Recently we interviewed some of the members of the Hofstra Men’s Soccer Team after one of their practices. Following two great wins to start off the season, we noticed a team spirit and connection between the players that will undoubtedly lead to future success! Hofstra University isn’t notorious for team spirit but if there is one way to get the momentum back it would be watching these guys as the season progresses. They have a certain je ne sais quoi that will have you proudly chanting H-O-F-S-T-R-A, Hofstraaaaa!
Our quick Q&A included players Nino Alfonso, Rory Murphy, Lerthon Theuma, Mario Ruiz, Felix Schaefer, and Harri Hawkins.
WITH A TEAM THAT GETS NEW MEMBERS EVERY YEAR, HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO FIND A BALANCE AND WORK TOGETHER TO WIN GAMES?
NINO: We practice together, learn from each other, eventually you feel everyone out
MARIO: We include them in stuff, both team and social events, sleepovers, and BBQs
All: Team bonding in general
AND WITH THAT, HOW DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE DONE SO FAR THIS SEASON WITH GETTING NEW PLAYERS ORIENTED?
NINO: Good. It’s been a good start but we’ve got a long way to go. We just met a month ago but we’ll get better as the season progresses.
HOW DID YOU START PLAYING SOCCER?
MARIO & HARRI: It ran in the family.
WHAT MADE YOU GET SERIOUS ABOUT IT WHEN YOU GOT OLDER?
NINO: When I had to choose one out of all the sports I did and I wanted to see how far I could go with it.
FELIX: I had fun doing it.
WHY HOFSTRA?
NINO: It was close to home and I like that my mom can come to all my games.
ALL: Close to NYC and it’s a Division 1 team.
WHAT’S THE MOST COMMON QUESTION YOU GET ASKED BY STUDENTS AT HOFSTRA?
*All replied in an exaggerated girl voice*
LERTHON: Where are you from? England??
HARRI: Say something in your accent!
RORY: Are you on the soccer team???
AS A TEAM, WHAT’S ONE MOMENT YOU’D LIKE TO RE-LIVE?
RORY: Freshman year.
FELIX: My freshman season (2012) was the best. *everyone agrees*
NINO: Our game against Colgate? *everyone agrees*
FYI–The game was in 2013 and they won in the last second 2-1 in double overtime aka IMPRESSIVE.
FAVORITE HOBBY OUTSIDE OF SOCCER?
RORY & LERTHON: Tennis……
HARRI: *jokingly* Class.
FELIX: …Still soccer.
Following the more serious section of the interview we gave them a chance to call out some teammates, which they seemed to enjoy.
LIGHTNING ROUND:
WHO’S THE CLASS CLOWN OR JOKER?
ALL: Thomas Germano
WHO’S THE DAD OF THE GROUP?
ALL: Daniel Grundei
LERTHON: He ages well… He’s like 40.
WHO’S THE SMART ONE?
ALL: Grundei? Henry [Crayton] got a 4.0 though….
WHO’S ALWAYS LATE?
HARRI: We all are.
NINO: No, not the whole team…
ALL: Andreas Iosifides
WHO CARES THE MOST ABOUT HIS LOOKS?
ALL: Definitely Joe Holland….He’s unreal about his looks.
As we wrapped up with the exhausted players (which is understandable given practice on a 90 degree day, clearly showing dedication), we turned our attention to….
Coach Richard Nuttall
WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS IN THIS UPCOMING SEASON?
RN: We’ve got the experience, team speed and flare.
WHAT DO YOU THINK THE DIFFERENCES ARE BETWEEN THIS SEASON AND LAST SEASON?
RN: Well, I think last year helped. We’ve got some returning players who have stepped up in maturity and grown into the game like; Joe Holland [who has recently made goals], Meshack, Grundei, who knows how it all operates now, and Mani Walcott [who made his first goal of the season against UVM].
HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR NEW FRESHMEN PLAYERS ARE HELPING?
RN: Our biggest addition has been Sean Nealis, who’s starting in the back. Along with him, our freshman goalie, Alex Ashton is good. We were looking for him to challenge Patric Pray in the goal but unfortunately he’s hurt his shoulder.
WHAT’S ONE MOMENT WITH THE TEAM YOU’D LIKE TO RE-LIVE?
RN: We won the CAA championship 3 years in a row back in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Three years in a row…. That’s pretty great. Yeah, that’s my favorite.
HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR SENIOR PLAYERS WILL TRANSITION INTO THE REAL WORLD?
RN: Oh, they’ll have a good transition. They’re good people, goal oriented, hardworking and bright. They have really good people skills and know how to read situations well. They know when and where to have fun.
So now that you’ve gotten a chance to see what this team is about, and get a feel for their charming personalities, do yourself a favor and check out their skills on the field. Just keep the union jacks and accent questions back at the dorm… you’ll be thanking yourself later. See you at the next home game, September 19th!