For this week’s Campus Celebrity, soccer is more than just a sport. It is a way of life.
Senior, Matt Kraciun, has been playing soccer ever since he was 5 years old. He has had a passion for the sport ever since, and he has been a leading force on St. Ambrose’s men’s soccer team for the past four years.
During his time at Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf, Iowa, Matt began to develop into the player he is today. He was named to 1st team all-conference, as well as 1st team all-state as a high school senior. Those achievements were well-deserved, as demonstrated by the various records Matt set over his high school career. These included:
-Most goals in a career 73 (2006-2009)
-Most goals in a season 36 (2009)
-Most assists in a season 13 (2009)
Luckily for SAU, Matt brought his talents to the Fighting Bees. Because Ambrose is so close to his home, Matt didn’t even really consider this university at first.
“However, the coach at the time, Father Bud Grant, recruited me and told me to take a visit to see what I thought. I really liked the campus, and everyone I met seemed so friendly. After that, I knew Ambrose was where I wanted to go.”
Last year, as a junior, Matt was named honorable mention All-Conference. He also received the NAIA Champions of Character Award.
However, this season was Matt’s shining moment. The team greatly improved this year over past seasons, and he was a big reason. Of course, he won’t admit that.
“The increase in international players and transfer players helped out the guys that were here the last couple of years.”
The team ended up with a 10-6-2 record, and Matt’s contribution to that success is obvious. He led the conference with 8 assists and 30 total points, and Matt was second in the conference with 11 goals. Overall, he was named 1st team all-conference, as well as Capital One 1st team academic all-America.
Now, looking back at his soccer career, it isn’t the awards Matt is most proud of. Instead, he says that he is most proud of “the friendships I have developed throughout my years of playing.”
Although his competitive career is over, Matt does not plan on leaving the soccer field behind. He hopes to continue playing for many years and he is “looking forward to the bright future of SAU men’s soccer.”
When he isn’t playing soccer, Matt is often busy in the classroom. He is a biology major with a pre-med concentration and a chemistry minor. He hopes to become a doctor and is now in the process of applying and interviewing at various medical schools.
Matt will be graduating in May, but he knows that he will miss SAU.
“I love the sense of community and how close everyone is here. I will miss all the friends I have made during my four years and will miss playing soccer for Ambrose.”