Why did you want to go to college in the US, and what major did you study?
I actually was contacted by a St. John’s alumnus who had played for Trinidad and Tobago at the 2006 World Cup. He advised me on following a similar path, looking to continue my soccer journey and gain experience training everyday whilst also looking to graduate with an Economics degree which I was able to achieve.
The pros and cons of being a student athlete
The biggest pro I would say is that sense of belonging in something much greater than yourself, especially in something that you love doing. That aside, if you’re aiming to be a professional athlete, a student athlete has all the tools at their disposal to ensure that those goals are attainable. You train like a professional athlete, the treatment facilities in big programs are exceptional, the training facilities are quality, and personal equipment like boots and running shoes are provided for, so you really are given a platform to be able to succeed.
Advice you’d give your past self
Be a bit more thorough in determining what schools are appropriate for you, in terms of if the style of play suits you, likeliness of playing, the area that the school is located. This is where I believe a company like SSP can really help as knowing the experience they've gained they will be able to help advise on all these components of which at the time on my own journey I personally feel i didn't have at my disposal.
Best Highlight/Proudest Achievement
There are many to be quite honest, but there is nothing that beats being able to represent my country Trinidad & Tobago at the Futsal WC Qualifiers.
How has being a student athlete impacted your life today?
Well it certainly has made me think that there is little that I can’t do, as we’ve become accustomed to doing the necessary with little to no time. It pushes you though those self perceived limitations and makes you realize how much you’re capable of.
Advice you would give to anyone thinking of becoming a student athlete
Determine what your end goal is. This would help you in asking yourself the hard questions of what is right for you.