As a Canadian, and a transfer student from York University in Toronto where I won a National Championship, I wanted a new challenge and to go to school in a new environment. In the summer going into my sophomore year I was approached by Coach Bill Denniston who asked me to come to Robert Morris University.
At first I did not know much about the school, but I did know two Canadians who would be attending RMU for their freshman year. After talking to my friends and family I decided I would leave York University and attend Robert Morris University for my sophomore year. My first year at RMU was a huge difference from what I was accustomed to and it was a very different experience compared to Toronto.
My first memorable experience was the very first game of the season against Pitt where I started and got the full experience of playing a college soccer game in the states. Another memorable moment that I remember from my first year at RMU was scoring my very first college career goal against Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) in Connecticut. I still remember celebrating, and it truly was a good feeling.
Two other memories I remember that I do not think I would have experienced, were going to Las Vegas to play University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and having the chance to go to Times Square when we played Long Island University (LIU) for the first time.
My second year I came in feeling much more comfortable and ready for the season. We had a strong freshman class that really came in and helped us. I know our team was much stronger than last year so our expectations as a team were high. The most memorable moments of my junior year were attending the Wisconsin Green Bay tournament and winning it. What made it so special was the previous year we had a horrible loss against UNLV, and in the tournament we were able to beat them and take champions of the tournament.
Also, in my second year here at RMU, a great feeling was being competitive in conference and winning a lot of games, unfortunately we came up just short of making the NEC tournament.
My third year and senior year at RMU I came in more ready than ever before. Expectations were very high and the team was pretty much the exact same as the previous year, so we were ready for the season.
Starting off 4 and 1 to begin the season was a great feeling as we beat our cross city rivals Pitt and Duquesne. A great feeling was scoring a great goal at home this season against Duquesne and having the crowd cheer my name. Another highlight of the season was in overtime against Cleveland State where I had an assist for the winner to my roommate and good friend Miro Cabrilo, the celebrations were strong and really brought our team closer together.
With most ups there are always downs, and unfortunately a big down for me was our conference results in my final year. We were not able to make conference after expectations were so high.
The three years I experienced even without making any conference tournaments, I had experiences and memories that will last me forever. Coming to RMU I did not know what to expect but leaving I know I always have a home here and a family that will always be a part of me. I will definitely miss my teammates and coming in as a transfer sophomore I still feel as if I came in with that freshman class, so leaving them and not being there for their senior year will be something I will miss.
However, I am ready to start a career outside of RMU by going overseas and playing professional soccer. RMU soccer is in good hands and I hope them the best, I will always be cheering them on and monitoring their progress.
I also would like to thank my Coach Bill Denniston, for giving me the opportunity to experience University in another country and giving me the opportunity to play soccer and go to school at a great institution. All the best RMU!