1. Where did you go to college and what sport did you play? I played college soccer at Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina.
2. What made you come to college in the US? My former coach told me that there is an opportunity to go to the USA and attend a university over there. His best friend was a coach, and he connected us. He introduced me to the world of college sports in the US and ever since then I knew I wanted to come to college and play soccer over here. And it is definitely one of the best decisions I ever made.
3. What do you enjoy the most about helping young athletes with the transition of coming to college? The experience I made was so unforgettable that I thought to myself that I wanted to help as many players as I can to go down the same path like I did. And when they tell me from their own experiences and memories, I still get a lot of chills. It is just such a great way to grow as a person and as an athlete.
4. What is your favorite memory from your time in college? Hearing the national anthem before a game, even if it is not my own anthem. But also, making friends and the memories you make while you are hanging out on and off the soccer pitch.
5. What is the best advice you can give to a young athlete? Enjoy every single minute. Enjoy the work, enjoy the hard stuff, enjoy the process!
6. Is there something you did not like about your time in college? Back in the days, when I was an exchange student, there were no agencies and I got to deal with all the documents myself. That was very difficult and my german university was not helping me very well. Therefore, I wasn’t eligible for 11 of the first 18 games. But in the end, even if I could not play some of the games, the memories and friends I made will always be more important.
7. What are some of the most common mistakes you see athletes make when they get to the US? Impatience! You will not get any results in life if you are not fighting and working. Nothing comes easy!
8. Who is your favorite sports team? In soccer that would be Real Madrid. Outside of soccer, I am a big New England Patriots fan!
9. Who is your favorite athlete of all time? There are so many that I look up to, but the greatest athlete for me personally is Diego Maradona.
10. What is your favorite city or state in the United States? Key West was a very special feeling for me, a great vacation spot. But I have to say Charlotte and North Carolina as a state have been my favorite!