Why did you choose Drew University?
It was appealing based on the programs it offered to the Economic/business studies majors such as the Wall Street semester and the business idle conference each fall and spring. It was small but allows professors to get to know you on a personal level
Why did you choose your major and what is your favorite course?
I knew I was going to be a economics major coming into school because it fascinates me all the different ways you can make, manage, and spend money. My favorite course was the Wall Street semester where we spent the entire semester learning the functions of Wall Street.
What is your most memorable moment as a Ranger?
My most memorable moments have been each soccer season. I've met all different types of people and met my best friends. Playing for 4 years side by side with my best friends is something that I will never forget.
How has being an athlete helped you as a student and in the classroom?
Being an Student athlete is extremely tough and doubles the amount of responsibilities you have. I can't say it really has helped me it actually makes it a lot harder in picking class schedules and both class and soccer are extremely time consuming so mentally you just always need to be prepared and realize that you have multiple responsibilities. I was taught from my parents at a young age that life's not fair so basically you just have to figure it out so I have no complaints about the workloads and wouldn't trade being a student athlete for the world
What is the most difficult part of your sport?
The most difficult part of soccer at Drew are the expectations. The entire coaching staff and players expect so much from you. They expect you to produce in the classroom, on the field, and also to help the community. So meeting those expectations is a challenge but I think every athlete would agree that without the expectations and high standards then there would be nothing to work for. So for me the expectations are high and hard to reach so I take it as a challenge to make me a better soccer player, student, and person and I think it has.
Why do you wear your jersey number?
When I was 8 years old my coach handed me a jersey with the number 17 on it and ever since it has stuck.
What advice do you have for a prospective Drew University student-athlete?
My advice would be to make sure you realize what you are signing on for. At least for the soccer team you are signing up for the hardest challenge in your life so far. Mentally and physically the team is pushed to the limits but for me I have constantly surpassed those roadblocks and am at a level I never thought I would've reached. But if someone told me what I knew now about the coaching staff and team I would've told them they were hallucinating. I would have never thought I would've made 20+ great friends from many different walks of life as well as all the intangibles like the great training staff I have met. So I guess to answer the question simply I would just tell them to realize what your signing up for and it'll honestly be the greatest roller coaster ride of you life with extreme highs and lows but as it comes to an end you'll want to ride it all over again.
Why is community service important to your role as a student-athlete at Drew?
Community service is important because not just one person has made me the guy I am today. Thousands of people, people I don't even know helped me have probably helped me. And I'm not just talking about soccer, I'm talking about everything in life and from school, to work, to my character, to athletics and the person I have become. So if I can just help one person realize the potential that they have and change their life in a positive way that it the greatest satisfaction that anyone could get.
Name one obstacle or form of adversity you have had to overcome...
I've never had a great obstacle to overcome. My parents are my rock in life and every obstacle I have had in my life I can turn to my parents for guidance and some how some way they push me through it. They taught me that life's not fair and you just have to put your head down and grind so I don't see obstacles I just view things as life being life. Things happen so deal with it. I don't think I can ever thank my parents for teaching me that at such a young age and what they have given me growing up and more importantly what they have told me I can achieve no matter the obstacle. A lot of parents tell their kids they can be anything they want. It took me a long time to realize it but I want to be just like my parents. They are crazy, just absolutely absurd. But they face hundreds of actual obstacles daily because me and my siblings present them. So basically thanks to my parents for being such hardworking, modest, tough parents and having such great confidence in me I have been able to conquer obstacles without taking a step backwards. My parents truly are the best and I can't think them enough for giving me a life with such few major obstacles.
Rapid Fire:
Color? Blue
Food? Anything with eggplant, butter pecan, and soda
Restaurant? My mom's cooking (why go to a restaurant when u can get better quality from Mrs. Pezzuti)
Movie? Black hawk down & step brothers
TV Show? Criminal minds
Musical Artist? Billy Joel, Dave Matthews, Elton John
Athlete? Derek Jeter & Fernando Torres
Pro Team? Yankees & Chelsea FC & TB Buccaneers
Hobbies? Hanging out with my best buds
Most Prized Possession? My iPad has quickly climbed to the top of the list
Biggest Fear? Snakes scare the living crap outa me
