Tyler Pride is a member of the Jayhawk men's soccer team and is a freshman student at JCC. He is from New Zealand, where he participated in soccer, squash, swimming, and cricket in high school. He was captain of his team and helped lead them to the Chatham Cup Plate finals. He also trialed for the Under-15 Auckland/Northland regional team. Barcelona FC is his favorite soccer club. Pride is studying Engineering Science and plans to pursue a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Syracuse University.

Spotlight Athlete

Q. What made you choose to play soccer at JCC instead of in Tauhoa, New Zealand?

A. Well, I played in the next closest town which was Warkworth for their AFC men’s first
team. I felt the quality of soccer there wasn’t amazing and just knew there had to be
better opportunities out there. Then came a company called NSR Australia and New
Zealand who recruited me and 3 others and advertised our online profiles to coaches
throughout the U.S. which is an amazing opportunities within itself. After being offered
offers from multiple schools and declining scholarship offers, JCC seemed to tick the
boxes. So here I am on the other side of the world trying to do my best.

Q. What is the difference in competition between playing in New Zealand versus playing here?

A. It isn’t all that different in all honesty. The physicality in the soccer league I was playing in
was probably more physical compared to the soccer here; Which I have found to be
quite nice as playing amongst my peers has always been easier physically for me being
slightly bigger than others. Strategically the way we played back home is similar to
playing here also. It was easier to play with the men that were in their 20s and 30s as
they had more experience. I’ve learned a few tricks and things from them to make me
better strategically speaking. So while playing here I have been able to slowly
incorporate that play style with how the game is played here.

Q: Who or what inspired you the most to play Soccer?

A. I have always played soccer since I was a young boy. I am pretty sure I was 4 years
old when I first started so I didn’t really get to know another sport besides soccer. But what
continued to inspire me to keep playing all those years was just the love that I have for the
sport. Every time I get injured I get fidgety and absolutely can not wait to get back out on the
pitch so it has been apart of who I am. Also looking up to my older brother who was also very
good at soccer contributed to my love for this game as we always played backyard soccer. I
always knew he was better than me but it was always my goal to get better than him. I did play
rugby which is the sport of my hometown for a little but looking back I am glad that i stuck with
soccer.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about Soccer?

A. The fact that it is technically one of the hardest sports to play as it is not easy as it looks
to dribble or kick a ball properly, as well as that you must be extremely fit. Also to be able
to play you have to understand how to play, in regards to strategy and body positioning
on the field, and to get your head around how to do this from an outsider's view is not too
easy.

Q: What are your goals for the future/ career?

A. Ultimately to still be playing at this age, it is everyone's dream to play pro but whether
that ever happens that is yet to be determined. From my opinion I still have a long way
before I feel I am good enough to play pro, but hey, you never know what can happen.
As a backup plan I plan to get a Bachelors or Masters degree in Aeronautical
Engineering after transferring to another school from JCC after getting an Associates
degree here. From there I hope to join the Airforce as a pilot.

Q. Do you have any inspirational advice that you can give to upcoming athletes?

A. As much as this may be repeated and drilled into everyone, you have to ignore the
abilities of others by comparing yourself to them, and perform to your best, and always
look for ways to improve within yourself. As long as you can always see room for
improvement and act by that in a positive manner, in the end you will be very successful.

Q: What are your goals for the team this season?

A. To simply make playoffs and close our goal difference.