador Cup’s newest Captain, I’m sure everyone is excited to see you and the rest of your team live up to them!”

Keep an eye out for our next round of Quick Questions, as we will be returning with more intriguing player interviews soon!