What was your jersey number with Hartford United?
8
Where are you currently playing and what position(s) are you playing?
I’m playing at the University of Birmingham in England and I play both right and left back.
Do you have a goal to play professional soccer after college?
If I stay healthy, then of course.
Do you plan to coach once your playing career is over?
I plan to coach after I’m all done with school.
Were you excited or nervous to join HUSC?
I had many friends that were already on the team, so I was obviously excited to play alongside my friends. If I didn’t know anyone, I knew that the club would help me become a better player/person.
Any memories of the transition to HUSC that you can share for new players joining us?
The first couple of practices are always the toughest (lots of running). Just focus on the game and work hard for that starting position.
If you could meet up with one HUSC coach for breakfast who would it be and why?
Jim Dietlmeier, because I was such a nuisance when I started playing for HUSC. I didn’t like to listen to him and I played very recklessly and selfish. I would meet up with him to apologize for my childish behavior and thank him for believing in me. He made me a better player, but most importantly he made me a better human being.
If you had to do it all over again, is there anything that you would do different?
I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve gone through a lot of pain (mentally and physically) over the years while playing the beautiful game. I got through those sufferings because I had an amazing group of teammates and coaches by my side. If I would have done something different, then I wouldn’t be the player/man that I am today.
What was most important to you in your development as a player with Hartford United SC?
I wasn’t the biggest and most athletic guy on the field so I had to rely on my technical skills and soccer IQ.
What is your proudest accomplishment with Hartford United SC?
Scoring a volley from 20 yards out on the last game of the season. A few days later, I got my ACL replacement surgery and that goal lifted my spirits up and gave me the confidence that I will come back stronger and with more ambition.
What advice would you give current players as they set goals in hopes of playing at the college level?
Not every victory shows up on the scoreboard. Learn from your mistakes and be open to criticism. Practice every day to improve your skills and knowledge of the game. You have to want it and never give up. If you fall, get back up and keep going. Never give in, and always strive to be better because all the hard work will show on the pitch.
