(See previous LouCity Q&As with striker Chandler Hoffman, midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye, forward Kenny Doublette, defender Ben Newnam and midfielder Paolo DelPiccolo.)
What’s your favorite thing to do off the field?
I like to go for hikes, be outdoorsy, things like that. I love the water. I grew up on Lake Erie, so anything water related is pretty fun. I also love to read.
What’s your favorite book?
Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce.
What do you usually do to prepare for a game?
Mostly it’s just rest, hydration, making sure your body feels right. I room with Chandler (Hoffman) on the roadm so normally we watch a movie in the room or just talk back and forth.
Do you have any good luck charms or rituals?
I was more superstitious as a kid and kind of grew out of those. Now it’s more routine. I put everything on my left leg first.
How do you usually approach training or know when you’ve had a good day at training?
It’s tough. Normally you’re very self critical in training, so you’d be very hard on yourself during the week, and right before the game you sort of brush that all aside to be confident and prepared for the game.
How did you end up in Louisville?
James (O’Connor) actually recruited me. I was playing in Portland, and then I played in Harrisburg and I was training in New York. I got in contact with James, and we started speaking back and forth and it sounded like a really good opportunity.
Do you have a favorite soccer memory?
I won a national championship at the U19 level, which was pretty enjoyable. That’s the highest national ranking. I played in the College Cup, and then this year some games where I’ve played and scored well. Playing at Cincinnati my first game was great with the atmosphere and our team showed a lot of character.
If you had to play another position, which would it be and why?
I’d play outside back. You’re always facing forward and you get to attack.
If you weren’t a pro soccer player, what would you be doing?
Right now, maybe a writer.
Do you have a favorite sport other than soccer?
Basketball.
Do you have a game day playlist?
No. I like listening to music before, but I like having someone else pick it. If I’m in the locker room and someone else has something playing I’m not too picky.
If you could eat dinner with anyone who would it be?
Barack Obama. I think he’s checked out now, so he could be honest and not involved in politics. It’s really interesting to see where he came from and how far he’s risen.
Do you prefer to cook for others or have others cook for you?
As long as it’s good, I don’t mind.
Where is someplace you’d like to travel?
I’d love to go to India, South Africa and Croatia.
What are you hoping to do this offseason?
Hopefully continue training and playing somewhere. I’d like to take a trip. I may go to Morocco, but I’m still figuring that out. But one vacation and then back to business.
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
Travel through Europe and Southeast Asia.
Do you have a favorite TV show?
I have high hopes for The Night Of right now on HBO. It’s only two episodes in.
Do you have a favorite film?
Good Will Hunting.
What is something that you completely geek out over?
When I was younger I loved all the Harry Potter books, but since then movies. I love to watch movies.
What’s something your teammates don’t know about?
Probably that I speak Dutch. I learned Dutch when I was playing in Belgium.
